Matt and I had a really great day yesterday, and the report from Granny and Grandaddy was that Jonah was a very good boy... who took an extra long nap. Go figure. Matt and I were able to eat a delicious meal at Cracker Barrel, and then we were able to use our 50% coupons at Gap and caught a few other clearance sales. I love me a good sale. It would seem I'm becoming a shopper in my old age. Funny how being stuck at home will do that to a girl. Afterwards, we went to see Inception and then got dinner at Ronni's. And between my carb-fest at Cracker Barrel and the wings and pizza (both still as good as I remembered) at Ronni's, I'm fairly certain I gained 10 pounds. Oh well. Back on the wagon tomorrow. My goal is to work out four times this week, but that will mean getting up at 5:45 at least two mornings this week and going first thing. Pray for me, folks. It will take a miracle to make that one happen.
We made it to church today and Jonah is napping now. Good day so far.
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A quick Jonah update:
- Eating: I took a mega break from offering anything to him by mouth. For both of our sakes, and it was the right decision seeing as how I don't feel like jumping out our kitchen window anymore (kidding... sort of). A couple of times this week, I've very nonchalantly offered Jonah some yogurt here and there, and he's eaten a couple of ounces a time or two. No problem, Little Buddy. It's all good. (This is me, not caring.)
- Sleeping: Still sleeping all night most every night for about 11 hours. Good stuff. He only takes one nap a day, for an hour and a half. I'd love to push that to two hours, but I'll take what I can get.
- Pain/Skin: Jonah's been in rough shape these last couple of weeks. He has a huge raw area (from a refilling, growing, dragging blister) on the top of his left arm/back, two big places on each side where his ribs are, a place around his g-tube site, a small place on the top of the other arm, and a big spot on the bottom of his foot/toes. His face is doing pretty well, but his forehead and eyelids are worse than the rest. I can't wait until he knows what rubbing does to his face and can understand to take it easy, already.
- Nutrition: In the last seven weeks, Jonah has gained three and a half pounds, and has grown three and a half centimeters. He has jumped from the 25th percentile to the 75th. Thank you, avocado, flaxseed oil, and duocal. We're backing off some of the calories and are able to relax a little more about the volume he takes in. It's nice to not feel like every calorie is life or death now. I'm so thankful.
- Cuteness: Yep, he still is.
So overall, things are well. Jonah has his 18 month check-up a week from Monday. I think this will be the first time EVER that we've not had to go to the doctor between well visits. Three months without a pediatrician visit! Thank you, God!
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I wanted to tell you about a couple of cool things I found out about this past week. You already know that I'm a mega fan of online grocery shopping. Actually, I try to do as much shopping online as I can, since our schedule, most days, doesn't allow for much getting out.
I now follow this blog, Money Saving Mom. It's a great place to print out coupons if you don't get the newspaper, and you can sign up for weekly emails and pick your preferred stores, and she'll email you the deals/coupon match ups to save you lots of money. I haven't really figured it all out yet, but she makes it super easy. You can join her Facebook page here.
And I also signed up with Groupon this week. It's free to join and you get emailed one coupon/awesome deal per day. You can take it or leave it, and there are a lot of things that don't interest me, but when you get a good one, it's so good. Matt and I each have an account and each paid for a $25 coupon to get $50 of clothes from The Gap. We paid $50 for $100 worth of clothes yesterday. Woohoo! (Note: you don't get your coupon immediately... or at least The Gap one didn't come immediately. I got it in an email the next day and printed it out from there, so don't be worried if it takes a while before you get it in your inbox.)
And probably my favorite discovery that I learned about from MckMama, ebates! Do you guys know about ebates? Essentially, you sign up for a free account, and you go there before you begin any online shopping. They have pretty much any store you can think of AND you can search for coupons (online codes) to get a percentage off and/or free shipping. And if you click on the store link from ebates (go through their site to get to your store of choice), you earn cash back on your purchases... anywhere from 1-10% in most cases. I've already earned a few dollars back. I think they send you your check quarterly. Anyway, if you want to sign up, it's free. AND I get rewarded for referring folks if you let them know I sent you. You can click here if you'd like to let them know you're coming through me. I've loved it so far.
Alright, just wanted to let you know about those fun things. Hope everyone is having a good and restful weekend. We're one week closer to Fall. Oh man, I can't wait. (On a side note, Cracker Barrel already has some of their Christmas stuff up! Apparently nobody's told them that it's still AUGUST.)
Showing posts with label jonah sleeping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jonah sleeping. Show all posts
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
jonah update
Thought I'd give you a little Jonah update since it's been a while.
We're now down to three bottles a day: 9:00, 2:30, and bedtime (around 8:00). We're trying solids in between at 1:00 and 6:30. He's still not interested and won't take more than about three bites. I've tried everything. Really. So now we're down by a bottle, eating anywhere from four to seven ounces less than he was getting when he was taking four. BUT it was a struggle to feed him that 4:00 bottle. He didn't want it. He wasn't sleepy so there was no forcing it, and it had gotten to where if he ate four ounces that was good. And it was pulling teeth to get him to do that. I think he wanted to cut back, and as much as I can, I'm trying to let him set his schedule. But it bothers me that he's getting fewer ounces and not eating solids. He still won't touch a sippy cup. I've tried most of them and several cups the OT gave me to try.
Whatever. It is what it is. We have an appointment with Kids Eat (a children's eating therapy program comprised of a speech therapist, nutritionist, and a pediatric doctor specializing in feeding issues) on April 5th. Honestly, I'm not sure anything short of a miracle can help him. It's all psychological.
Sleeping has gotten a TON better. Jonah, for the most part, now puts himself to sleep. I still hold him for his morning nap since he falls asleep while he's eating, but he now takes an afternoon nap in his bed. True, it's only for thirty minutes, but I also get the thirty minutes he lies in bed and talks himself to sleep. I go up to his room and feed him at 2:30. He falls asleep during the bottle and then I put him in bed. He immediately wakes up. I get him out, make sure he doesn't need to burp, and then put him back in bed. He cries for one to two minutes. I lie in the floor (out of sight) and listen out for puke noises and if he seems okay, I come downstairs. The problem is there's about a 25% chance that laying him down and him crying hard (if even only for a minute) on a full stomach will make him gush. Which is really bad when he's lying down... but still, worth the risk.
AND he's sleeping through the night. Going down around 8:30 or 9:00 and we don't have to go up there until 7:00 or 7:15 in the morning. Even if he wakes up, he usually lets out a cry or two and SELF SOOTHES himself back to sleep.
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
Even before when he'd sleep through the night, he'd wake up screaming around 10 or 11, and we'd typically have to go back up and re-rock him and it was a struggle to get him back to sleep. But now he's really got it. And so far, his face has looked better than before, so apparently he's not doing any face rubbing as part of his self-soothing process. The puke risk is the only thing that worries me and like I said, so far, has been totally worth it.
His toes are blistered, but aren't doing too badly. Basically he got some big blisters the first few days and they've spread. But we're not getting big ones daily or anything. His left foot really worries me. His second and third toes are badly webbed to the bottom of his foot. And I worry that leaving his feet unwrapped won't stop the webbing. But there's really no way to wrap his toes separate from the bottom of his foot since the space there is already gone. I don't know. It causes me lots of anxiety. I'll probably know more after his April 15 dermatology appointment.
