Namine
Namine Olivia Eiche was born on July 15, 2008 with a double-inlet left ventricle heart defect; Pierre Robin sequence, a condition that resulted in a regressed jaw and a partial (U-shaped) cleft palate; caudal regression syndrome (also known as sacral agenesis), which damages the growth of the tailbone and legs, also giving her clubfoot; and scoliosis.
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The company you keep
While my parents are on vacation, it is left to those left behind to care for their cats. Namine accompanied me on one trip to their house.
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Explaining herself
Yesterday evening, Jessica and I were talking — about what, I don’t recall. Namine quietly and politely said, “Excuse me, Daddy.”
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Assumptions
This evening Namine and I went for a short walk to the park. She got mad because I didn’t help her get into her wheelchair.
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Biscuit books
Instead of having me read to her at night, lately Namine has been reading to me.
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Party at grandma’s
Last night Jessica, Namine, and I went over to my parents’ house for Namine’s birthday.
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Cake for breakfast
Birthdays come but once a year, so why not celebrate it with cake for breakfast?
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On needing a trach
A friend of ours had a new baby recently. Namine has been enamored with her.
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She likes a good accent
I have a funny story for you.
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Two fun days
When I say “fun,” I actually mean “not fun.” We’ve spent the last couple days in and out of the pediatrician’s and the ER, trying to figure out why Namine is experiencing abdominal pain. Again.
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Fashionable headwear
Namine likes to be stylish, no matter what.
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Afternoon at the zoo
Jessica, Namine, and I took a chance with the weather yesterday afternoon.
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ENT appointment
On Thursday of this past week, Namine had an appointment with her ENT doctor. In it were discussed routine things — like bronchoscopies — and scary, new things — like frenulotomies.