The food allergy that never was

Last Wednesday I was able to get Ezra in to see the allergist.  I was a little annoyed, after making the 1st appt. after lunch that I still had to wait 20 minutes, but regardless we were able to get in and that was the important part.  I sat down and talked to the allergist, showed him pictures and discussed my diet.  He agreed that we should test for just about everything that was regularly in my diet- I eat all the high allergen foods just about every day.  I had discussed RAST testing (a blood test) with my pediatrician.  I guess it's the first step in most allergy testing; however, it has been proven lately that it's not super effective and often comes back with tons of false positives.  I was a little nervous about the standard allergy testing and I had talked to so many people that said I shouldn't put my infant through it if I didn't have to.  But clearly, I chose that I'd rather know if my kid was highly allergic to anything than taking a chance later on.   The doctor promised me that babies were the easiest to do this testing on.  I was skeptical.  Ezra was tested for dairy, peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts, 2 or 3 other things and even cats.  He didn't even flinch.  I was ready to sing and gave him his Nuk and everything in preparation for a screaming child that I'd have to hold down while he was 'scratched' 13 times.  But nothing. He looked at me like nothing was happening and he was none the wiser.  It was awesome knowing that I hadn't tortured him to figure out what he was allergic to. 

When you get allergy testing done this way, you have to way 15 mins. for any reaction to occur, so during this time I fed Ezra.  As if planned, he broke out with a pretty impressive rash to show the doctor.  The doctor took pictures and was kind of surprised, I think, to see how red he was.  He then checked his arm to look for the culprit and..............drumroll.............................................................
NOTHING!  My little baby is allergic to nothing!  woo hoo!  At least not the big, life threatening ones!  A huge relief.  Still doesn't really explain why he turns red when he eats but the doctor says that he's not worried, especially if it only stays on his face.  So, hopefully all this allergy talk was for nothing and that'll be our final experience with food allergies.  Hard to believe it was that easy.  Of course, we'll keep an eye on things if the rash persists or it gets worse, but I can really breathe easier knowing that everything I'm eating isn't affecting Ezra.  Makes my days a little easier.  Now that we know he's not allergic to anything, we'll be starting solid foods soon! I can hardly believe that he's ready for such a milestone! 

Allergies be gone!

4 month well check

Thursday I took Ezra for his 4 month well check.  I was dreading this appointment given the events of the last 2 weeks and his newfound probable food allergy.  I'm not quite sure why, I mean I knew that the doctor wasn't going to tell me that day what he was allergic to or tell me to stop breastfeeding, but she was very positive and didn't seem overly concerned so it made me feel a ton better.  See, this time around I have been keeping up with pumping and Ezra's been gaining lots of weight and so I felt we were in a good place. Then last week, BAM, just like that he starts to break out when eating and only when eating and almost the minute the milk touches his tongue.

I have been keeping a food journal for the last week to try and pinpoint anything that might be the culprit, but to no avail.  Most of what I have read states that the only major thing that he'd get throubh breast milk would be a milk protein allergy, but the dr. says that's not likely.  He should've been allergic from the start and having tummy troubles, too.  She referred me to an allergist to get in to see in the next couple of weeks, so we'll see and I'll keep you posted.  In other news, Ezra weighs at 4 months almost what Gage weighed at 6.  He is a hefty 15lbs, 10oz. (80%ile) and 26'' (60%ile).  Another milk protein allergy side effect is low weight gain...hmmm...not here. 

A large part of what we discussed you can imagine was about his allergy.... to something.  We also discussed eating, sleeping and pooping, the same old stuff.  She said his neck control was great for his age, although Gage's seemed much better and poor Ezzy had to get several shots.  He hardly cried though so it wasn't too terribly bad.  However, the next day he did have a nasty knot from the Dtap shot...boo!  She said he wasn't sleeping as much as he should be, which we know.  All in all, I guess not a bad appt.  I'm just anticipating what will come in the next few months with the allergist.  For now, we aren't starting any solid foods until we figure out what he's allergic to, so it's all me until then.  Luckily, as I said, I'm keeping up with pumping and being productive.  I started this post the day I got back from the doctor and seemed to have much more to say....now, not so much.  Keep you posted....

Well Checks

Friday I took both boys to the doctor for their well checks.  Most people laughed at me when I said I was taking both of them, but it actually was not as bad as it could've been.  Don't get me wrong, I was apprehensive too and really if you think about it, this'll be the last time I will take both, because it just so happened that Ezra was 8 weeks old on Gage's 3rd birthday.  The appointment schedule won't line up after that.  We were there forever, however and I'm very proud of my big bad 3 year old for hanging in there through both appointments and Ezra's shots. 

