William just started in the bumpo yesterday, and today he even did better!! Later tonight he even sat unsupported for several seconds!!! (Right by me of course
3 years ago
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Micah Trying to Sit
My Bad I posted this video, and forgot to THANK the wonderful sitter who is watching and carring for with great love 5 kiddos, and she does a GREAT JOB!!! She recorded this video for us! THANK YOU COURTNEY!!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Just a teaser....
I've got videos coming....
Micah almost sitting
William for the past 3 weeks so you(I) can see progress
and William I'm recording video every week so I can see progress, because it's hard to tell when your around him all the time.
Micah almost sitting
William for the past 3 weeks so you(I) can see progress
and William I'm recording video every week so I can see progress, because it's hard to tell when your around him all the time.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
New Routine
We've been working on our new routine around here. I've started back at work, and the kids are getting used to the new/old sitter watching them. Courtney watched Tommy when he was 3-9 months old, and she's coming to our house and watching all the kids (she brings her 2 with her) and does a great job with everybody, and Tommy has a play mate. Also Tommy has started talking a lot more. This week will be our first week on our new regular schedule as our therapy settles into a more routine regular time. Also we will have a new PT therapist this week, as the one we did the evaluation with isn't available at the time we needed, so our Therapist name will be Lydia B. Micah is really getting up on all 4s all the time now and inching forward. I expect him at any time to crawl all the way across the room.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
William drank a record 38 oz yesterday....
It's a good thing I rented the hospital grade pump, was in the car pumping today and only got 1 oz, then when we got to our destination I pumped for 12 min after 12 on 12 off and 12 on in the car, and got 8 oz with the hospital grade pump, I really felt like I was struggling to keep up with his demand all day!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
ALL GREAT NEWS!
(all about William again), and this will be really quick as I'm tired:
1. William's eye is all better!
2. William's weight is right on track (we do have to write down what he eats so we offer that last feeding if he needs it).
3. She's working on the referral we asked her for to Scottish rite!!!
4. She gave us the prescription we needed for a breastpump (we had to rent a hopsital grade to maintain proper supply).
Other stuff:
5. PTs say he looks better
6. We've gone down a little on his med dose
7. My mom's been great help and great company
8. I started work and the sitters and kids did great for the first week
9. Micah is up on all 4s going backwards
10. Had a great labor day with the family.
11. ECI PT we got is GREAT she really explains things well, and can come every week!!!
12. It was great to see my Dad over the long weekend.
I think that's all ...I've got some pictures of bath time and this past weekend and plan to download those from the camera soon so keep checking back.
1. William's eye is all better!
2. William's weight is right on track (we do have to write down what he eats so we offer that last feeding if he needs it).
3. She's working on the referral we asked her for to Scottish rite!!!
4. She gave us the prescription we needed for a breastpump (we had to rent a hopsital grade to maintain proper supply).
Other stuff:
5. PTs say he looks better
6. We've gone down a little on his med dose
7. My mom's been great help and great company
8. I started work and the sitters and kids did great for the first week
9. Micah is up on all 4s going backwards
10. Had a great labor day with the family.
11. ECI PT we got is GREAT she really explains things well, and can come every week!!!
12. It was great to see my Dad over the long weekend.
I think that's all ...I've got some pictures of bath time and this past weekend and plan to download those from the camera soon so keep checking back.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Lots of stuff happening this week.
Well Tuesday I went to the pedi and got a weight check for William. He was 12# 5.5 oz (up from 10#13.5oz) and HC of 16.25in (up from 15.5) and 25.5" long (same). This is GREAT! it's been about 3 weeks since the last weight check. Micah in his clothes was about 17# 5oz. So they are maintaining the 5# gap.
Wednesday we had therapy PT from 11-12, and that went great, lots of stretching and getting the eyes to move to the left. Then that same afternoon we had OT with ECI at the house, and that went fine also, some more of the same.
Then Thursday am when I gave him the 5am dose of medicine he was in the fetal position (normally legs are straight and hands are out), so that's a HUGE improvement, and one hand was also up by his mouth. He's never really figured out how to bring his hands to mid line, much less to his mouth, so again that's a wonderful improvement too! Thursday 11am we had our CST session, with Sally Fryer (PT that worked with the conjoined Egyptian twins), and during the session we were playing with Micah and Micah was giving William kisses on the cheek, and Micah was smiling about it and William was smiling about it, until one of the times we went to give kisses, Micah's arm flew up and he put his hand on Williams cheek instead, only his fingernail went in William's eye (William's reflexes are slower due to his injury), and William cried this soft cry and kept his eyes closed for a while, and when he did open them finally something just didn't look right to me, so when we finished our session I called an optometrist, and they said with the situation and him being so young we should go to
Children's or our Pediatrician, well the Pediatrician had just gone to lunch and we couldn't get a hold of them, so we headed down to Children's, there was no line, so we checked in, and saw a doctor within about an hour. The resident didn't see anything, so she left and came back with the attending, she brought a dye, and light to look at his eye, sure enough he did scratch the eye ball, and we needed to put ointment on for 5 days and follow back up with our pedi in a week. The pediatrician finally returned our message as we were leaving the hospital, so we scheduled the follow-up appointment. And headed home. Then we called the LC to check on getting some parts for pumping at work since I start back to work on Sept 2nd. This way I can keep a pump parts at work and a set at home, and can never forget them this way. She had them, so we drove to her house to pick them up, and then back home again and stopped at Tom Thumb where we ran in to Grandma to fill our prescription for the eye ointment.
Wednesday we had therapy PT from 11-12, and that went great, lots of stretching and getting the eyes to move to the left. Then that same afternoon we had OT with ECI at the house, and that went fine also, some more of the same.
Then Thursday am when I gave him the 5am dose of medicine he was in the fetal position (normally legs are straight and hands are out), so that's a HUGE improvement, and one hand was also up by his mouth. He's never really figured out how to bring his hands to mid line, much less to his mouth, so again that's a wonderful improvement too! Thursday 11am we had our CST session, with Sally Fryer (PT that worked with the conjoined Egyptian twins), and during the session we were playing with Micah and Micah was giving William kisses on the cheek, and Micah was smiling about it and William was smiling about it, until one of the times we went to give kisses, Micah's arm flew up and he put his hand on Williams cheek instead, only his fingernail went in William's eye (William's reflexes are slower due to his injury), and William cried this soft cry and kept his eyes closed for a while, and when he did open them finally something just didn't look right to me, so when we finished our session I called an optometrist, and they said with the situation and him being so young we should go to
Children's or our Pediatrician, well the Pediatrician had just gone to lunch and we couldn't get a hold of them, so we headed down to Children's, there was no line, so we checked in, and saw a doctor within about an hour. The resident didn't see anything, so she left and came back with the attending, she brought a dye, and light to look at his eye, sure enough he did scratch the eye ball, and we needed to put ointment on for 5 days and follow back up with our pedi in a week. The pediatrician finally returned our message as we were leaving the hospital, so we scheduled the follow-up appointment. And headed home. Then we called the LC to check on getting some parts for pumping at work since I start back to work on Sept 2nd. This way I can keep a pump parts at work and a set at home, and can never forget them this way. She had them, so we drove to her house to pick them up, and then back home again and stopped at Tom Thumb where we ran in to Grandma to fill our prescription for the eye ointment.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It is with saddness that I report...