We are on the last two tiers of genetic testing for Junctional EB. I think they are testing LAMA3 and Collagen 17 now. If he has Junctional, I think we will find a defect in Collagen 17. If they don't find anything on these last two genes, it's likely that his biopsies were wrong, and he may have RDEB. I got nauseous just typing that last sentence. I can't even go there at this point. I'm praying he's just a more mild Junctional. The webbing scares me though. It really does. We should know in about ten weeks.
So that's where we stand right now. He's eating enough but not interested in solids or a sippy cup, and for anything over four ounces has to be asleep to take a bottle. He's sleeping like a champ. His feet are worrying me, and we're still waiting on genetic testing results. Lots to be anxious about but even more to be thankful for.
And he's as adorable as ever (with lots of "Mommy, if you are anywhere in my line of sight and NOT paying direct attention to me" whining thrown in).
Hope everyone had a good weekend. We didn't make it to church. With the time change, we wouldn't have been able to get dressing change and his morning bottle/nap done in time without having to wake him up and get him out of bed an hour early. I didn't feel good about that. But I did miss getting to go to church. Hopefully next week.
We're now down to three bottles a day: 9:00, 2:30, and bedtime (around 8:00). We're trying solids in between at 1:00 and 6:30. He's still not interested and won't take more than about three bites. I've tried everything. Really. So now we're down by a bottle, eating anywhere from four to seven ounces less than he was getting when he was taking four. BUT it was a struggle to feed him that 4:00 bottle. He didn't want it. He wasn't sleepy so there was no forcing it, and it had gotten to where if he ate four ounces that was good. And it was pulling teeth to get him to do that. I think he wanted to cut back, and as much as I can, I'm trying to let him set his schedule. But it bothers me that he's getting fewer ounces and not eating solids. He still won't touch a sippy cup. I've tried most of them and several cups the OT gave me to try.
Whatever. It is what it is. We have an appointment with Kids Eat (a children's eating therapy program comprised of a speech therapist, nutritionist, and a pediatric doctor specializing in feeding issues) on April 5th. Honestly, I'm not sure anything short of a miracle can help him. It's all psychological.
Sleeping has gotten a TON better. Jonah, for the most part, now puts himself to sleep. I still hold him for his morning nap since he falls asleep while he's eating, but he now takes an afternoon nap in his bed. True, it's only for thirty minutes, but I also get the thirty minutes he lies in bed and talks himself to sleep. I go up to his room and feed him at 2:30. He falls asleep during the bottle and then I put him in bed. He immediately wakes up. I get him out, make sure he doesn't need to burp, and then put him back in bed. He cries for one to two minutes. I lie in the floor (out of sight) and listen out for puke noises and if he seems okay, I come downstairs. The problem is there's about a 25% chance that laying him down and him crying hard (if even only for a minute) on a full stomach will make him gush. Which is really bad when he's lying down... but still, worth the risk.
AND he's sleeping through the night. Going down around 8:30 or 9:00 and we don't have to go up there until 7:00 or 7:15 in the morning. Even if he wakes up, he usually lets out a cry or two and SELF SOOTHES himself back to sleep.
GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
Even before when he'd sleep through the night, he'd wake up screaming around 10 or 11, and we'd typically have to go back up and re-rock him and it was a struggle to get him back to sleep. But now he's really got it. And so far, his face has looked better than before, so apparently he's not doing any face rubbing as part of his self-soothing process. The puke risk is the only thing that worries me and like I said, so far, has been totally worth it.
His toes are blistered, but aren't doing too badly. Basically he got some big blisters the first few days and they've spread. But we're not getting big ones daily or anything. His left foot really worries me. His second and third toes are badly webbed to the bottom of his foot. And I worry that leaving his feet unwrapped won't stop the webbing. But there's really no way to wrap his toes separate from the bottom of his foot since the space there is already gone. I don't know. It causes me lots of anxiety. I'll probably know more after his April 15 dermatology appointment.
We are on the last two tiers of genetic testing for Junctional EB. I think they are testing LAMA3 and Collagen 17 now. If he has Junctional, I think we will find a defect in Collagen 17. If they don't find anything on these last two genes, it's likely that his biopsies were wrong, and he may have RDEB. I got nauseous just typing that last sentence. I can't even go there at this point. I'm praying he's just a more mild Junctional. The webbing scares me though. It really does. We should know in about ten weeks.
So that's where we stand right now. He's eating enough but not interested in solids or a sippy cup, and for anything over four ounces has to be asleep to take a bottle. He's sleeping like a champ. His feet are worrying me, and we're still waiting on genetic testing results. Lots to be anxious about but even more to be thankful for.
And he's as adorable as ever (with lots of "Mommy, if you are anywhere in my line of sight and NOT paying direct attention to me" whining thrown in).
Hope everyone had a good weekend. We didn't make it to church. With the time change, we wouldn't have been able to get dressing change and his morning bottle/nap done in time without having to wake him up and get him out of bed an hour early. I didn't feel good about that. But I did miss getting to go to church. Hopefully next week.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
merry christmas adam
We haven't done a whole lot today. We got dressing change out of the way first thing and then Jonah and I just kind of hung out until this afternoon. We had to go pick up our grocery order at 2:30. I know I've said that before but online grocery shopping is the bomb diggidy. I can pick out everything in about half the time, always know I'm getting the best price because you can sort by lowest unit price, and save money because I don't impulse shop. The $4.95 is totally worth it. My understanding is that you can use coupons, but I'm not sure how that works. I don't know if you have to let them know ahead of time so they wait and ring up your order or if they credit money to your next purchase. Either way, it's good stuff.
When we got home, there were flowers for me waiting on the front porch. Guess who they were from? Matt's dad! So sweet. And because they have real garland or something in them, the house smells like a Christmas tree now. Our tree is artificial, so I'm very glad to have the real smell.
Jonah did NOT sleep all night last night... not even close, actually. But we hope that last night was the fluke and not the two nights before. He refused to eat overnight though, so I'm hoping that's a good sign. More interest in sleeping than eating at night is the first step, I'd say. Guess what? Thirty-one point eight ounces today with no gushers. I'm so thankful that he's eating better. And now that I have groceries (finally), we're getting started on the solids for real. I'm going to be really relaxed about it though. He can eat how much he wants, and as soon as he starts acting disinterested, we're all done. I'm not pushing it until we HAVE to push it.
Okay, I'm not sure when I'll post again, but I'll try to get some photos up when I can. Tomorrow is our first Christmas at my Mom's house. Ham and Lima beans, here I come.
Merry Christmas Adam! (Get it? Because he came first. Get it? That one is compliments of Matt's Dad too. You're welcome.)
When we got home, there were flowers for me waiting on the front porch. Guess who they were from? Matt's dad! So sweet. And because they have real garland or something in them, the house smells like a Christmas tree now. Our tree is artificial, so I'm very glad to have the real smell.
Jonah did NOT sleep all night last night... not even close, actually. But we hope that last night was the fluke and not the two nights before. He refused to eat overnight though, so I'm hoping that's a good sign. More interest in sleeping than eating at night is the first step, I'd say. Guess what? Thirty-one point eight ounces today with no gushers. I'm so thankful that he's eating better. And now that I have groceries (finally), we're getting started on the solids for real. I'm going to be really relaxed about it though. He can eat how much he wants, and as soon as he starts acting disinterested, we're all done. I'm not pushing it until we HAVE to push it.
Okay, I'm not sure when I'll post again, but I'll try to get some photos up when I can. Tomorrow is our first Christmas at my Mom's house. Ham and Lima beans, here I come.