Ezra at 2 months seems exactly like Gage, as far as size.  Everyone has been telling me he's such a big boy but he actually weighs almost exactly what Gage did, 12lbs. 11oz- this puts him in the 75 percentile.  See where that got us with Gage, ha.  Ezra is actually much shorter than Gage, measuring 22.5 inches.  Gage was 24ins.  Although all of us Moms know that measuring length is almost a big  fat joke when you watch them do it.  The nurse even made the comment- he's so wiggly, I'm not sure this is right.  In any case, Ezra checked out good.  We talked a little about his sleeping habits, his lack of routine, she cheked his hydrocell and his head.  We got a referral for an ENT that speaking of, I really need to call and she checked his tracking, head control, etc.  All in all, a pretty standard appointment being that Ezra has already decided he's our high maintenance baby.  Ezra did get 3 shots, plus an oral vaccine and did pretty well.  Of course he screamed but settled down way quicker than I remember Gage doing so.

Gage at 3 years is of course still the smallest kid around.  He weighed more than we thought however, weighing in at 26lbs!  ha...notice how this is only sightly more than twice his 2 month old brothers weight.  That's right, he has only doubled his weight since he was 2 months old.  That sounds crazy!  He isn't even quite 3 feet yet so as you know, we will have a permanent peanut it seems at this age.  Luke still wants to pretend he's going to be taller than him, but you never know.  We talked about potty training with Gage, which is mastered!  woohoo!  We talked a little about discipline and how he doesn't love his little brother.  We talked a little about sleep but Gage seems to get enough.  I really didn't have too many concerns with him since he's in general become a better eater in the last six months and seems to be great developmentally.  I have a feeling that something will pop up in the next year I'll want to call her about, but at this point, I'll take a healthy, although skinny, little boy.

After the hour plus long appointment we even went out to lunch and Gage was on his best behavior.  He is becoming such a little man it shocks me sometimes!

Today I am thankful for 2 healthy little men and although it's sometimes crazy in this house, I know it's all worth it and I can't wait to continue to watch them grow.

Yesterday I was thankful for all the people (30+) that came out to celebrate our little boy's birthday yesterday at the bounce house.  It was definitely a hit and complete chaos but everyone seemed to have fun.  Gage got far too many presents that we don't have room for, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

Day 17:  Although I love spending time with my children each and every day, I am also thankful for the wonderful (yet expensive) daycare that we've found for them.  It makes days like these (when Gage pitches fits ALL day and is super naughty) a little easier.  Plus because he is such a sponge, he learns SO much on a daily basis that I couldn't possibly teach him from home.  He loves his school and we hope Ezra feels the same in a few months.

Hospital Follow Up and Halloween Preview

I won't actually show you Gage and Ezra's costumes yet, but here is a hint.

Yesterday we went back to the pediatrician to follow up on Ezra's hospital stay.  They didn't report much more than we already knew, told us not to be overly cautious with where we would take him/what we would do with him.  We talked a little about his not sleeping very much and the doctor basically said there was nothing wrong other than he was a pain in the butt baby.  ha...basically if he'll sleep when we hold him or can be consoled when we hold him, there's nothing wrong- he's just high maintenance.  So I suppose all is well and I will keep my fingers crossed we can be fever free for another month!  Ezra and Gage both have appointments on the 17th of November, should be extra fun for me!

2 Week Well Check

Today was Ezra's 2 week well check.  Things went as good as to be expected, he just seems already to be our high maitenance kid.  I'm pretty sure there was nothing to report at Gage's 2 week check up.  I know he had gained 1lb. and 9 oz. at 2 weeks and 3 days.  Ezra now weighs in at 8lbs. 8oz., a 1lb. 2 oz gain in 2 weeks.  Seems to be pretty consistent.  Both of my kids like(d) to eat and both of them were well fed at this point.  In fact, if you remember, I was feeding Gage too much, because I was an overproducer and today the Dr. told me I was feeding Ezra too often and to give him a Nuk instead.  She said we had to find some way of holding him off between feedings.  I do think he was in the middle of a growth spurt these last few days so I was pretty easy on him....but maybe introducing him to Mr. Nuk will change things.  I  like how almost 3 years later, Gage still has one....grrrr..

Anyway, even though Ezra is perfectly healthy, there are a few things that need to be followed up on in the next year or so, so I thought I'd write them down as not to forget to ask at the next appt.  By the way, they did no length measurement or head circumference, so I'm a little disappointed in not knowing all his stats.  Anyway, Ezra was born with a skin tag on his ear (sometimes indicative of a hearing and/or kidney problem). At this point, we think both are working fine, but we do have to follow up with a renal ultrasound in a few months and a hearing test between 6-12 months.  We also have to follow up with a pediatric ENT in a few months to see if they'll want to remove the skin tag or let it be.  We already know we won't get it removed if he has to be under general anesthesia; however, if they can do it locally, we might consider it.  Apparently, there is some magic window we have to get it done in before they will consider doing it w/o general.  Also, Ezra has already decided he has a favorite side to sleep on and constantly rolls to his right side when we put him down.  We have to be careful and make sure to switch him over to his left side every other time we put him down so he won't acquire torticollis or get a misshapen head!