Sadie loved her new home dearly and they took such good care of her. But I got a call today from a vet in Lubbock that she was hit by a car. They took her to bed every night, took her on picnics, she was always in their lap, if they opened the door she was on a leash. So Please pray for Emily Williams, and her dad, they both loved that dog dearly!
Apparently Maintence was fixing something in the appartment, and let her out of the crate and she darted into traffic and was instantly killed.
They called me because she was micro-chipped.
Apparently Maintence was fixing something in the appartment, and let her out of the crate and she darted into traffic and was instantly killed.
They called me because she was micro-chipped.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Happenings...Life...Thoughts....
Everybody tells me Wiliam looks like he's getting big, and I agree he does. I haven't made it by the pedi's to get another weight though, and I"m officially pulling 0-3 months clothes out of our closet. Both boys are still fitting 3-6 month clothes, but Micah easily wears 6-12 months cloths also.
I called Scottish Rite, and they said he needed a orthepedic problem to be a candidate, and he has the problems with torticallis, so I put a call in to our pedi to get a referral, and haven't heard back. At first she said we needed to talk to the physical therapists, and chiropractors about that, but we're already doing that. So maybe.... I am still thinking it wouldn't be a bad idea to see a neurologist with more experience with CP cases, even if it doesn't end up being at Scottish Rite.
At our PT session last time they suggested I call an upholstery place to make a crash pad (where they put the foam blocks in a duve), for help propping him up in the posisitons he needs to be etc. So I called one today and they said they'd be happy to help and had tons of scraps. So we may "swing" by down town off industrial to pick up foam pieces, for our crash pad.
Williams still eating average over 30 oz a day. I've got a call in to the LC to see where he should be (oz per day).
Micah is still scooting, it appears he can now go both forward or back, but doesn't have much control over which way, he's still coordinating that, but he is always trying to MOVE. He's also got quite the since of humor. He finds sneezes laughable, and loves making faces (usually smiling) at anyone who will listen or pay attention.
Our day today consisted of a play date with the local MOMs Club at 10am followed by a quick trip to the store for this weeks groceries, (I'm still doing a meal plan for the week and I'm going on 6 home cooked (weekday) meals in a row. Might I add the trip to the store was with 2 babies and a toddler, we got most of what we needed, but William screemed at me the whole time because I was a bad mommy and forgot his milk at home, and it was time for his next dose too.
Then we went home unloaded groceries, feed 2 babies, put everybody down for naps, put the groceries away, gave william his meds, (not necessarily in that order), made lunch, fed everybody lunch, handled a time out and a tantrum, then there was peace till about 4 when babies and toddlers started to wake up while I was in the middle of preparing dinner. Yes we praise God for 3 hour naps around here still!
Then we had floor time and bottles, and snacks while we waited for Daddy to get home so we could eat our dinner. After dinner we had some play time and quickly headed to bed. I nursed the baby, fed the other one a bottle, and then layed down with the toddler for a few minutes.
I called Scottish Rite, and they said he needed a orthepedic problem to be a candidate, and he has the problems with torticallis, so I put a call in to our pedi to get a referral, and haven't heard back. At first she said we needed to talk to the physical therapists, and chiropractors about that, but we're already doing that. So maybe.... I am still thinking it wouldn't be a bad idea to see a neurologist with more experience with CP cases, even if it doesn't end up being at Scottish Rite.
At our PT session last time they suggested I call an upholstery place to make a crash pad (where they put the foam blocks in a duve), for help propping him up in the posisitons he needs to be etc. So I called one today and they said they'd be happy to help and had tons of scraps. So we may "swing" by down town off industrial to pick up foam pieces, for our crash pad.
Williams still eating average over 30 oz a day. I've got a call in to the LC to see where he should be (oz per day).
Micah is still scooting, it appears he can now go both forward or back, but doesn't have much control over which way, he's still coordinating that, but he is always trying to MOVE. He's also got quite the since of humor. He finds sneezes laughable, and loves making faces (usually smiling) at anyone who will listen or pay attention.
Our day today consisted of a play date with the local MOMs Club at 10am followed by a quick trip to the store for this weeks groceries, (I'm still doing a meal plan for the week and I'm going on 6 home cooked (weekday) meals in a row. Might I add the trip to the store was with 2 babies and a toddler, we got most of what we needed, but William screemed at me the whole time because I was a bad mommy and forgot his milk at home, and it was time for his next dose too.
Then we went home unloaded groceries, feed 2 babies, put everybody down for naps, put the groceries away, gave william his meds, (not necessarily in that order), made lunch, fed everybody lunch, handled a time out and a tantrum, then there was peace till about 4 when babies and toddlers started to wake up while I was in the middle of preparing dinner. Yes we praise God for 3 hour naps around here still!
Then we had floor time and bottles, and snacks while we waited for Daddy to get home so we could eat our dinner. After dinner we had some play time and quickly headed to bed. I nursed the baby, fed the other one a bottle, and then layed down with the toddler for a few minutes.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
New Therapies for William
I'm not even sure where to begin....
We've started some PT for William and added some OT and PT from ECI as well. Much more time and energy to devote to helping him get better, yes BETTER.
I've learned that the chance for recovery is greatest in the first 6 months (we're at 5 months now) and continues to be high in the first 18 months, after that the injury will not improve much, but won't get worse either. I've asked a great deal of questions and met with several new people, and they all think William WILL LEARN TO WALK!!!!, but part of the key is to get his as much therapy as we can....NOW, and also working with him as much as we can.
We've been shown new exercises, and were trying to do them as much as we can, I've got some photos on my phone to explain, and I'm hoping to make a big chart for the wall to put photos and explanation in to remind us of exercises to do.
I've also been given some ideas of some other therapies to check into, HBOT, and also check into getting him services from Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, according to their web site he appears to qualify, so I will call them tomorrow to check on it. There neurologists see more kids with Cerebral Palsy, where as the neurologist he sees already sees more kids with epilepsy. Maybe there's another medication that's better or that can lower his Valium dose. Or the possibility of better therapies etc.