Merry Christmas Adam! (Get it? Because he came first. Get it? That one is compliments of Matt's Dad too. You're welcome.)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
tissue paper
Hey everybody.
It's me, Jonah. Guess what? I slept all night again last night. That's two nights in a row. Mommy and Daddy can't believe it when they wake up in the morning and realize that it's the alarm clock waking them up. Now if Mommy could just get in bed before 11:30.
Today was a pretty good day, but I was a little more fussy than usual. Probably teething, Mom thinks. I ate 29 ounces today, but I gushed up about four or five of that. Mom tried six ounces of the soy mixed with just two ounces of the Peptamen Jr. for my first bottle of the day, and apparently I can't handle that either. So it's either a whey protein allergy or lactose intolerance or both. Sigh. Anyway, Mom's not trying the Peptamen again unless I stop eating the soy. But I'm really eating great these last couple of days.
We went to Target today (again). Mommy had some things to return and a few things to pick up. When we got there, before Mom got me out of my car seat, I spit up all down my shirt and pants. Mommy gave up, buckled me back up, and we left. But then she put on her big girl panties, gave her self a pep talk, went through the Chick-fil-A drive-thru for a pick-me-up sweet tea, and we went back. She said something about it being society that says your kid's not supposed to go around covered in vomit and smelling funky. "We're not letting the man get us down," she said. I don't really know what any of that means, but back to Target we went. So just to show Mommy how proud I was of her, I puked all down myself again while we were standing at the return counter. Sorry, Mom.
And tonight Mimi and Papa (Daddy's Aunt Patsy and Uncle Bill) came over to give me my Christmas present.
Guess what they got me???
TISSUE PAPER!
I LOVE me some tissue paper.
Mommy says that somebody named Santa Claus is coming in a few days and will bring more tissue paper. We're celebrating about four or five different Christmases this year with different parts of the family. Mom says she better cut down on her photos per gift ratio or it's going to be out of control. She took 14 photos of me opening this one present. She's so silly.
It's me, Jonah. Guess what? I slept all night again last night. That's two nights in a row. Mommy and Daddy can't believe it when they wake up in the morning and realize that it's the alarm clock waking them up. Now if Mommy could just get in bed before 11:30.
Today was a pretty good day, but I was a little more fussy than usual. Probably teething, Mom thinks. I ate 29 ounces today, but I gushed up about four or five of that. Mom tried six ounces of the soy mixed with just two ounces of the Peptamen Jr. for my first bottle of the day, and apparently I can't handle that either. So it's either a whey protein allergy or lactose intolerance or both. Sigh. Anyway, Mom's not trying the Peptamen again unless I stop eating the soy. But I'm really eating great these last couple of days.
We went to Target today (again). Mommy had some things to return and a few things to pick up. When we got there, before Mom got me out of my car seat, I spit up all down my shirt and pants. Mommy gave up, buckled me back up, and we left. But then she put on her big girl panties, gave her self a pep talk, went through the Chick-fil-A drive-thru for a pick-me-up sweet tea, and we went back. She said something about it being society that says your kid's not supposed to go around covered in vomit and smelling funky. "We're not letting the man get us down," she said. I don't really know what any of that means, but back to Target we went. So just to show Mommy how proud I was of her, I puked all down myself again while we were standing at the return counter. Sorry, Mom.
And tonight Mimi and Papa (Daddy's Aunt Patsy and Uncle Bill) came over to give me my Christmas present.
Guess what they got me???
TISSUE PAPER!
I LOVE me some tissue paper.
Oh yeah, and it came with a cool, squishy, sock dog.
HOORAY!
Mommy says that somebody named Santa Claus is coming in a few days and will bring more tissue paper. We're celebrating about four or five different Christmases this year with different parts of the family. Mom says she better cut down on her photos per gift ratio or it's going to be out of control. She took 14 photos of me opening this one present. She's so silly.
Anyway, that's it for me for now. I'll catch you guys on the 27th.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love,
Jonah
Jonah
Monday, December 21, 2009
snow days
A few pics from our snow days.
Hanging out with Dad on the bed.
Hanging out on the coffee table. (Don't freak out, Granny. Matt was standing just outside the frame ready to catch him if he started to roll.)
Hanging out with Dad on the bed.
Hanging out on the coffee table. (Don't freak out, Granny. Matt was standing just outside the frame ready to catch him if he started to roll.)
This is all we got of the snow. I actually forgot we were supposed to be getting snow photos, and zoomed in too much. When your child can't quite sit up on his own (and certainly not in the snow), snow photos aren't so fun. Jonah was NOT feeling it.
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Jonah slept ALL NIGHT last night (9 pm to 7 am) and did not even make a peep. And guess what else? He STILL ate 29 ounces today.
It's a Christmas Miracle!!!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
sam's site and target
A couple of you have asked me about how Sam's doing after watching her on Truth Be Told on Discovery Health last night. Here is the link to her Caring Bridge for those of you who asked. I hate that I didn't post that the episode was airing (it is conclusive - Jonah has decided he hates napping. Period.), but I didn't really have a chance to blog yesterday. Sam is struggling right now with 20 to 50 new blisters a day, has just had surgery, and is waiting on some culture results on a couple questionable spots that are showing signs of infection. Her mom, Mary Beth, is great at giving updates (usually daily), not only on how things are going physically, but how Sam is holding up emotionally and also includes a lot of medical info for all us EB families (and for those of you out there who care just because... thank you!). I'm keeping my eye out for the episode to go online (I don't know if there are plans to do that), and I'll let you know if they post online or reshow the episode.
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Jonah only ate nineteen ounces yesterday. Partly this was due to the lost feeding overnight and partly to the fact that I could not get him to take ONE DROP at his before bed feeding. (I hope it's only his lip that is causing our new struggles and not the beginning of another downhill turn.)We set our clocks and woke him up to eat last night around 4am. I didn't want to do that, but he hadn't eaten since 3pm the day before, and I knew he wouldn't be tired enough for another bottle until 9am this morning. It was definitely a forced feeding, and he only took three and a half ounces. He was awake for an hour and fifteen minutes, and it was really hard to get him settled down again. I don't think we'll be waking him up tonight. If he decides to sleep through, I'd like to give it a week or so to see if he starts compensating during the day. He needs the sleep. We need the sleep. If he chooses, we'd like to let him sleep. (Note: I'm pretty sure this will probably be a moot point considering, as we've previously discussed, Jonah thinks sleep is for suckas.)
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We've had a good day today, although Jonah is a little fussier than usual. After his morning bottle, he and I went to Target, JUST THE TWO OF US. Maybe you don't think that warrants all capital letters, but considering this is only the second time (the only other time was back in June) I've EVER taken him out by myself in his whole nine months, I feel like it was a pretty big deal. Now that he's slowing down on the gushers and is eating better, I feel like we are on the brink of some normalcy. Thank God! Anyway, since his pediatrician said I can't turn his car seat around any time soon (not enough spine/back control), I bought the biggest, most easily secured mirror I could find, got Matt to install it and off we went. And I can see Jonah so much better now than I could(n't) with our Eddie Bauer mirror. Jonah I can see. Cars behind me, not so much. Our trip was a 100% success. No gushing or even spitting up. No crying. It was a nice, leisurely, much needed outing, just the two of us. He had a blast, and I was even able to do two laps around. The only reason we headed back was that it was time for another feeding. Jonah would have been content to be there for another hour I think. It was such a pretty day here today. I was so happy to get out. AND I dried my hair, put on make-up, and wore a sweater with a decorative scarf (WHAT???). I just don't know who I am anymore. Decorative scarf? Do I even know how to tie those? (Answer: not really) Shaina got all the fashion genes in our family.
