On February 16, we made our drive up to St Louis for doctor appointments. This time was a little more special though because Grandma and Grandpa Purdy were going to meet us in St Louis and then come home with us. The kids were very excited and we counted down for weeks! We turned Annabelle to a forward facing carseat for the event, hoping that were would be slightly less screaming. We also finally forced ourselves to pay up to get the DVD player fixed in the car.
This injection we had a physical therapy evaluation the day before so we had to be in St Louis around 1 on Tuesday. The appointment was quick and easy and then we were off to the hotel for a swim. We swam for a while and then got some dinner at the hotel. Grandma and Grandpa got in and joined us for dinner.
On Wednesday morning, Jon headed off to the hospital early with Benson. The anesthesiologists have been great to work with and will let Jon take Benson back and actually mask him down for the procedure. They have also stopped trying to get an IV before the procedure so Benson won't freak out as much. The procedure itself only takes about 15 minutes but they keep him asleep for an hour because he has to lay still and flat.
Jon will usually get him off to sleep and then ran back and grab me and the kids. This time, we had Grandma and Grandpa come to see him at the hospital as well. We gave Benson hugs for being so brave and good. We didn't stay at the hospital because he has to stay in a small room for 6 hours post injection to get stats, etc every two hours. Jon stayed with Benson and took some fun games and other activities.
The rest of us went to IKEA to find a few items. That store is insane and I have officially ended my obsession with IKEA. Since my new house is anything but contemporary, there isn't much there that matches my décor. It has some interesting products that you can't find anywhere else but it takes so darn long to find anything I have decided it isn't worth the trip. I thought the kids play area would be the perfect solution but we had to wait for space and then even after an hour of shopping, we still had more of the store to cover. Sorry, IKEA, I think I like Target better now.
This trip I made it a point to pick some yummy restaurants. So on Wednesday night we had BBQ at Adams Steakhouse. It was probably my favorite BBQ I have ever had. Quite possibly even better than Oklahoma Joe's from Kansas City. The ribs and pulled pork were all simply awesome. We didn't order the applesauce because we didn't think the kids would really like it. They brought us tons of extra food though, including applesauce. This was by far the best apple sauce I have ever had. It was served cold, pureed but also with very small chunks and just very good.
On Thursday night we tried an Italian Restaurant (obviously a must staying on "The Hill" where St Louis is known for its Italian influence). Anthonino's was the name. They had amazing toasted ravioli. It was an appetizer and if I were to eat here again I would get that for my dish. My mom ordered a shrimp dish with a wine butter sauce that was also pretty high on the repeat list. I ordered pizza and was not super impressed. I would have to say I have had better pizza.
We had most of the day Thursday so we went to a chocolate factory that gave tours of their chocolate making. Annabelle HAD to wear a hat but it was a constant battle. I also love this picture of Benson, he looks so contemplative.
After the chocolate factory, we went to the Magic House. We had been here once before while Jon was doing rotations and remembered loving it. It was definitely a hit with the kids and Vanessa has since said it was her new favorite thing to do in St Louis.
On Friday, we had an appointment not related to the IONIS trials (they changed their name since ISIS is a terrorist group trying to kill all Christians and the western world). We met with Dr Bridwell for Benson's scoliosis. His back curve has indeed increased to about a 40 degree curve. He recommended we get a new brace made and that he wear the brace for 12 hours per day. Sad news. Surgery is inevitable. How successful we are with bracing will determine what kind of surgery and when. The goal is to put it off until 12 or so, where we will move straight to a fusion/rods and not have to do growing rods. Casting for his new brace is scheduled for March 16. Then we begin bribing to get him to wear it, I guess.