We've started some PT for William and added some OT and PT from ECI as well. Much more time and energy to devote to helping him get better, yes BETTER.
I've learned that the chance for recovery is greatest in the first 6 months (we're at 5 months now) and continues to be high in the first 18 months, after that the injury will not improve much, but won't get worse either. I've asked a great deal of questions and met with several new people, and they all think William WILL LEARN TO WALK!!!!, but part of the key is to get his as much therapy as we can....NOW, and also working with him as much as we can.
We've been shown new exercises, and were trying to do them as much as we can, I've got some photos on my phone to explain, and I'm hoping to make a big chart for the wall to put photos and explanation in to remind us of exercises to do.
I've also been given some ideas of some other therapies to check into, HBOT, and also check into getting him services from Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, according to their web site he appears to qualify, so I will call them tomorrow to check on it. There neurologists see more kids with Cerebral Palsy, where as the neurologist he sees already sees more kids with epilepsy. Maybe there's another medication that's better or that can lower his Valium dose. Or the possibility of better therapies etc.
William's Beautiful Smile
Full face grin!!! He loves having his legs played with with high pitch voice.
William's Beautiful Smile
Notice also that the head is mostly midline, and hands are too. We are working on these in therapy, and can hold for a few seconds, but it's lots of work and we just worked on them before this photo.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Micah's seat
like what am I suppose to do with those. Micah really goes to town in
this seat, playing with every toy and making the cow sing.
It's been a while since I posted pictures
I couldn't find my camera card reader, so check out the pictures below, and click on them to go to my flickr site and see more. Also don't forget to check out the videos of Tommy below too.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tommy's Prayers
Tommy says prayers each night before bed, and here's a sample of how it goes....always funny and sweet.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sadie has found a new home
than we could give her. We just couldn't handle 2 dogs and 2 babies.
So they had become outside dogs, now hunter can be back in the house.
As the two of them would go crazy together. They are both much calmer
dogs apart.
Happy 5 months boys!
And what a ride it has been! It hasn't been easy but looking back I love every day for what I have learned and will continue to learn.
Party and Today & ECI Visit
I did get a few pictures of Kylie and Tommy running about with Kylie, but can't find my card reader, the same laundry monster must have run off with it, and I need to get a new one.
ECI Came over today for William's first OT session with them. She came out and said he's much better with the medication now, and showed me a few positioning things with him. She said to position him on his side where he'll be looking at the ground if he turns to the right, and that way he can bring his hands together and cross mid line and look at some toys. Also when he sleeps as much as possible position him with his head on the other side so to prevent the flat spot he's getting as much as possible. She will be back weekly on Wed and will make sure to get PT involved asap, and I"m to call her on wed if I haven't heard from PT.
ECI Came over today for William's first OT session with them. She came out and said he's much better with the medication now, and showed me a few positioning things with him. She said to position him on his side where he'll be looking at the ground if he turns to the right, and that way he can bring his hands together and cross mid line and look at some toys. Also when he sleeps as much as possible position him with his head on the other side so to prevent the flat spot he's getting as much as possible. She will be back weekly on Wed and will make sure to get PT involved asap, and I"m to call her on wed if I haven't heard from PT.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Happy Birthday Ryan
We had a great time at your party today, and will pay for it tomorrow as Tommy only had a 15min nap today on the way home...boy am I looking forward to that.
Friday, August 8, 2008
William's eating & diaper log
William Friday 8/8/2008
6 @ 4
3 @ 9
5 @ 12
5 @ 3
8 @ 6
2 @ 8
4 @ 10
6 @ 4
3 @ 9
5 @ 12
5 @ 3
8 @ 6
2 @ 8
4 @ 10
Wet at 4
Poopy @ 4:3
Wet @ 5
Wet @ 8:45
Wet @ 9:15
Wet @ 12
Wet & poopy @ 1
Wet @ 2
Wet @ 3
Pee @ 3:15
Wet @ 3:40
Wet @ 6
Wet @ 7:30
Wet @ 8
Wet @ 10
Wet @ 10:30
Lydia Conrad
Mommy to Tommy (2 3/06), William & Micah (3/08)
Lydia@conradzone.com
Http://conradzone.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Dryer Ate a Sock
Yes that's right, someone was helping me with the laundry and pulled the lint catcher and put it in with the laundry, and then started the load to dry, when I pulled that load there was no lint and it didn't work. He had to take the whole machine apart to get to the sock, he pulled it out and put it back together and it worked again. Then I had him fix my ice maker, and now I have ice again! yeh, because I'm really hot natured right now and needing ice in my drinks!!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Grrrr
My one year old and one month old Dryer is on the fritz, it powers up, but then won't spin and blow. I'm going to have to call repair in the am.
PS: I'm about to post some videos!
PS: I'm about to post some videos!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Weight Check
They want us to come back next week. He was up 1.5" in length, but gained only 4oz and HC was the same. He was 1% for weight and 5% for height. Talked to and LC she said feed him more snacks and more frequently.
Everybody is doing great
We were headed to the pool today, but stopped at CFA for some food, and Tommy fell asleep in the drive thru, so instead of heading on to the pool, we headed home, and put everybody down for naps at 11:30.
Micah is scooting all around, he rolls quite well in both directions, and now prefers sleeping on his tummy. He loudly lets you know if he has a dirty diaper, is tired, or needs a bottle, other than that he's happy go lucky go anywhere baby.
William is looking much bigger, so we're going for a weight check this afternoon at the pedi's. He's eating better, and not as stiff, we've played around with his dose a little bit (up to .7, and back down to .6 3x a day.) We're also practicing several times a day supporting our head (every chance be get), and also positioning him where he is turned to the left (since his preference is the right). Also he tends to look his eyes to the right, so we try to draw them to the left as much as possible, either with positioning, or by looking at him and getting him to follow us to the left. I'll post a weight update after I know, but when I tried on the scale at home he was 12#, we'll see how accurate that is, because that would be a gain of 1.5# in 2 weeks.
Also, friday night we tried Seeking Sitter's agency, and the sitter they sent was great. Rob and I had a date night, and went out for dinner and then walking around shopping for a little bit. We had a good time, and called it an early night at 9pm. man we're getting old.
Micah is scooting all around, he rolls quite well in both directions, and now prefers sleeping on his tummy. He loudly lets you know if he has a dirty diaper, is tired, or needs a bottle, other than that he's happy go lucky go anywhere baby.
