Somehow this pediatric provider has won our hearts. Although it is located across the street from our original apartment, in Washington Heights, all paperwork and speaking is done in Spanish, we wait for more than 3 hours in the loud waiting room that smells like ammonia often sharing our snacks and portable dvd player, where there is always 1 or 2 other children also named MARIELLA, thus making things very confusing, we still travel the almost 100 blocks whenever needed to visit Dr. Torres. Plus, we like to have a reason to come visit the area that we first called our home here.
Oh Dr. Torres, who greets my children with a doting, "How are you Mami?" or "How are you Little Mama?, in a convenient office that has his desk, computer, examining table, sink and any other item he may need on hand in one convenient location, while we consult the reasons we are visiting in big comfy chairs. He does a thorough exam and then starts handing me the free samples! Oh how I am a sucker for free samples of Aquaphor and eczema cream and Boost! lol. He addresses my concerns with care, pulling out medical books that have pictures to help explain something.
I really don't know how I can be on the phone with my insurance provider, in the waiting room, demanding a new doctor because I've had it with all of the inconveniences of the business side, to just down right loving the whole Dr. Experience once we finally reach his office door! There's just a personal touch that I have never noticed at any other of my girl's pediatric offices. And the nurses, just so loving and communicative and caring and straight forward! A lot of what I admire so much is cultural, I'm sure. I miss all of the nice Dominican Women in Washington Heights that could feel for you in a tough moment or tell you "God Bless You and Your Children!" constantly. Over here in the UWS you're just another mother!
On with the purpose of this post.
Paisley is sick. She started complaining of neck pain on Tuesday night and awoke with a very high temp. After a Pediatrics 2000 daylong appointment yesterday and not much eating on her part, we are still awaiting test results of some very rare, but very scary possible illnesses that she may have. But, most likely she has an infected lymph node that is causing her so much pain, that she cannot move. We are having to carry her to the bathroom and anywhere else she may need to be. We've never seen her in this much pain before. I started worrying so badly last night that I felt like the only thing I could do to start making it better was go to the Whole Foods Store across the street and buy some broccoli, blueberries and yummy smelling natural baby lotion. Funny how we go to extremes when there is a chance that our baby has been affected by something really scary. Ah...she will be okay, but until then we are accepting prayers, wishes, luck, karma and anything else you believe in that heals! ;) xoxo
Thankfully, she has had several special packages arrive early, for her birthday which could not have come at a more perfect time. It is making it a little bit easier to make it through these rainy, droopy days that we've been having here at home...where the laundry pile has now reached over 4 ft, high and poor Scott is wearing hole-y rags! Mariella, that sweet child was so concerned yesterday for Paisley. It brings me to tears to hear her empathetic concerns and see her touch Paisley like she's the most fragile thing on earth. Much different than all of the "special" moments those two have been having lately that include tired, whining arguments and smacking!
Blue is her FAVORITE color.
I sat her on these boxes...poor
Sicky-Anne.
When I read her the note that came with the presents from Grandma and Grandpa, she said, "Well that was nice of them. Let's save this other one for Ella to open."
So funny how random a child's appreciation and kindness is. :)
Pais and I are now laying on her bed and can hear birds singing. A tiny square of sunshine peered through our open window and made us smile. What a random post. Hope everyone is well this fall and winter!
Speaking of Tricks...Ella came out of the bathroom tonight, with a tattoo adhered right where a necklace would sit. It reads..."Tricks N' Treats". Scott got a laugh out of that when he got home. And, I found two plastic spiders in my Brita pitcher tonight..."I just wanted to do a trick for Halloween, Mom!" I was very surprised.
Thanks for the Halloween shirts Grandma Sue and Papa Kent! And for the cute Halloween hair stuff Auntie Jen. And for the DARLING Halloween cards and balloons from Great-Grandma and Grandpa Fabbi! We wish we could be visiting this Halloween, eating dinner in a pumpkin and trick or treating on Peppermill Lane! 
