Ear Infections, Tubes, Antibiotics, and Nuthatches

Well, it's finally happened. The day the doctor told us to go to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to get Anastasia's ears checked out. She has had 4 ear infections since August and discomfort on days when the weather changes (frequent waking up).

Went to Dr. Epstein on Tuesday and he recommended she get tubes put in her ears to remove the fluid buildup from all the infections. The fluid just stays there until the shape of the inner ear changes at about two years old and it is like an incubator for bacteria. Hence the constant ear infections. Some kids get it worse than others. Since it runs in our family, not surprised that she will have to have them. We are scheduled for surgery Feb 11, it's outpatient. Must admit I'm not looking forward to putting her under the anasthesia but what can you do? This is where trusting God becomes important. I know it's a small surgery but try telling that to my nerves! Don't think I'm a nervous wreck, though - I'm really looking forward to knowing that our daughter is hearing normally, not like she's underwater. I can't wait to see how her speech will be impacted! She already knows so many words, but still I just am looking forward to her not being uncomfortable from all the fluid buildup.

As I write there are titmice, nuthatches, and finches at the bird feeder. We've discovered the nuthatches are hiding food in the cracks of our brick (in between the brick and in chinks in the mortar). It's crazy, you can watch the little guys hiding the food in the brick from the window - they are about 6 inches away and don't care that you're staring straight at them. I've seen pics on the Web of people feeding nuthatches out of their hands, they are undaunted by human presence as long as there is food to be had! Unfortunately this means we're going to probably be hosting an insect population in our brick as well in the spring - pretty sure those cute little birdies aren't gonna remember where they stashed their seed, but the bugs will certainly find it!

Later!