William is looking much bigger, so we're going for a weight check this afternoon at the pedi's. He's eating better, and not as stiff, we've played around with his dose a little bit (up to .7, and back down to .6 3x a day.) We're also practicing several times a day supporting our head (every chance be get), and also positioning him where he is turned to the left (since his preference is the right). Also he tends to look his eyes to the right, so we try to draw them to the left as much as possible, either with positioning, or by looking at him and getting him to follow us to the left. I'll post a weight update after I know, but when I tried on the scale at home he was 12#, we'll see how accurate that is, because that would be a gain of 1.5# in 2 weeks.
Also, friday night we tried Seeking Sitter's agency, and the sitter they sent was great. Rob and I had a date night, and went out for dinner and then walking around shopping for a little bit. We had a good time, and called it an early night at 9pm. man we're getting old.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
Airport
Everyday since we dropped my mom off, every time we get in the car Tommy asks if we are going to the airport for Grandma. My dad had the surgery on his knee and it went well. He says he's pain free still (about 24 hours ago). He had a torn meniscus, you can probably see the cane he was using in the picture below.
I've really been missing my Grandmother as of late, her 4th child was born with Downs, and had a stroke, and paralysis on one side of her body, and I just wish I could talk to her more about it.
I've really been missing my Grandmother as of late, her 4th child was born with Downs, and had a stroke, and paralysis on one side of her body, and I just wish I could talk to her more about it.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Today
Today My mom watched the Tommy (Thank you mom), so I could take William to therapy. It went well, at least we didn't cry the whole time. We learned some new mouth exercises, stroking the cheeks, both inside and out, and stroking the chin. CST Therapy went well, he was spasming to the left and she showed me how to rub the muscles when is spasming to release the spasm.
He was stiffer this evening, but I'm not sure it was from wet diaper, hunger, or spitting out part of the valium at the 4pm dose.
After therapy and chiropractic, we took my mom to the airport. Tommy was sad to leave Grandma at the airport, so we called her on the way home and he was feeling better about that. I think on things like people leaving he's not realizing they are leaving till right when/after they do. This has happened a few times now. We call them, he says bye and all is good.
He was stiffer this evening, but I'm not sure it was from wet diaper, hunger, or spitting out part of the valium at the 4pm dose.
After therapy and chiropractic, we took my mom to the airport. Tommy was sad to leave Grandma at the airport, so we called her on the way home and he was feeling better about that. I think on things like people leaving he's not realizing they are leaving till right when/after they do. This has happened a few times now. We call them, he says bye and all is good.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Digging through some old photos
This photo was taken the 27th of December 1947 in Savanna, GA.
Bride: Sydney Ellis Shipley
Groom: William Jason Shipley
Bridesmaids: Emily Ellis Groover, Frances Ellis Lewis (Sisters of the bride)
Groomsmen: Charles Groover, Best friend of the Groom, and Gilbert Bunny Lewis also a good friend of the Groom.
Flower Girl (Age about 4): Beth Groover daughter of Charles and Emily.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Meds for William
William's much looser, I've been looking for my USB key to download pictures I took for examples, but I can't find it right now, so no pictures.
8 hrs after William's first dose of medicine, he was completely tight again (I took pictures so we can see), so i called the doctor since he had said to start at .5 ml once a day, for a couple of weeks at first. The on call doctor called back and we talked about it and he said to do .5 ml now since he was tight again and then try to do it either every 8 hrs or twice a day. So Saturday we did 7am and 7pm after the day before he had 2pm and 9pm, Rob and I decided he was still to tight Saturday, so we will do .5 ml at 7am, 3pm, and 11pm on Sunday. He's defiantly been much more comfortable.
8 hrs after William's first dose of medicine, he was completely tight again (I took pictures so we can see), so i called the doctor since he had said to start at .5 ml once a day, for a couple of weeks at first. The on call doctor called back and we talked about it and he said to do .5 ml now since he was tight again and then try to do it either every 8 hrs or twice a day. So Saturday we did 7am and 7pm after the day before he had 2pm and 9pm, Rob and I decided he was still to tight Saturday, so we will do .5 ml at 7am, 3pm, and 11pm on Sunday. He's defiantly been much more comfortable.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Neurologist Appt
We went to the neurologist appointment, and he began with "We usually don't give children this young medication, we usually try therapy first." He asked me to tell him what's been going on and why I brought him back in early.
I told him he has much higher tone that last few weeks. The peditrician agreed that he's in pain and uncomfortable, and so did his therapist. We are moving him to twice a week therapy for OT, and also adding once a week PT. He hardly naps (only 30 min cat naps at a time because of the pain), wakes up grumpy. He cries alot. Struggles with his bottles every day. He's barely maintaining his growth curve, and the peditrician and therapist thought some medication would help him gain weight. He's always uncomfortable, he has trouble eating and gets lots of bubbles, had trouble burping. He arches at times and it looks like he will touch his toes to his head. He sleeps at night pretty well, because of the no sleep during the day. We hardly see any smiles, when he tries to hold the bottle he ends up pushing it away, and same thing with playing with toys. He watched me feed him a bottle which he did pretty good about.
After he finished and he woke up a bit, he examined him, and after he picked him up with his arms he still held his arms by his chest as he was supporting all his weight. After one look he said I think we do need some medication. He also check some reflexes. And then told me about the medication, it will make him sleepy, but that effect seems to wear off after time, but we don't want him sleeping too much, we will start with a low dose, but will up it over time as needed by his tone, there's no one correct dose for everyone, it's whatever corrects the problem without too many side effects. We will start out with a dose of .5 ml once a day and then increase as needed. The prescription will be for 1 ml 3 x a day, but we don't want to give that much right away.
We took the prescription to the pharmacy and they had to order the medication in a liquid form as they usually don't carry it in liquid form. The medication is Diazepam ie valium. We should have it tomorrow.
Many of my friends ask how I am doing: I was both relieved that we could get the medication because I knew he needed it and I don't want him to be in pain anymore, and that it would help, but at the same time I wanted to cry because my perfect baby needed medication to make his life comfortable.
I told him he has much higher tone that last few weeks. The peditrician agreed that he's in pain and uncomfortable, and so did his therapist. We are moving him to twice a week therapy for OT, and also adding once a week PT. He hardly naps (only 30 min cat naps at a time because of the pain), wakes up grumpy. He cries alot. Struggles with his bottles every day. He's barely maintaining his growth curve, and the peditrician and therapist thought some medication would help him gain weight. He's always uncomfortable, he has trouble eating and gets lots of bubbles, had trouble burping. He arches at times and it looks like he will touch his toes to his head. He sleeps at night pretty well, because of the no sleep during the day. We hardly see any smiles, when he tries to hold the bottle he ends up pushing it away, and same thing with playing with toys. He watched me feed him a bottle which he did pretty good about.