Anyway, I'm so thankful for how stable things are right now. I know these moments may only be temporary, but I'm thankful just the same. My sweet boy is growing (another eight ounces this last week), happy, still infection free, and likes Target. All is well. His lip is still about the same, but I know The Healing is coming very soon.
Thank you so much for praying for Jonah and Tripp and Leah and Sam and all the other EB sweeties out there. I just love these kids. My heroes!
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Jonah only ate nineteen ounces yesterday. Partly this was due to the lost feeding overnight and partly to the fact that I could not get him to take ONE DROP at his before bed feeding. (I hope it's only his lip that is causing our new struggles and not the beginning of another downhill turn.)We set our clocks and woke him up to eat last night around 4am. I didn't want to do that, but he hadn't eaten since 3pm the day before, and I knew he wouldn't be tired enough for another bottle until 9am this morning. It was definitely a forced feeding, and he only took three and a half ounces. He was awake for an hour and fifteen minutes, and it was really hard to get him settled down again. I don't think we'll be waking him up tonight. If he decides to sleep through, I'd like to give it a week or so to see if he starts compensating during the day. He needs the sleep. We need the sleep. If he chooses, we'd like to let him sleep. (Note: I'm pretty sure this will probably be a moot point considering, as we've previously discussed, Jonah thinks sleep is for suckas.)
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We've had a good day today, although Jonah is a little fussier than usual. After his morning bottle, he and I went to Target, JUST THE TWO OF US. Maybe you don't think that warrants all capital letters, but considering this is only the second time (the only other time was back in June) I've EVER taken him out by myself in his whole nine months, I feel like it was a pretty big deal. Now that he's slowing down on the gushers and is eating better, I feel like we are on the brink of some normalcy. Thank God! Anyway, since his pediatrician said I can't turn his car seat around any time soon (not enough spine/back control), I bought the biggest, most easily secured mirror I could find, got Matt to install it and off we went. And I can see Jonah so much better now than I could(n't) with our Eddie Bauer mirror. Jonah I can see. Cars behind me, not so much. Our trip was a 100% success. No gushing or even spitting up. No crying. It was a nice, leisurely, much needed outing, just the two of us. He had a blast, and I was even able to do two laps around. The only reason we headed back was that it was time for another feeding. Jonah would have been content to be there for another hour I think. It was such a pretty day here today. I was so happy to get out. AND I dried my hair, put on make-up, and wore a sweater with a decorative scarf (WHAT???). I just don't know who I am anymore. Decorative scarf? Do I even know how to tie those? (Answer: not really) Shaina got all the fashion genes in our family.
Anyway, I'm so thankful for how stable things are right now. I know these moments may only be temporary, but I'm thankful just the same. My sweet boy is growing (another eight ounces this last week), happy, still infection free, and likes Target. All is well. His lip is still about the same, but I know The Healing is coming very soon.
Thank you so much for praying for Jonah and Tripp and Leah and Sam and all the other EB sweeties out there. I just love these kids. My heroes!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
a couple updates
Jonah slept through the night! He had been getting up three to four times a night here lately, so the sleeping all the way through was a very welcome change. However, now we are down a feeding, so I'm praying he'll compensate during the day.
He's still been eating very well, usually averaging between 25 to 30 ounces. Thanksgiving Day he ate horribly, but it was partially my fault. I realized the next day that I had been inadvertently using level one nipples part of the time. Debbie had bought some new bottles for us, and I wasn't even thinking about it when I dried them and put them together that, even though they are eight ounce bottles, they come with level one nipples. He does and has been using level three nipples for a very long time, and as much junk as we add to his bottles, I'm sure he was completely frustrated that nothing was coming out. I felt terrible when I realized it. I had meant to change the nipples out for ones I had brought from home.
That may have had something to do with making his lip worse, but it had blistered several days before, so I knew it was just a matter of time before that skin sloughed off, which it did on Friday. And unfortunately most of the photos you saw in the Thanksgiving post were taken before it got so bad. It is still very bad, bleeding with every bottle and many times when he puts a toy to his mouth. Then it will re-scab, but it happens again and again. I'm trying to keep Aquaphor on it, but I'm at a loss since I can't use my ever loved Polysporin/Desitin combo. It's hard when his lip is in such bad shape, because you can't use anything on it that's bad to ingest.
Off to attempt our first feeding of the day, but just wanted to give those couple updates. Continued prayer for his lip (which is proving impossible to heal) would be appreciated.
Thanks :)
He's still been eating very well, usually averaging between 25 to 30 ounces. Thanksgiving Day he ate horribly, but it was partially my fault. I realized the next day that I had been inadvertently using level one nipples part of the time. Debbie had bought some new bottles for us, and I wasn't even thinking about it when I dried them and put them together that, even though they are eight ounce bottles, they come with level one nipples. He does and has been using level three nipples for a very long time, and as much junk as we add to his bottles, I'm sure he was completely frustrated that nothing was coming out. I felt terrible when I realized it. I had meant to change the nipples out for ones I had brought from home.
That may have had something to do with making his lip worse, but it had blistered several days before, so I knew it was just a matter of time before that skin sloughed off, which it did on Friday. And unfortunately most of the photos you saw in the Thanksgiving post were taken before it got so bad. It is still very bad, bleeding with every bottle and many times when he puts a toy to his mouth. Then it will re-scab, but it happens again and again. I'm trying to keep Aquaphor on it, but I'm at a loss since I can't use my ever loved Polysporin/Desitin combo. It's hard when his lip is in such bad shape, because you can't use anything on it that's bad to ingest.
Off to attempt our first feeding of the day, but just wanted to give those couple updates. Continued prayer for his lip (which is proving impossible to heal) would be appreciated.
Thanks :)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
i knew i shouldn't have blogged about it
Jonah did not take a nap at all yesterday and has only slept for 35 minutes today.
He's also had a huge gusher three days in a row now.
I knew I shouldn't have blogged about it.
He's also had a huge gusher three days in a row now.
I knew I shouldn't have blogged about it.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
jonah update
Can you believe Mom was so busy complaining about her (stupid) computer yesterday she didn't even blog about me???
Oh no...
... she didn't.
Somehow, someway, eating only 16-20 ounces a day, I managed to gain six ounces from last week. Thursday morning, when the nurse came, I made sure to save up my poop until after she weighed me. I also decided to eat 190 cc's (almost six and a half ounces) right before she walked in the door. So my input was A LOT more than my output at the moment she weighed me. I'm smart like that.
Mom says to tell you I'm doing a little better with solids. I told her I didn't want to talk about it. She said I better tell you, and she used her mean voice, so fine. Whatever. I'm doing better with solids, blah, blah, blah. Basically she means I'm not clamping my mouth as tight as I was last week. And sometimes I'll take a half an ounce of yogurt or peas or carrots, but not consistently. We tried peaches for the first time the other day, and I haven't decided yet. Mom really likes peaches. Dad thinks they're totally gross. I haven't decided whose side I'm on yet. Mom says I can side with Dad if I want to but that I better remember who gets all the poopy off my butt and plays with me all day... "if I know what's good for me," she says.
