This has the makings of an interesting day

So Arnold has a big day today. He's going to be part of a nationwide study on pediatric kidney problems. His involvement will take part over the course of four years, starting in abouuuut four hours.

Today's festivities kick off with him getting an IV put in his hand--they were supposed to give us a prescription for some Valium to help him deal with that, but that didn't happen. He's had about as many needles stuck into him at this point in his life as I have, and generally does okay, so it shouldn't be too bad--but I'd feel better if he was relaxed. Anyway, that IV will be used to get 4 or 5 blood samples over the course of the day. He'll also have a decent physical, his regular nephrology checkup, and some other things. Once all the results are in, we'll have a much better idea of how he's going than we've had since...well, ever.

In a couple of months there'll be some psychological tests (that should be fun), and an annual repeat of today, along with other assorted fun times along with way.

But that's then. Before us today is trying to come up with ways to fill the time between blood draws and exams w/o TLomL, myself or Arnold doing violence against each other. Thankfully, the Princess, Frodo and Samwise are spending the day with some friends, or I know there'd be bloodshed. :)