12 year checkup

Yesterday Samantha visited her pediatrician for her annual physical. It was such a different experience than going to the endocrinologist who she visits once every two months. There weren't any shots nor blood drawn - a welcomed surprise!

Sam's growth hormone therapy treatment will hopefully continue for another 3-4 years. I can't imagine her doing this for such a long time. Girls grow until about a year and a half after they have their first menstrual cycle, which means it's a race to have girls who have growth hormone deficiency grow as much as possible before that event comes their way. Boys have a larger window of time to grow before their bones fuse. Once a person's bones fuse that is the end of his or her growth in height. It is so important to have a child diagnosed as soon as possible so that the child can have the maximum benefit from taking growth hormone therapy. 

Samantha grew 4.5 inches in 14 months, and 6 months of that time frame she grew a bit without growth hormone therapy. I can't believe it. Her pediatrician and endocrinologist are so pleased. I feel more confident Sam will surpass 5' and hopefully even reach her projected height of 5'3" prior to us knowing she had Growth Hormone Deficiency.

Today we received great news. Samantha continues to grow and is developing in the way the average girl her age should - what a wonderful and precious gift.

School Blues

A few weeks ago I felt like I was not doing as well in school as I had been doing and wanted to do better.  I felt I was having a very hard time and I did not know why. I spoke with my mom over and over about how I was feeling and afterwards talked with my teachers. I am so glad I did, they completely understood that some days are harder than others and helped me figure out ways to "work though it."

The last 2 weeks were not easy, but all my hard work paid off.  Instead of worrying about my classes and all the homework I have, that if I take the time to do my work that it really is not as hard as I think it will be.  I was so happy to see my grades went up just with a change of attitude and remembering not to stress out too much.

I have been wanting a new iPhone case, and because I did so well on my tests this week she said she would buy one for me.  I picked one on Amazon and although my mom did not like the style we ordered it.  I think will come on Friday. I am so happy!