Somebody better call Social Services. She's been in quite the mood the last couple days.
Kathryn came yesterday afternoon and helped us get out of the house. Where do you think Mom chose to go?
That's right, Target.
Kathryn got her flu shot after Mom's recommendation. Mom got hers there this past Monday. It's really easy. You just go fill out a form (just like you would for a prescription), go do your shopping, and then they call you back, and it takes about five minutes. Mom said it didn't hurt at all, but she's a liar. I had to get two. They hurt. Don't believe her. She sits on a throne of lies.
I'm also napping like a champ this week. I've taken two to three hour naps every day this week except on Monday and Friday when we were running around. Mom says, "Glory Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus." I don't see what the big deal is. She tends to be overdramatic.
Anyway, you guys asked for an update, so I hijacked Mom's blog to appease the people.
We're having an uneventful weekend, just hanging around the house. We really want to make it to church tomorrow, but it's always touch and go (will I eat? will my dressings be too messed up? will I poop all over my leg bandages warranting immediate dressing change? will I have a gusher right before we walk out the door?) with me. But I misshearing Mr. Bill preach hanging out crying in the lobby, so I hope we get to go.
Hope you guys are having a good weekend too.
(Mom says she wants to decorate the house for Halloween, so we may be making another Target run. I really like Target. Mom's so glad. She was afraid I was going to be a Walmart boy. And she knew she just couldn't handle that... She says she won't have to disown me now.)
Oh no...
... she didn't.
Somehow, someway, eating only 16-20 ounces a day, I managed to gain six ounces from last week. Thursday morning, when the nurse came, I made sure to save up my poop until after she weighed me. I also decided to eat 190 cc's (almost six and a half ounces) right before she walked in the door. So my input was A LOT more than my output at the moment she weighed me. I'm smart like that.
Mom says to tell you I'm doing a little better with solids. I told her I didn't want to talk about it. She said I better tell you, and she used her mean voice, so fine. Whatever. I'm doing better with solids, blah, blah, blah. Basically she means I'm not clamping my mouth as tight as I was last week. And sometimes I'll take a half an ounce of yogurt or peas or carrots, but not consistently. We tried peaches for the first time the other day, and I haven't decided yet. Mom really likes peaches. Dad thinks they're totally gross. I haven't decided whose side I'm on yet. Mom says I can side with Dad if I want to but that I better remember who gets all the poopy off my butt and plays with me all day... "if I know what's good for me," she says.
Somebody better call Social Services. She's been in quite the mood the last couple days.
Kathryn came yesterday afternoon and helped us get out of the house. Where do you think Mom chose to go?
That's right, Target.
Kathryn got her flu shot after Mom's recommendation. Mom got hers there this past Monday. It's really easy. You just go fill out a form (just like you would for a prescription), go do your shopping, and then they call you back, and it takes about five minutes. Mom said it didn't hurt at all, but she's a liar. I had to get two. They hurt. Don't believe her. She sits on a throne of lies.
I'm also napping like a champ this week. I've taken two to three hour naps every day this week except on Monday and Friday when we were running around. Mom says, "Glory Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus." I don't see what the big deal is. She tends to be overdramatic.
Anyway, you guys asked for an update, so I hijacked Mom's blog to appease the people.
We're having an uneventful weekend, just hanging around the house. We really want to make it to church tomorrow, but it's always touch and go (will I eat? will my dressings be too messed up? will I poop all over my leg bandages warranting immediate dressing change? will I have a gusher right before we walk out the door?) with me. But I miss
Hope you guys are having a good weekend too.
(Mom says she wants to decorate the house for Halloween, so we may be making another Target run. I really like Target. Mom's so glad. She was afraid I was going to be a Walmart boy. And she knew she just couldn't handle that... She says she won't have to disown me now.)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
exhaustion
Last night was another rough night for Baby Jonut and me, so this will be short and sweet. Tonight is Matt's night, and although I'll have to get up to fix a bottle or two, I plan to take advantage of the (sort of) uninterrupted night's sleep. I don't do well on chronic sleep deprivation... seriously, at night I would say I more snarl than speak. I'm ashamed really... of who I am when I'm that tired.
Jonah did well this morning, but never really took his morning nap like he usually does. He slept for about 15 minutes of dressing change, so I was sure he would be more than ready for an afternoon nap. So I gave him his 1:00 bottle, and then he fell asleep about thirty minutes later (like usual). So I went upstairs and laid him down, and he immediately woke up. But he was happy to by lying there, so I just turned on his mobile and turned on the monitor and came back downstairs. But after only a few minutes, I heard him cough and sputter, so I went upstairs and he was lying in vomit. Great. But I reassured him that it was okay and was about to pick him up when he had two more gushers before I could grab him. When I picked him up his sheet, shirt, chest piece, and head were completely covered in gross, stinky Alimentum spit-up. Great. I didn't know what else to do so I had to call Matt to come home. He needed to have his face, head, and chest bathed, and I knew I couldn't do that and not get the rest of his bandages completely soaked without another set of hands. So I rewrapped one arm and entertained his little vomit-covered self on the changing table until Matt got home. And then Matt and I rewashed his pukey parts and rewrapped his chest. Sigh.
And we had to put him in his bouncy chair to watch some Noggin while we cleaned up the aftermath and put new sheets on his bed.
By the time we got all that done, it was 3:00, and Jonah was EXHAUSTED.
Seriously, I had to call his name about five times to get him to even acknowledge my presence. He wouldn't even blink. He was just staring all glassy-eyed into the TV.
And then he finally looked at me.
(Please notice the bib. Who knew a teething baby would drool so much? We have to keep the bib on him or otherwise he'll slobber through not only his shirt, but also his absorbent bandaging. Not good.)
He did sleep for over two hours this afternoon though. I guess that's what no naps, a bath, a dressing change, a puke fest, another partial bath, and another partial dressing change will do to you. Poor thing.
He looks...
... like I feel.
So I'm going to bed now. I feel like I could sleep for 48 hours.
Monday, September 14, 2009
misunderstood
Hey everybody.
This was my first shirt for the day.
But then I threw up all over it. And all over Mom. And all down her shirt.
I thought that was...
HILARIOUS!
So then, Mom and Granny put this cute onsie on me. Granny bought it for me.
This was my first shirt for the day.
But then I threw up all over it. And all over Mom. And all down her shirt.
I thought that was...
HILARIOUS!
So then, Mom and Granny put this cute onsie on me. Granny bought it for me.
But then I puked on it too. And this time I shared with Daddy. He had to change his whole outfit too.
Again, hilarious.
Again, hilarious.
And this is the outfit I'm in right now... another onsie from Granny.
We'll see how long it lasts.
I may or may not have a surprise in store for Mom and Dad. I couldn't rightly say.
Do you think my "crazy eyes" give me away?
Mom says to tell you guys that the not sleeping is driving her nuts. Two nights ago, it was Mom's night. I woke up at 10:40, 11:30, 12:50, 2:30, was up from 4:15-5:15, and got up for the day at 7:15. Last night with Dad was about the same. I'm not eating every time, but have to have my bottom patted and once in a while do have to be fed twice. I eat really well at 4:00, and Mom and Dad don't mind getting up with me then, because they NEED me to eat. But all those other times when I'm just making them get up, come all the way upstairs, and pat my butt for five minutes... shwew, it makes them tired. They don't feel like they ever get to complete a full sleep cycle.