After he finished and he woke up a bit, he examined him, and after he picked him up with his arms he still held his arms by his chest as he was supporting all his weight. After one look he said I think we do need some medication. He also check some reflexes. And then told me about the medication, it will make him sleepy, but that effect seems to wear off after time, but we don't want him sleeping too much, we will start with a low dose, but will up it over time as needed by his tone, there's no one correct dose for everyone, it's whatever corrects the problem without too many side effects. We will start out with a dose of .5 ml once a day and then increase as needed. The prescription will be for 1 ml 3 x a day, but we don't want to give that much right away.
We took the prescription to the pharmacy and they had to order the medication in a liquid form as they usually don't carry it in liquid form. The medication is Diazepam ie valium. We should have it tomorrow.
Many of my friends ask how I am doing: I was both relieved that we could get the medication because I knew he needed it and I don't want him to be in pain anymore, and that it would help, but at the same time I wanted to cry because my perfect baby needed medication to make his life comfortable.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Neurologist
We got an appointment with the neurologist for 11am tomorrow! I'm so excited I could cry!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
4 Month Well Check
William:
7/22/2008
10lbs 9.5 oz 0.18 %
23in 0.78%
HC: 15.5 in 1%
We need to get his as much therapy as we can, (we discussed today also getting therapy CST 2 times a week now), and we will also be getting PT through ECI, and maybe OT also. Also, we well keep feeding him bottles and talk about feeding tube again if he can't do solids (after 6 months) or falls off the growth charts, right now he's holding parallel below. His muscle tone is worse and she agreed, and that we need to see the neurologist and get on a medicine for this as this may also help him gain weight and not use so many calories holding muscles so stiff. I've already put a call in the the neurologist nurse to get in, and she called back while I was at this appointment. So I will call again in the am.
Micah:
7/22/2008
15lbs 12.5oz 85%
25.5in 84%
HC: 16.5 in 69%
Micah has a slight cold today and he's doing fine talking using his tongue, saying 'Hi' and 'Mama', just needs to rest and get better.
7/22/2008
10lbs 9.5 oz 0.18 %
23in 0.78%
HC: 15.5 in 1%
We need to get his as much therapy as we can, (we discussed today also getting therapy CST 2 times a week now), and we will also be getting PT through ECI, and maybe OT also. Also, we well keep feeding him bottles and talk about feeding tube again if he can't do solids (after 6 months) or falls off the growth charts, right now he's holding parallel below. His muscle tone is worse and she agreed, and that we need to see the neurologist and get on a medicine for this as this may also help him gain weight and not use so many calories holding muscles so stiff. I've already put a call in the the neurologist nurse to get in, and she called back while I was at this appointment. So I will call again in the am.
Micah:
7/22/2008
15lbs 12.5oz 85%
25.5in 84%
HC: 16.5 in 69%
Micah has a slight cold today and he's doing fine talking using his tongue, saying 'Hi' and 'Mama', just needs to rest and get better.
New Book
I just started reading the book "How to talk to kids will listen and how to listen so kids will talk" (and read the first 3 chapters) and starting trying to use my new skills, and WOW my day was so much less stressful!
Have you read this book?
Share your favorite experiences?
I really like "toys are not for throwing", "people aren't for hitting" (explaining the problem) skill, because as a two year old it's hard to know that so many things he doesn't realize how things are suppose to work or why, and we don't realize that as adults.
Of course at bed time we were talking and I forget exactly how it came up, but hitting was brought up I think because he remembered a time he hit Micah today, and I said something about people aren't for hitting, and he translated it into Tommy getting a spanking, and I told him again people aren't for hitting.
Have you read this book?
Share your favorite experiences?
I really like "toys are not for throwing", "people aren't for hitting" (explaining the problem) skill, because as a two year old it's hard to know that so many things he doesn't realize how things are suppose to work or why, and we don't realize that as adults.
Of course at bed time we were talking and I forget exactly how it came up, but hitting was brought up I think because he remembered a time he hit Micah today, and I said something about people aren't for hitting, and he translated it into Tommy getting a spanking, and I told him again people aren't for hitting.
Blueberries
So do you know what happens when your husband feeds a 2 year old 2 lbs of blueberries right before bed?
I do, and it's not fun. Carpet cleaners need to come today, and I've already called them.
I do, and it's not fun. Carpet cleaners need to come today, and I've already called them.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Today after the day
Micah was very wimpy and tired all day long. His eyes were even puffy and crusty. He also had a nasty cough. He seemed to feel better by the end of the day.
Tommy seems much better, I'm feeling better too, and William's still not sick!
Tommy seems much better, I'm feeling better too, and William's still not sick!
Today
Rob feels like he's getting sick, Tommy's still congested, Micah is congested, and I'm a little achy and congested.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Sorry I haven't posted in a week...
I was too busy worrying about William to post. William seems to have been stiffer this whole past week. We weren't sure why. We had therapy on Tuesday, and we saw Sally Fryer, the owner of the clinic for our CST and Megan for speech. Our speech therapy we spent the whole time arching and resisting the feeding, but she did give us a tip to try to keep the chin down and not hyper extended if we could to keep the air to a minimum. So that has helped some, but generally we've had alot of arching and stiffness. So at our CST session she mintioned he had a bit of toticollis and also asked what other therapy we are getting which I said none because ECI couldn't duplicate service, she said that she's a PT and that he needs PT (physical therapy) and OT (therapy) bad. She gave me a her card, and wrote on it "HE NEEDS PT" for me to give to ECI when they came on Wednesday.
ECI Came on Wednesday and she observed that he was much worser (is that a word) too. She took the card, and said something about getting someone to teach infant massage out, and also getting the PT (same people) to come out and evaluate him.
Then Friday evening I started to feel all achy, and stiff, and I was thinking if william felt half as bad this week as I did, then maybe that would explain all the stiffness.
This Saturday and Sunday I've got the LLL Conference, I've been excited to hear Dr Jack Newman speak, and tomorrow is Thomas Hale.
ECI Came on Wednesday and she observed that he was much worser (is that a word) too. She took the card, and said something about getting someone to teach infant massage out, and also getting the PT (same people) to come out and evaluate him.
Then Friday evening I started to feel all achy, and stiff, and I was thinking if william felt half as bad this week as I did, then maybe that would explain all the stiffness.
This Saturday and Sunday I've got the LLL Conference, I've been excited to hear Dr Jack Newman speak, and tomorrow is Thomas Hale.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Happy 4 months!
