Sleep / Wake Routine for 2023

I know I haven't posted with any regularity in several years. But I've been processing through writing quite a bit this week and thinking I might start again. It won't be about babies, my babies are tween / teen (and adult) now. For the things going on lately, I need to explain our current routine / sleep schedule.

Spencer, asleep in a hotel, November 2023
Road Trip to Amarillo with Mom

Tonsils, Adenoids & Turbinates, Oh my!

Sleep studies are a common screening done for kids with Down syndrome, especially if they snore. They can often have tiny mouths (and not so tiny tonsils). Spencer had his first Sleep Study when he was 3yo.

In May 2018, Spencer was snoring badly, so he went for a new Sleep Study. Through that he was diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It was so bad that the Pulmonologist called me on Mother's Day! He was very concerned that I follow up ASAP. Our ENT (Ear Nose & Throat doctor) said that a Tonsillectomy (the usual treatment for this) was contraindicated because Spencer has a Bifid Uvula. That means his uvula was splitting into two. Think of a Y hanging upside down in the back of the throat. So... we went with CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy). That involved going for another sleep study.

First comes the Sleep Study. Then a month later...	another sleep study to determine the appropriate CPAP pressure.