Mom says to tell you guys that the not sleeping is driving her nuts. Two nights ago, it was Mom's night. I woke up at 10:40, 11:30, 12:50, 2:30, was up from 4:15-5:15, and got up for the day at 7:15. Last night with Dad was about the same. I'm not eating every time, but have to have my bottom patted and once in a while do have to be fed twice. I eat really well at 4:00, and Mom and Dad don't mind getting up with me then, because they NEED me to eat. But all those other times when I'm just making them get up, come all the way upstairs, and pat my butt for five minutes... shwew, it makes them tired. They don't feel like they ever get to complete a full sleep cycle.
And I'm still only sleeping 45 minutes to an hour and a half nap. Then I wake up. And Mom says she would be totally okay with that, but man, I wake up gruuuuumpy. I fuss for one to two hours before Mom finally gets me back to sleep for about another hour.
I don't know what the big deal is. Who wouldn't want to hang out with the awake me all the time?
I don't know what the big deal is. Who wouldn't want to hang out with the awake me all the time?
I mean, come on people. If I were Mom, I would just want to stare into my eyes all day. How can she stare into them if they're closed? I'm just trying to help her out.
I'm so misunderstood.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
your baby...
Your mama is so fat, she sat on a rainbow, and Skittles popped out.
That's the only Your Mama joke I can ever remember.
What's your point, Patrice?
No, I don't think your mama is fat. I don't even know your mama.
I'm just thinking of starting my own line of Your Baby jokes based on my own experiences.
Joke #1
Your baby is so difficult, he can't even sleep through a nap.
And it's true, folks!!! He can't even Sleep. Through. A. Nap.
Jonah usually gets up between 7 and 9, is up for about an hour, eats, takes a short morning nap, and then we do dressing change. We usually finish up with dressing change around 1:30. A couple weeks ago he was in a great schedule. He would usually sleep from 2:30 to about 5:30, and we were getting him in bed around 9. Now, I'm lucky if he sleeps 45 minutes. Then he wakes up ill as a hornet, proceeds to fuss for the next one to two hours, and then goes back to sleep for maybe another hour (but wakes up every time I try to lay him down). It's pretty frustrating, because I know he's tired and needs to sleep, but he just wakes up and can't get himself back down. We're having the same problem at night.
Part of me wants him to sleep through the night, but sometimes that's when he does his best eating, so I'm thankful for those middle of the night feedings.
The nap thing, though... Driving. Me. Nuts.
****************************************************
And for those of you who are wondering (which I'm sure you all are), Matt is happy with his Fantasy Team. It took him a while to wind down last night, because he was so excited. It was actually rather endearing (although I know the cuteness of it all will wear off come September 10th.)
And he's in two Fantasy football leagues. AND he does Fantasy baseball, basketball, and NASCAR. That's right, Fantasy Racing (NASCAR has the longest season ever). So it's year-round at our house too. I feel your pain. Football definitely seems to be the most involved though. At least I find football much more tolerable than any of the other sports. Ain't nothin' like a big ol' defensive dude running in an interception for a touchdown. Makes my day every time.
Anyway, it was fun to read your comments. Glad to know I'm not alone. Although there are times it really does get on my nerves, I think Jonah and he will have a good time playing together. Fantasy may be the only kind of sports Jonah ever plays, so I'm really thankful for it, to tell you the truth. But who knows? Jonah already blows our minds every day. I wouldn't be surprised if he excels at sports. I don't think we plan on holding him back (as long as it's relatively safe). I want him to LIVE.
Okay, well, I'm off to bed. I have no idea what this post is about. I'm too tired to come up with cohesive thoughts.
Speaking of random thoughts, I wanted to make twice baked potatoes tonight, but after I had already baked the potatoes and made the veggie/herb filling, I went to get milk and sour cream out of the fridge (to make the potato puree), and we had neither. I happened to be talking to Matt's sister on the phone at the time, and she suggested using Ranch dressing instead. Maybe that's obvious to everybody else, but I wouldn't have thought of it and found the suggestion ingenious. And they were super-tasty if I do say so myself. That Aunt Kim... she's a smart one.
Okay, for real, I'm going to bed now.
And make sure to tell your mom I meant no offense.
That's the only Your Mama joke I can ever remember.
What's your point, Patrice?
No, I don't think your mama is fat. I don't even know your mama.
I'm just thinking of starting my own line of Your Baby jokes based on my own experiences.
Joke #1
Your baby is so difficult, he can't even sleep through a nap.
And it's true, folks!!! He can't even Sleep. Through. A. Nap.
Jonah usually gets up between 7 and 9, is up for about an hour, eats, takes a short morning nap, and then we do dressing change. We usually finish up with dressing change around 1:30. A couple weeks ago he was in a great schedule. He would usually sleep from 2:30 to about 5:30, and we were getting him in bed around 9. Now, I'm lucky if he sleeps 45 minutes. Then he wakes up ill as a hornet, proceeds to fuss for the next one to two hours, and then goes back to sleep for maybe another hour (but wakes up every time I try to lay him down). It's pretty frustrating, because I know he's tired and needs to sleep, but he just wakes up and can't get himself back down. We're having the same problem at night.
Part of me wants him to sleep through the night, but sometimes that's when he does his best eating, so I'm thankful for those middle of the night feedings.
The nap thing, though... Driving. Me. Nuts.
****************************************************
And for those of you who are wondering (which I'm sure you all are), Matt is happy with his Fantasy Team. It took him a while to wind down last night, because he was so excited. It was actually rather endearing (although I know the cuteness of it all will wear off come September 10th.)
And he's in two Fantasy football leagues. AND he does Fantasy baseball, basketball, and NASCAR. That's right, Fantasy Racing (NASCAR has the longest season ever). So it's year-round at our house too. I feel your pain. Football definitely seems to be the most involved though. At least I find football much more tolerable than any of the other sports. Ain't nothin' like a big ol' defensive dude running in an interception for a touchdown. Makes my day every time.
Anyway, it was fun to read your comments. Glad to know I'm not alone. Although there are times it really does get on my nerves, I think Jonah and he will have a good time playing together. Fantasy may be the only kind of sports Jonah ever plays, so I'm really thankful for it, to tell you the truth. But who knows? Jonah already blows our minds every day. I wouldn't be surprised if he excels at sports. I don't think we plan on holding him back (as long as it's relatively safe). I want him to LIVE.
Okay, well, I'm off to bed. I have no idea what this post is about. I'm too tired to come up with cohesive thoughts.
Speaking of random thoughts, I wanted to make twice baked potatoes tonight, but after I had already baked the potatoes and made the veggie/herb filling, I went to get milk and sour cream out of the fridge (to make the potato puree), and we had neither. I happened to be talking to Matt's sister on the phone at the time, and she suggested using Ranch dressing instead. Maybe that's obvious to everybody else, but I wouldn't have thought of it and found the suggestion ingenious. And they were super-tasty if I do say so myself. That Aunt Kim... she's a smart one.
Okay, for real, I'm going to bed now.
And make sure to tell your mom I meant no offense.
Friday, August 28, 2009
six month check-up
Jonah had his six month check-up today. He did pretty well. He got one oral vaccine (which he puked all over the place... we've had quite the pukey day today... I've changed his chest bandage three times...), 2 other vaccines, and a flu shot. They tell me EB babies have a high tolerance to pain, which must be true because I was talking to him and playing with him, and he just laughed his way through the first shot. He did cry for the next one, and the nurse said that one always hurts them. He seemed fine tonight though. He never runs a fever or gets extra fussy (or even extra tired) when he gets shots. His height and weight are both between the 25th and 50th percentile. His growth is great, and the doctor was just so pleased with how he's growing. She thinks it's a God-thing too, because it sure doesn't make worldly sense how he keeps pulling it off.
They did well today, and I'm happy to report there was no injection-site-rubbing or tongue-depressing. He was handled with great care. :)
I LOVE Dr. B. She is just so sweet, and she spends so much time with us. I never feel rushed or like she's doing an "obligatory" visit. She spent at least a half an hour with us today. And honestly, the appointment ended up being more about me than about Jonah. I had a slight emotional breakdown and pretty much went off about everything from sleep deprivation to what's wrong with the health care system in our country (soap box much?). She was so sweet, and just kept saying she wishes there was more that she could do for us and that they're here for us. And they are. And I love that. And I'm better now... sort of.
It's been a tough one. On the days where he vomits much and sleeps little, I get more overwhelmed. But usually he follows up with a wonderfully non-vomitous day, and things always seem brighter in the morning. And it's Matt's night tonight, so I'm hoping for some nice sleep.
He semi-put himself to sleep tonight. We fed him. He puked. We fed him some more. He puked some more. So by that time he was very awake, to say the least. So then we just put him in bed and turned on his mobile. I stayed in his room but out of sight, and after about thirty minutes, he got really quiet. I went over, and his eyes were closed, and he was rubbing his face, so I just held his hand down by his side for about ten seconds, and he was gone. I'm hoping this can kind of start being a habit. Dr. B says he's probably waking up so much at night for butt-pattings, because he just doesn't know how to get back to sleep on his own. She knows that crying it out is not an option, but this is kind of a modified talk-yourself-to-sleep method, and I'm hoping we can work with him on this.
Oh, I've been invited to speak at my first event. I don't want to give the details yet, because it's just been a game of phone tag with the organizer, but I've said yes to her voicemail. I'm totally nervous and kind of want to throw up in my mouth a little bit, but I really believe in the event, and really want to be involved however I can. I'm excited but scared out of my mind. Even though I love to talk and am a (former) teacher, I still get really nervous with public speaking. It's kind of one of those things that I freak out about until the moment I start talking, and then the nerves kind of just go away. I'm hoping that will be the case this time... you know, if it works out. I'll keep you posted.
Well, I'm off to bed. This very long day has come to an end. But I'm still thankful for it. I hope I never sound ungrateful when I'm having these tough days. I'm definitely not. I thank God every day for Jonah, and even if the circumstances are less than ideal, I'll do what I need to do for him and will praise God for every moment I get with him. Please don't misread exhaustion for ingratitude. He is so great! He's stolen my heart.
They did well today, and I'm happy to report there was no injection-site-rubbing or tongue-depressing. He was handled with great care. :)
I LOVE Dr. B. She is just so sweet, and she spends so much time with us. I never feel rushed or like she's doing an "obligatory" visit. She spent at least a half an hour with us today. And honestly, the appointment ended up being more about me than about Jonah. I had a slight emotional breakdown and pretty much went off about everything from sleep deprivation to what's wrong with the health care system in our country (soap box much?). She was so sweet, and just kept saying she wishes there was more that she could do for us and that they're here for us. And they are. And I love that. And I'm better now... sort of.
It's been a tough one. On the days where he vomits much and sleeps little, I get more overwhelmed. But usually he follows up with a wonderfully non-vomitous day, and things always seem brighter in the morning. And it's Matt's night tonight, so I'm hoping for some nice sleep.
He semi-put himself to sleep tonight. We fed him. He puked. We fed him some more. He puked some more. So by that time he was very awake, to say the least. So then we just put him in bed and turned on his mobile. I stayed in his room but out of sight, and after about thirty minutes, he got really quiet. I went over, and his eyes were closed, and he was rubbing his face, so I just held his hand down by his side for about ten seconds, and he was gone. I'm hoping this can kind of start being a habit. Dr. B says he's probably waking up so much at night for butt-pattings, because he just doesn't know how to get back to sleep on his own. She knows that crying it out is not an option, but this is kind of a modified talk-yourself-to-sleep method, and I'm hoping we can work with him on this.
Oh, I've been invited to speak at my first event. I don't want to give the details yet, because it's just been a game of phone tag with the organizer, but I've said yes to her voicemail. I'm totally nervous and kind of want to throw up in my mouth a little bit, but I really believe in the event, and really want to be involved however I can. I'm excited but scared out of my mind. Even though I love to talk and am a (former) teacher, I still get really nervous with public speaking. It's kind of one of those things that I freak out about until the moment I start talking, and then the nerves kind of just go away. I'm hoping that will be the case this time... you know, if it works out. I'll keep you posted.
Well, I'm off to bed. This very long day has come to an end. But I'm still thankful for it. I hope I never sound ungrateful when I'm having these tough days. I'm definitely not. I thank God every day for Jonah, and even if the circumstances are less than ideal, I'll do what I need to do for him and will praise God for every moment I get with him. Please don't misread exhaustion for ingratitude. He is so great! He's stolen my heart.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
another random (not at all funny) post
This will be a random post because I'm definitely starting it having no idea where it will go.
First off, still having trouble on the posting photos/videos front. Something is wrong with our laptop. I cannot post pictures or videos to the blog, it will not auto-save, I can't do anything on Facebook, my sister's email freezes up when she tries to check it, the backspace button has a delay, and so on and so forth. And it's definitely just a problem with the laptop because we can do everything on our desktop. However, my video software is not loaded on the upstairs computer, so until I have time to load that, I can't post any videos. So that's why my posts of late have no media. I'm more frustrated than you are, believe me.
I feel like I have a lot on my heart tonight, but it's really all random thoughts all jumbled up, so I don't know that I can really express any of it, but just so you know I'm having deep thoughts (and that doesn't happen very often, so I thought you should know.)
What's going on with Jonah: He's being cute.
No, but really - I'm not sure about the Alimentum. Although he's eating a lot better (except for today... he had a blister on the tip of his tongue), he is spitting up a lot more. Not only does he have lots of little spit-ups during the day, but usually twice a day, he's having a monster throw-up of about three to four ounces... you know the kind - where you have to change him and change yourself... all the way down to your undies (S, S, and B, UNDAPANTS I say to you.) Has anyone else experienced this when switching from breast milk to formula? Is it because the formula is so much thicker or because I'm adding rice cereal or because the formula isn't agreeing with him??? Grrr. Every time I think we've found a solution with Jonah, something else always comes up. This is especially frustrating, because although he's always struggled with acid reflux, it's been the more "silent" type, and we typically haven't had issues with massive amounts of spit up. (And believe me, I'm using the words "spit up" here very lightly as that is not nearly descriptive of what is coming out of this child - think rushing river or Niagra Falls.) And I'm tired of having to do additional partial dressing changes several times a day. So anyway, I'm still pumping since we are unsure at this point what's going to happen. We have an appt with the GI doctor next Wed I think and with the nutritionist next Friday, so I will be interested to see what they have to say.
We ran into Dr. Heather today at Home Goods, and I was soooo excited to see her. Jonah really gave her some cute smiles, and I was glad he woke up to show her his baby blues. It's as if he was saying, "Hey, I know you. You saved my life. How's it goin'?" And on a fortuitous note, she had already spoken with a Similac Rep who knows Jonah's story and says they are willing to help with formula however they can. WOO-HOO! AND the pediatrician called and says they have lots of coupons waiting there for us, and they are also working on getting us some samples from their rep. Does my God provide or what?
These last couple days, I’ve realized how much he’s growing up. I’ve had to pack up a lot of the clothes he’s outgrown (most that he never got to wear), and today I had to buy him one of those little mesh seats for the real tub, because the baby tub has gotten too small (well, too small to keep him from harming himself anyway). It’s weird that he’s so big. And I find myself saying things like, “I can’t wait until he’s old enough to know he shouldn’t rub his face” or “I can’t wait until he can sit up and know to hold still during dressing change.” But I don’t want to wish this time away. Maybe it’s all tied up in the likely cessation of pumping. I don’t feel guilt about it, as much as it just makes me sad that I never got to nurse him, and will probably never get to nurse a baby. And that just makes me so sad… that I’ll never get that. I, I, I, me, me, me. And we know it’s all about me, right? Geez.
Jonah’s forgotten how to sleep through the night. Last night it was back to being up with him twice – once at 2:00 and once at 5:30. I don’t know why he’s backtracking, but we’re soooo tired. I want my seven hours back. Even before last night, he has been waking up three to five times a night for butt patting and usually once for a feeding. It’s so weird because he’s eating MORE now but sleeping less. I can't figure these creatures out. He’s snoozing now, but I’m always up one to two hours after he’s gone down because of laundry, dishes, setting up for tomorrow’s dressing change, pumping etc… We get in bed about the time he’s waking up.
Anyway, guess I better run. I’m really tired, and he’ll probably be waking up in another couple of hours.
Oh, a funny thing (since this post was so boring) – I have a newly developed addiction to Nutty Buddies, and so every time I hear the ice cream truck, I have to go out and get one. However, to save money, I just decided to buy a box of the Harris Teeter ones knowing that would be cheaper. But pathetically enough, the ice cream truck slows down (or sometimes comes to a complete stop) on the corner near my house hoping to lure me out there. He doesn’t stop in front of the little kids’ houses. He stops in front of my house. I am the sucker. (See? I told you it was pathetic) But don’t worry – I’ve been eating my store-bought ones instead. I do, however, still salivate when I hear the truck music. I’m apparently just as impressionable as one of Pavlov’s dogs.
I hope to get that software uploaded to the other computer tomorrow, but no guarantees. I don’t like to spend a lot of time on the computer when I could be hanging with Jonah instead. I try to only do that kind of thing when he’s either sleeping or I’m pumping.
Ok, I’m really done now. Hope you are all having a good week.
First off, still having trouble on the posting photos/videos front. Something is wrong with our laptop. I cannot post pictures or videos to the blog, it will not auto-save, I can't do anything on Facebook, my sister's email freezes up when she tries to check it, the backspace button has a delay, and so on and so forth. And it's definitely just a problem with the laptop because we can do everything on our desktop. However, my video software is not loaded on the upstairs computer, so until I have time to load that, I can't post any videos. So that's why my posts of late have no media. I'm more frustrated than you are, believe me.
I feel like I have a lot on my heart tonight, but it's really all random thoughts all jumbled up, so I don't know that I can really express any of it, but just so you know I'm having deep thoughts (and that doesn't happen very often, so I thought you should know.)
What's going on with Jonah: He's being cute.
No, but really - I'm not sure about the Alimentum. Although he's eating a lot better (except for today... he had a blister on the tip of his tongue), he is spitting up a lot more. Not only does he have lots of little spit-ups during the day, but usually twice a day, he's having a monster throw-up of about three to four ounces... you know the kind - where you have to change him and change yourself... all the way down to your undies (S, S, and B, UNDAPANTS I say to you.) Has anyone else experienced this when switching from breast milk to formula? Is it because the formula is so much thicker or because I'm adding rice cereal or because the formula isn't agreeing with him??? Grrr. Every time I think we've found a solution with Jonah, something else always comes up. This is especially frustrating, because although he's always struggled with acid reflux, it's been the more "silent" type, and we typically haven't had issues with massive amounts of spit up. (And believe me, I'm using the words "spit up" here very lightly as that is not nearly descriptive of what is coming out of this child - think rushing river or Niagra Falls.) And I'm tired of having to do additional partial dressing changes several times a day. So anyway, I'm still pumping since we are unsure at this point what's going to happen. We have an appt with the GI doctor next Wed I think and with the nutritionist next Friday, so I will be interested to see what they have to say.
We ran into Dr. Heather today at Home Goods, and I was soooo excited to see her. Jonah really gave her some cute smiles, and I was glad he woke up to show her his baby blues. It's as if he was saying, "Hey, I know you. You saved my life. How's it goin'?" And on a fortuitous note, she had already spoken with a Similac Rep who knows Jonah's story and says they are willing to help with formula however they can. WOO-HOO! AND the pediatrician called and says they have lots of coupons waiting there for us, and they are also working on getting us some samples from their rep. Does my God provide or what?
These last couple days, I’ve realized how much he’s growing up. I’ve had to pack up a lot of the clothes he’s outgrown (most that he never got to wear), and today I had to buy him one of those little mesh seats for the real tub, because the baby tub has gotten too small (well, too small to keep him from harming himself anyway). It’s weird that he’s so big. And I find myself saying things like, “I can’t wait until he’s old enough to know he shouldn’t rub his face” or “I can’t wait until he can sit up and know to hold still during dressing change.” But I don’t want to wish this time away. Maybe it’s all tied up in the likely cessation of pumping. I don’t feel guilt about it, as much as it just makes me sad that I never got to nurse him, and will probably never get to nurse a baby. And that just makes me so sad… that I’ll never get that. I, I, I, me, me, me. And we know it’s all about me, right? Geez.
Jonah’s forgotten how to sleep through the night. Last night it was back to being up with him twice – once at 2:00 and once at 5:30. I don’t know why he’s backtracking, but we’re soooo tired. I want my seven hours back. Even before last night, he has been waking up three to five times a night for butt patting and usually once for a feeding. It’s so weird because he’s eating MORE now but sleeping less. I can't figure these creatures out. He’s snoozing now, but I’m always up one to two hours after he’s gone down because of laundry, dishes, setting up for tomorrow’s dressing change, pumping etc… We get in bed about the time he’s waking up.
Anyway, guess I better run. I’m really tired, and he’ll probably be waking up in another couple of hours.
Oh, a funny thing (since this post was so boring) – I have a newly developed addiction to Nutty Buddies, and so every time I hear the ice cream truck, I have to go out and get one. However, to save money, I just decided to buy a box of the Harris Teeter ones knowing that would be cheaper. But pathetically enough, the ice cream truck slows down (or sometimes comes to a complete stop) on the corner near my house hoping to lure me out there. He doesn’t stop in front of the little kids’ houses. He stops in front of my house. I am the sucker. (See? I told you it was pathetic) But don’t worry – I’ve been eating my store-bought ones instead. I do, however, still salivate when I hear the truck music. I’m apparently just as impressionable as one of Pavlov’s dogs.
I hope to get that software uploaded to the other computer tomorrow, but no guarantees. I don’t like to spend a lot of time on the computer when I could be hanging with Jonah instead. I try to only do that kind of thing when he’s either sleeping or I’m pumping.
Ok, I’m really done now. Hope you are all having a good week.
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