So, this week seems like a typical week for the Troxel clan.  We have four doctor's appointments this week, two therapies and one therapy evaluation.  Whew!  We had two appointments alone today and I tell you what, I am beat.  Luckily, the girls are well-behaved at the doctor's office so that really helps.

Last week when we had a weight check for Olivia she had lost two ounces so the doctor told me to give her three fortified (higher calorie) bottles a day, but I was being stubborn and didn't listen.  I felt like she was nursing well and getting plenty of milk that I decided to forgo the doctor's advice and see what happened.  I am happy to say that Olivia is now 6 lbs 1 ounces, a wonderful weight gain from her last check.  I admitted to the doctor that I didn't follow his instructions, but luckily we go to a great doctor who knows and understands my stubborn nature.  We even joked about what the score was between him and myself on various issues with the kids.  I am sure he has won more than me, but I am glad I scored a point on this one  I suppose when you have gone through the extensive medical treatments like we have with Mia, you work more as a partnership with your doctor than as a dictatorship. 

At Avery's appointment, we found out that she had grown 3 inches in less than a year!  Wow!  She is off the charts and still growing like crazy.  I think she may tower over Chris and I.  She has also been doing quite well getting back on track of eating healthy and getting exercise.  We set a new goal with the doctor today - that when Avery thinks she wants seconds of a meal, she has to drink a glass of water, wait five minutes and then she can eat as much of a vegetable or a fruit that she wants.  She is in control of the amount for seconds.  She was quite excited about this and will get a prize from the doctor if I report that she has met this goal.  We also agreed to get 30 minutes of exercise four times a week, which we already do.  So, I suppose we just have to try to keep that up once school starts.  She is an amazing kiddo and is so excited about being and staying healthy. 

As a side note, I will try not to complain too much about medical insurance, but many of you know that I have a bad taste in my mouth since I have to constantly fight them over various bills.  However, I found this little incident funny.  I received a letter stating that our insurance couldn't determine if my "medical device" was a necessity and that the paperwork they received on the matter was insufficient.  I called them having no idea what they were talking about.  As it turns out, I have to provide our insurance a prescription for breast milk so that they will cover the pump that I rented.  Yep, my doctor had to write a prescription for Olivia to have breast milk.  Are you kidding me?  What baby needs to have this prescribed?  Ah, the games we play ....