Neurologist

Dumplin is rather delayed.  He is over two years old, yet he isn't walking or talking.  He barely stands. He does follow familiar commands and uses the signs he knows appropriately.

We were referred to a neurologist.

You never know if you're going to like a new doctor.  Their manner.  Their staff.  Their office.

We were rather pleased today.

It was a different kind of office than we've ever visited.  It's where a collection of various doctors with different specialties share space.  What a concept!  Let's say you need a cardiologist, but what they see means you need a neurologist, or vice versa.  They can see you in the same space.  Genius.

The office is under construction;  this clinic is taking over the building of another major clinic that relocated.  It was a little loud with construction sounds, but the actual space we were in was very clean.  The staff was all very nice.  So pleased.

Dumplin was seen by one of the newest neurologists in town.  She was very nice.  I think she did a thorough exam for our first meeting.  It's clear that Dumplin is a little bit of a mystery.  There are no outward physical signs of what's going on with him....as in, he doesn't have Downs or something that has a 'look'...nor does he have any muscle tone issues that are reflected in cerebral palsy kiddos.

Whatever is going on is in his genes or his brain.

The doctor ordered a new MRI, along with blood work.  "A five month old brain is a lot different than a two year old brain.  Let's get new pictures."  As for the blood work, they'll look for genetic reasons and confirm or rule out any disorders.

We are hoping they find something.  Finding something will allow us to know how to treat him. 

We are scheduled to have these things done in June.   Until then, we'll keep on truckin.

Not denied

Well. I told you I was clueless.

Parole was granted. 

Apparently, it takes 30-50 days to be released. 

I've texted mom's dad to tell him that I had just heard of parole being granted and to ask if he had heard from her. He told me about the 30-50 days, and that she could be released this week. 

Parole

There was to be a parole hearing for mom on the ninth.

I've yet to hear from anyone telling me she was granted parole.

And I haven't heard from her either.

My guess is that she was denied....and I must say, I was thinking it should be denied.  After all, she got into some kind of trouble causing the loss of her visitations.  Why should you be allowed parole if you couldn't keep your nose clean for nine months?

I don't know.

I am most clueless regarding "the system."

All I know is that it's been quiet.

We may not see her until April......

Waiting...

The court date scheduled for February 18th didn't happen.

Grr.

Postponed.

I was REALLY upset about this....then I found out why.  Dumplin's attorney had to leave the country for a trafficking case in Panama.  I believe that trumps our TPR hearing, definitely.

While I'm not excited that we have to drag this out further, I can completely understand the importance of such a case.  Trafficking is awful.  And those words don't adequately describe it.

So we wait.  

We're now scheduled for April 28th.

Restricted

Birth mom was allowed a monthly "child-friendly" visit.

WAS.

That's how we saw her in November and December.

When I thought the January visit should be near, I asked the caseworker to check on it.  She called me back and said, "It WOULD be this Monday, but she's done something to have her visitation restricted."

Oh.

So we won't visit in January.