William and Micah are now 4 months old! I can't believe how the time has flown by. Love you guys more than words can ever say!
Micah is rolling over and sleeping on his tummy, and sometimes in a half side lying position that just looks so relaxed, and William is growing, and it looks like the yeast is almost gone! He's giving us little smiles and an occasional coo, Micah is also talking up a storm and can say Hi and several other oohs and ahhs.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
William's new Chiro Scan
Everybody was rescanned today at the chiro, here's Williams scan, but everybody (Micah and Tommy) had improved, (except me, but I walked up there too, and that could have thrown it off.), If you remember from last time this is much better! He was read at the top and bottom last time.
Also, William had acupuncture for the burping problem, and that helped it some, and he at and burped much better this evening since our appointment this morning.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The 4th & update
We spent the 4th of July celebrating Rob's dad's retirement from the steel factory after 33 years. Congrats to Papa!
William's been having lots of trouble with burps. He gets lots of air when he's sucking on the bottle, and this causes him great discomfort, and also causes him to loose some food when he burps it up. It's not reflux because you can almost always hear the burp that brought it up. Also, the pain from the burps causes trouble with him eating more food.
Also, William's been noticing other around him more, he has some pleasent looks that almost look like smiles, and his legs and arms seem a little looser.
We're still treating the yeast, and symptoms seem to be improving, SLOWLY. The white on William's tongue is much smaller, Micah still has the diaper rash, but it is showing signs of improvement. My nipples are much better and don't have the pain and cracking and bleeding they did earlier from the yeast. Also, William's pain from the thrush seems to be much better, and I haven't had to give him ibuprophen as much, and his limbs have been staying loose without the ibuprophen. Since we're still not symptom free we still need to stay on the medicine 10+ days longer.
William's been having lots of trouble with burps. He gets lots of air when he's sucking on the bottle, and this causes him great discomfort, and also causes him to loose some food when he burps it up. It's not reflux because you can almost always hear the burp that brought it up. Also, the pain from the burps causes trouble with him eating more food.
Also, William's been noticing other around him more, he has some pleasent looks that almost look like smiles, and his legs and arms seem a little looser.
We're still treating the yeast, and symptoms seem to be improving, SLOWLY. The white on William's tongue is much smaller, Micah still has the diaper rash, but it is showing signs of improvement. My nipples are much better and don't have the pain and cracking and bleeding they did earlier from the yeast. Also, William's pain from the thrush seems to be much better, and I haven't had to give him ibuprophen as much, and his limbs have been staying loose without the ibuprophen. Since we're still not symptom free we still need to stay on the medicine 10+ days longer.
Fwd: Tommy
He couldn't quite squeeze under the door to escape bedtime. He has been asleep for over an hour in this position.
Robert Conrad
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Cousin Tyler Tommy and Micah
Here's Tommy teaching Cousin Tyler to write on his leg, so he can also color a future brother or sister if they should ever come along.
Big Brother Tommy Got Me
Big brother got me with the markers before mommy could stop him. But don't worry they are washable
Monday, June 30, 2008
Yeast Treatment Underway.
It was quite the adventure taking 3 kids (felt more like 4) to the Family Doctor today to get the prescription for diflucan. I took my research with me showed what Dr Jack Newman recommends, and after a little discussion of everything I had tried and the Nurse practicioner leaving to check with the doctor they agreed to give the script for our yeast problem. (Newman recommends a very high dosage, and they wouldn't have give this dose without the research I brought with me. Because we saw my doctor instead of the Pedi, we had to fill out charts for each child and take vitals for them also since they were writing a script for them. And because the script for them needed their weight we also weight and measured them too.
Tommy is 36" and 33#
William is 23" and 10# 2oz
Micah is 24" and 15# 9.5oz
On another note William ate 35oz of milk today! The minimum he should be eating at this point is about 24oz.
Tommy is 36" and 33#
William is 23" and 10# 2oz
Micah is 24" and 15# 9.5oz
On another note William ate 35oz of milk today! The minimum he should be eating at this point is about 24oz.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Dip in milk supply resolved
I was panicking this past few days (Thursday/Friday and Saturday) as I had a drastic dip in milk supply and wasn't getting enough, I had to dip into my freezer stash of milk so I would have enough to feed William (only 4 oz total), and every time I pumped I was only getting 2-4 oz total when I normally get 2 to 4 oz from each side. As a result I started pumping ever 2-3 hours so I would have enough milk for William to eat.
It's now resolved, I'm not sure what did it as I did everything under the sun to get it back up quick.
Ultimately I think I wasn't eating and drinking enough calories and liquid.
But here's what I did to boost production:
More food, more liquid, more sleep, skin to skin time, more nursing, More milk plus (herbs), fennel, colostrum, extra pumpings, warm baths before pumping, hot compress while pumping, added back the ice cream I had cut out of my diet, pump before nursing as babies empty breast better than pump,
all in all I had 8+ oz of extra milk today so yeh!!! I would much rather have extra than have to dip into my freezer stash like I was having to.
In another note I think we all have yeast problems myself I have burning in the breasts during feedings, William still has thrush, and Micah has yeast in the diaper area, and they all respond and get better when treated with GSE, or other things, but immediately come back when treatment is discontinued, so we'll be going to the doctor tomorrow, hoping to get a script for everyone who is nursing/bf for diflucan.
It's now resolved, I'm not sure what did it as I did everything under the sun to get it back up quick.
Ultimately I think I wasn't eating and drinking enough calories and liquid.
But here's what I did to boost production:
More food, more liquid, more sleep, skin to skin time, more nursing, More milk plus (herbs), fennel, colostrum, extra pumpings, warm baths before pumping, hot compress while pumping, added back the ice cream I had cut out of my diet, pump before nursing as babies empty breast better than pump,
all in all I had 8+ oz of extra milk today so yeh!!! I would much rather have extra than have to dip into my freezer stash like I was having to.
In another note I think we all have yeast problems myself I have burning in the breasts during feedings, William still has thrush, and Micah has yeast in the diaper area, and they all respond and get better when treated with GSE, or other things, but immediately come back when treatment is discontinued, so we'll be going to the doctor tomorrow, hoping to get a script for everyone who is nursing/bf for diflucan.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Today
Rob's been in bed much of the week due to his back flaring up BAD. So I haven't been able to get to the grocery store for lack fo someone to watch the kiddos so I could go, so I sent out and email pleading for a Mother's helper for Thurs or Friday, and found a friend of mine's who has a 16 year old who is the oldest of 5 kiddos, and she was a life savior. She watch the kiddos and helped straighten the house some for me. I was able to take William with me to the store, and get the groceries we needed, and also take William to the Chiropractor. Also I was able to make a run to the library with Tommy so I could pick up the books I had reserved for him. The only down side was I had to drive to down town to pick up my friends kid as she lived in Mesquite. So I'm still in the market for a mother's helper type kid to help me out once or twice a week. I'm looking for a 12-15 year old girl that's very responsible and I'm looking to pay about $5 an hour. But I'm negotiable on this too. Let me know if you know anyone interested.