Lastly, Ezra has some kind of fluid filled sac down south we have to keep an eye on to make sure it doesn't turn into a hernia.  Again, the doctor said not to worry about it and they'll check it again at 2 months.  Unfortunately it doesn't seem like they can do much for Ezra since he's so uncomfortable after feedings.  Gage had the same problem and we ended up with reflux medicine but they don't think E has the same thing.  Maybe because he's not actually spitting up (by the way guys, if I can have a baby that doesn't spit up EVERY feeding, I don't know what I'll do) or because they have changed the way they diagnose it, but they don't feel he has reflux and instead they think it's just gas and will go away in a couple of months.  That's all fine and good, but I HATE to see him in pain after eating.  As I said before, we are going to introduce the Nuk and I'm going to start pumping to build my freezer supply and because it's such awesome weather, I plan on taking Ezra for a walk tomorrow and yay!  I'm free to drive! This time, cabin fever has been killing me!  I think that's it for now. 

When I take him back for his 2 month appt, Gage will be going to his 3 year appt....should be fun times for all.  Part of me wanted to take them in seperately because it would be easier, but really, why should I drive to the dr's twice in one week if I don't have to?  Plus, I'm now the mama of 2, so I better get used to having both of them in tow!  AND Gage doesn't have to get any shots (he just had his flu shot last week) so we should be good to go.

Here is my sweet boy at 2 weeks, can you tell he's plumped up some?

First Weight Check

Ezra came home from the hospital with a little jaundice. The doctors didn't seem overly concerned but sent us in to see the pediatrician on Saturday anyway, just to make sure no further testing needed to be done.  When we left the hospital, he seemed to be a little behind on the elimination front.  I fed him constantly, but maybe because my  milk wasn't fully in, he wasn't peeing as much as he should've been.  Regardless, things have changed quite a bit since we've been home and he's now peeing/pooping like a breastfed champ.  Also peeing on himself, but that's another whole issue.

In any case, Saturday, they determined there was no additional testing needed, but to bring him back this week for a weight check just to be sure he was getting the nutrition that he needed.  Since Saturday it has been obvious that my milk has come in and that he is getting lots of it.  As much as he wants to be fed, if he wasn't gaining weight, something was seriously wrong.  Today at his weigh in, I was hoping for him to be back to his birth weight, although they give breastfed babies up to 2 weeks.  (Gage was back at his birth weight at his 4 day checkup, so we were hoping for the same success with Ezra.)  We were so proud that Ezra weighed in today 14 ounces! more than Sat.  He has gained almost a pound in 5 days.  He is now 7lbs. 12 oz. and as healthy as can be.  Wonder if he'll be an 8lb baby by his 2 week check up!  Gage was 9lbs. at a little over 2 weeks....crazy he's such a peanut now!

18 month well check

Yesterday I took my little munchkin (literally) to the doc for his year and a half checkup.  I was a little nervous when making my question list b/c we won't visit again for a well check for 6 MORE MONTHS!  What?  You mean,  I have to figure out this terrible two's thing on my own??  Oh Lord...we'll see how that goes.  Anyway, the appointment went much better than the last when he got the dreaded MMR vaccine.  In any case, I didn't have too many concerns this time, so maybe that's why.  I did remember a few things after I left that I might email about.  Without further ado, Gage's 18 month stats are:

21lbs. 5oz. (5th %ile)
31 ins. (10th %ile)
head circumference in the 50th %ile!  woo hoo!

So yes, Gage is small and that's fine with us....what I am not fine with is the 12 mo. summer clothes that I bought him about a mo. ago that he can barely fit in now.  Somehow his belly and legs are growing exponentially.  We thought we had found a good fit in 12-18 mo. clothes from Old Navy and now realize we might be going back to 18 mo. Carters/Target....which is ok, b/c it's on the cheaper end. 

Anyway, we discussed discipline a bit, the way he walks (bowlegged), his diet, getting rid of the Nuk, when to go to a toddler bed, etc.  Nothing out of the ordinary and she seemed pleased with him overall.  I'm a little nervous not getting advice from her for the next 6 months, but luckily she's available by email, so I'll try to limit it to only one 21 month email!  ha.  So our little man is doing fine and learning new things every day!  All in all, a 'well' check up this time...........if you don't count breaking down on the way home and having to pay $500 for a new alternator.....

15 month well check up (a week late)

I mentioned in my post over the weekend that we had our 15 month well check up last week.  'Well' is a relative word, it seems.  I didn't think it went 'well' at all.  I'm pretty sure that Gage didn't think it went 'well' either.  Anyway, the doctor wasn't too concerned that Gage didn't walk yet.  She said at this point, he just had to be standing....so check that off.  Although, I do feel like he should be walking, since EVERYONE else his age is and his moving up to the toddler room in 2 weeks depends on it.  Oh well, no stress for now...alot can change in 2 weeks.

Of course going into the appointment I was pretty proud of my 'I-have-30-words' 15 month old.  I mean, he isn't walking, so I gotta be proud of something, right?  I was going to be proud that he knew 5-6 body parts and that he repeats just about everything we say.....but then, the dr. didn't even ask, didn't even care that he could say anything, other than Mommy and Daddy.  Which, as you all know, he doesn't say Mommy.  29 other things, but not Mommy....well he says 'Bobby' when he sees a picture of me, but does not call me by name or call for me....ever.  Boy, did that take the wind out of my sails!

On to the stats....Every time we go, