Boston Trip: Children's Hospital Boston Research, Raincoat Cafe and Build a Bear.

We got up at 5am in hopes of leaving by 6am. We left at 6:10. We were going to Children's Hospital Boston to participate in a comprehensive study on Autism. Having two children on the spectrum and Keira with a special gene deletion associated with Autism made them especially interested in us. I swear the genetic researcher was bouncing up and down in her seat when I mentioned the deletion even though she already knew about it before we got there.

      A team of researchers from the Developmental Medicine Center greeted us on the 6th floor. Some Geneticists, a Psychologist, a Neurologist and a bunch of Post Docs were there to greet us. I think there were around eight of them. We checked in and they whisked us off to sign consent forms. After we got through all the paperwork we were all brought to separate rooms to be tested and interviewed for 3.5 hours. Everyone was fine with this part except Sam. At this point, I think he wished he had gone to school instead.  :) We got through the morning and then went down to the seriously busy cafeteria with vouchers in hand and a wide array of things to select from. One of Kailyn's favorite things about Hospitals is cafeterias. This one did not disappoint.

     Afterwards, we went back upstairs and they did a few more things with the kids while I was interviewed for another 3 hours. While I finished up interviewing, they took every one's blood except for Sam. We were waiting to do him last and did not tell him until the last minute because he would freak out. He did. He did not want what he called "a point" put in him even though they gave them numbing cream. We had to pin him down, but once he figured out it did not hurt he relaxed and watched the TV until his three vials were drawn. It was funny listening to them in the car talk about the blood draw. Kailyn swore that she had 5 vials taken and Sam said he had 4. Everyone in the family had three. I talked about both Sam and Keira for 6 hours yesterday. My face was bright red by the end of the day and my brain was fried. I still have a ton of homework to do that they sent home with me and more interviewing to do over the phone. They usually do the research in two trips, but since we were coming from so far we did it in one.

 This is them playing and being entertained while we waited for blood draws and for me to finish up interviewing.

 The Musical Stairs were a huge hit on our way out. We have been here a couple times and I never noticed this before.

Then off to Burlington and the Rainforest Cafe for a reward. (Or Raincoat Cafe as Kailyn enthusiastically shouted out to the researchers when we first got there) They were very good research participants. It was a long day of cognitive tests etc...and they did wonderful. Even Sam, who I hope won't be completely scarred for life about hospitals.

 In front of the fish tanks and rain.

 Sam and Keira both touching the rain. They inspected every inch of the restaurant and we survived two thunderstorms while we were there. There was a ginormous gorilla right next to our table. I thought it would freak Keira out, but no. Sam was the one that was scared and had to be convinced that it was not real. Kailyn wanted to get up and touch all of the animals.

 Type 1 Diabetes nightmare.

 Volcano cake for dessert. HUGE and thrilling for the kids. Never have had anything like it. Although, it could easily be recreated for a birthday party. ;) Keira loved playing with the top of it.

Then we went to the Lego Store and Build A Bear to get the rest of their rewards. All of them got bears. This was Keira's first bear and I named her Dreamy. She can't name things herself at this point. So, I named her this. I have big dreams and aspirations for Keira.

 The Bear Helper really made them work to put their hearts into their bears.Then, we finally left the mall. We basically closed it at 9pm. We headed home and they passed out on the way. First, Keira about 15 minutes after we got on the highway with Dreamy.

 Then Kailyn with Diabetes Bear and Candy.

 And finally Sam at 10pm, who usually goes to bed around 7:30, with Beary and Armyman Bear.

New and old Bears to cuddle with.

Keira woke up early, but Sam and Kailyn are still fast asleep. I will bring them to school when they wake up.(If they ever do) 

     Hopefully, we were helpful and will continue to be helpful in research for years to come. They will store our blood/DNA for years too and study it as needed. Our names are not on it. Just a number. However, if something major should ever come up they will track our names down and let us know. This also will help save us money on testing they wanted to do on Keira as well.