Also, I am still in the market for someone to watch all the kiddos when I go back to work, right now I'm slated to go back in September (beginning) (or sooner if we drastically improve sooner) provided everything keeps improving, and I can find someone capable of feeding William.
Also today I picked up another bottle to try for William and I accidentally left the main bottle I use at home, so in desparation I tried the new bottle and it worked. He sucked 4 oz down in about 5 minutes. here's a link to the new bottle It's more like the breast than the current bottle that he was using, so I'm hoping he may be getting closer to learning to nurse. He needs to quit clamping down as that would HURT on the breast.
Also, I am still in the market for someone to watch all the kiddos when I go back to work, right now I'm slated to go back in September (beginning) (or sooner if we drastically improve sooner) provided everything keeps improving, and I can find someone capable of feeding William.
Also today I picked up another bottle to try for William and I accidentally left the main bottle I use at home, so in desparation I tried the new bottle and it worked. He sucked 4 oz down in about 5 minutes. here's a link to the new bottle It's more like the breast than the current bottle that he was using, so I'm hoping he may be getting closer to learning to nurse. He needs to quit clamping down as that would HURT on the breast.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Our Day Tuesday
Tuesday, we had swim lessons, went home, then packed up and went to Jack Carter Pool, then went home and took a nap (Ok Tommy took the nap), I took William to his therapy appointment, then we went to the chiropractor, then back home, and Them I packed up and took everyone to soccer practice, I chased kids a soccer practice, a friend helped me with Tommy, and I did get to practice some. Then we went home and to bed. It was quite a full day.
Tommy Loved Jack Carter, they have a splash area for the kids that's about a foot deep, and in the center they have a fort like thing with 3 slides, tommy went up and down the slide SEVERAL times, and even wanted mommy to slide on the slide, but the slides are off limits to "older" people. When it was time to leave for nap time, I had to drag him kicking and screaming from the park. It was tons of fun.
At William's Therapy, the therapist worked on his frontal bone and senoid with the Cranial Sacaral Therapy, And she said to expect him to be about the length of his NICU stay behind his brother, but that if he hadn't gotten any therapy that it would be minimum double his NICU stay. His NICU stay was 7 weeks, and that's about where he is.
Micah is smiling and cooing and talking. He says 'Hi!' and 'mama' and 'nurse' now. Course 'mama' and 'nurse' are all in crys when he wants something. I'll have to see if I can catch a video of it. A friend of mine's baby is saying 'I love you' and he's only a week older, so I totally think he's saying that, and Tommy was saying 'Off' at the same age (he always heard us say off to the dogs).
At soccer practice Tommy really enjoyed playing with another boy of another player named Noah, and also with my friend Maria and her baby who came to help. He threw rocks in the water, and peed in the creek, and kicked the ball around.
Tommy Loved Jack Carter, they have a splash area for the kids that's about a foot deep, and in the center they have a fort like thing with 3 slides, tommy went up and down the slide SEVERAL times, and even wanted mommy to slide on the slide, but the slides are off limits to "older" people. When it was time to leave for nap time, I had to drag him kicking and screaming from the park. It was tons of fun.
At William's Therapy, the therapist worked on his frontal bone and senoid with the Cranial Sacaral Therapy, And she said to expect him to be about the length of his NICU stay behind his brother, but that if he hadn't gotten any therapy that it would be minimum double his NICU stay. His NICU stay was 7 weeks, and that's about where he is.
Micah is smiling and cooing and talking. He says 'Hi!' and 'mama' and 'nurse' now. Course 'mama' and 'nurse' are all in crys when he wants something. I'll have to see if I can catch a video of it. A friend of mine's baby is saying 'I love you' and he's only a week older, so I totally think he's saying that, and Tommy was saying 'Off' at the same age (he always heard us say off to the dogs).
At soccer practice Tommy really enjoyed playing with another boy of another player named Noah, and also with my friend Maria and her baby who came to help. He threw rocks in the water, and peed in the creek, and kicked the ball around.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
A day in the Life of the Conrads
Today was a busy day, we started running out the door at 8:30am to Swim lessons (for Tommy), after swim lessons we went home dropped off William and Micah with daddy and Tommy and I went to the library to pick up some books, as we try to read some books at nap and bed time each day. Rob fed William a bottle and got poop all over himself while I was gone. I had nursed Micah before leaving for the library. After the library we came home Rob left for work, we read all our books, and lay down for a nap. After much fighting Tommy finally collapsed on the floor next to his bed for his nap.
While he slept William and I met with ECI, I pumped, she showed me some neck exercises for him as he still has tendencies to the right side, and we also discussed other exercises I can do with him. She fed him a bottle for me as Micah had just awoken to eat again, and I nursed him. He ate 4 oz in about 15 minutes and quickly passed out again. William slept through most of the visit, and Micah talked and cooed away begging for attention which he wasn't lacking in.
After the ECI visit Micah nursed some more, and then Tommy awoke from his nap with a poopy diaper. We cleaned up and ran out the door about 10 min late to our 3:30 chiro appointment. After our appointment we ran home to get shoes and clothes for soccer practice and headed out the door for soccer practice, on the way we stopped at Chick-fil-a for some dinner, and a quick play on the play ground, then we headed in the direction of soccer practice, sense we were running a little early I called someone more familiar with Wylie to ask where a park would be located close to our practice location. We played at the park for close to an hour, while Tommy played and ran all over the equipment I nursed one child, and then bottled the other. After playing on the playground we headed over to the soccer fields. I pumped in the parking lot on the way, and changed clothes.
I played a little soccer and the babies lay happily in the stroller, and carseat, while Tommy played next to the field with some of the other older kids. At the first water break William was hungry and dirty again so I changed him several times and fed him a bottle, he then lay on a blanket while I was able to play some more. Then tommy came over to me hugging my legs asking me to "pick you up" ie pick me up. So at this time everybody was about to pack up and go home so we did too. At 8:30 we were headed home. We arrived home cleaned out the car, took a bath, had a snack, and lay in bed about 9:40 for some stories. Then I nursed Micah while Rob gave William a bottle, and both babies passed out on the couch with Rob and I. I will then pick up the house, wash diapers, wash bottles and head to bed myself.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
William
The sweetest smile ever. He was laying in bed drifting off to sleep and smiling several times so I grabbed the camera and caught this just in time!
