A is for Astigmatism

Kind of a big word for a preschooler, but Matthew learned it this week. After failing a vision screening at school a couple of weeks ago, he had an appointment with an ophthalmologist yesterday and we found out that he needs glasses. He has astigmatisms in both eyes. The real issue is that the astigmatism in the left eye is worse and the nerve that connects it to his brain has started shutting down. It is basically an internal lazy eye - since that eye has to work harder to keep up with the other it just stops trying. But since it is a nerve issue and not a muscle issue there are no visible symptoms on the outside. So while I am saddened by the thought of that cute little face hiding behind glasses, I am very grateful that we found the problem while it can be treated and could possibly be corrected.

Tomorrow Bruce (just got a new prescription) and Matthew will both head to the optical shop and pick out new glasses - with a little help from me. And with a little luck, 4 year old Matthew won't break or lose them for at least a few weeks.

A Duck in New York City

While I'd almost always rather be listening to NPR in the car, I am usually listening to kid's music or books on CD. So when I come across a CD that I love as much as my kids do, I get pretty excited. Last week at the library I picked up a CD called "A Duck in New York City" by Connie Kaldor for no other reason than that I found the title and cover art intriguing. It is the best kid's CD I've found since "Here Come the ABCs" by They Might Be Giants". We all love to sing along and the kids giggle through almost every song. Our favorite tracks are:
1. A Duck In New York City
2. If You Love A Hippopotamus
3. Laundry Bag
4. Belly Button
6. Seed In The Ground
8. Honey, Honey, Honey
9. I Love Tomatoes
10. The Nose Song
11. Quack, Quack, Quack

So if you are relegated to listening to kid music like I am, check out this album!