New Pictures:
Tommy Feeding Papa's Ducks!!
William and Micah in the shirt Nana and Papa picked up on their vacation.
Micah and William Sleeping
More Size difference Micah and William Sleeping
Tommy Pumping for the babies
Monday, June 16, 2008
William OT
We had OT today, and cried through most of the Cranial Treatment. It was tough! He seemed a lot more relaxed after it was over. He always seems to sleep a lot after treatments. We're seeing more reflexes than we saw in the beginning, and Susan was saying that we will be watching to see if he coordinates and combines the reflexes and makes them into brain functions instead of spinal cord reflexes. He keeps improving, but the improvement is slow.
In other news it appears that the yeast/thrush is back. we finished our medicine on Friday ~9 days, and sunday the white patch on the tongue was back. I'm still giving motrin every day, but today was only one dose instead of 2. I'm also giving pro-biotics in his milk, and still taking anti-yeast supplements myself.
Nana's
Saturday Rob was working so we headed to Nana's house, after two accidents and 3 fits in trying to pack up and head out the door. Finally we were in the car and on the way. We stopped on the way and picked up chick-fil-a, and then continued on the hour drive to nana and papa's house. at nana and papas Tommy played in the pool, feed the ducks, slid on the slide, and took a nap with papa. Then we played in the pool again (this time with Daddy as he drove out after work). It was a fun day. I took some pictures I'll try to upload soon.
Train Ride
Wed or Tuesday last week Tommy asked me to ride the train. I told him Friday we would ride the train as we had plans for every day that week but friday. So friday after nap time we headed to the train. I had Maddie helping me out all day, and so she helped with the train ride too. She carried William and held Tommy's hand while I carried the stuff (diapers, and stroller) and Micah. We got on the DART rail at 15th street station and rode to city place, then we got off, rode up the escalators to the top, and then went down and re-boarded the train, and rode back to the 15th street station. About a stop before our stop tommy was telling me all done train, but then when we got off he was crying more more train. We played in the park close to the stop, and then headed home.
Friday, June 13, 2008
LC Visit
Well Sharon Assessed him and he chomped on her finger quite hard several times, and she quickly declared that he's not ready, and I agree, he is better with the sucking sometimes, but not this time, and not consistently enough. She encouraged me to keep trying, but did say that she wouldn't put a nipple within ten feet of his mouth with how he chomped on her finger. So we'll continue our therapy and try again later, keep doing the skin to skin and maybe at 5-6 months he will be ready. The important thing in the mean time is he's getting breast milk and I'm pumping to keep the milk supply availiable to him....
Thursday, June 12, 2008
LC Appointment
I'm taking William to see a LC tomorrow to see if we can work a plan to get him to the breast. We've been treating a thrush infection and it seems much better now, and also with doing that his suck has been much more consistent (though still not always) at a bottle, so I feel it's time now to try to see a Lactation Consultant, so we have an appointment tomorrow. I really don't know what to expect, but I would love to get him to the breast eventually. He's 3 months old now, but didn't start feeding on his own (without NG tube) till close to 7 weeks. Benefits for getting him to the breast include improving the muscles of the face and throat, more relaxing hormones to help him relax and lessen the muscle tone.
Neurologist
Well I screwed up today, I asked for Rob to be off on the 12th, I totally thought our appointment was on the 12th of June, and on Thursday. So I show up promptly at 7:50 as I'm suppose to be for a first time appointment at 8:20. Only to find out that our appointment was suppose to be yesterday. So they do some checking and they can fit me in first thing today, but the doctor doesn't get their today till 9am. So we wait and have William's appointment at 9 am.
So we see the doctor, they weigh and measure him he's 22.5 inches and 9# 6.5 oz. Yeah, more weight gain! ;) The doctor asks me questions about his development and what he's been doing. And what my concerns are. He says he's about a month behind, he should be smiling and cooing more, and he just gave his first intentional smile to me this morning when I was changing his diaper. We discussed his Hyper muscle tone (too much muscle tone/holding his limbs all stiff) he said we can do two things for the hyper tone, we can do therapy (which we are doing) or we can give medication that will relax his muscles, and the medication they would give would be valium. After examining him he suggested we continue with the therapy, and to call if his tone got worse, but that he didn't need medication at this time. He did say instead of giving Tylenol to give motrin for pain, to help with the inflammation. Also, that if we find that we are giving Motrin or Tylenol everyday that we may need to switch to the valium as valium is easier on the liver and kidneys.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Skills of a Two Year old
Don't forget to take your keys with you into the garage, especially when babies are in the house and especially with a two year old. No nothing happened to the babies, and everybody was fine, but it could have been a whole lot worse. Some times you just don't know what a two year old can do till you go out to grab something from the car really quick and come back to find the door locked. Yes LOCKED! Did I mention it's raining outside too. I knocked on the door and could hear tommy on the other side, so I immediately knew what happened. I try to tell him to unlock the door, and could quickly tell he couldn't figure out how to do that, but I quickly remember that I just got the mail in the front and left the front door unlocked then, so I dash around the house,in the rain barefoot through the wet grass, and I was correct, and am now back in the house. A sigh of relief, and a hilarious laugh for Rob when I call him to tell him the story while he's at work.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Treatment for Yeast
What we are doing to treat the yeast:
1. Nystatin 4 x a day for 7-10 days
2. Avoiding extra sugars (or trying to) (this also means we aren't fortifying the milk anymore because the 2nd ingredient on the formula is corn syrup solids, yeast food basically)
3. Gentian Violet 1-2 x a day
4. Sterilizing bottles
5. I'm taking Garlic, Echinacea, Grapefruit Seed Extract (all anti yeast supplements)
6. Using Burt's Beas Baby oil, and Grapefruit Seed Extract Mixture on Diaper area, and powder (per pediatrician instructions)
Also:
1. Tylenol 2 x a day for pain (has helped stiffness with arms and legs, and less arching, and a few more smiles).
Also if the Nystatin doesn't clear it up, I will push for systemic medication like diflucan.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Root of the Problem
We may have found the root of the problem with William's weight gain/feeding issues. YEAST!! We had our appointment with Speech (ST) and OT Tuesday. William showed all his usual problems iwth the feeding we did with her. Lots of arching, spitting, milk running out the side of his mouth. She said what I've felt all along, that he looks like he's in a lot of pain, and she wanted to wait for most things til the yeast cleared up. She said she felt like the yeast was causing the pain, and it was right on the portion of his tongue responsible for swallowing. She really felt like his problems eating would be much better after the yeast was gone.
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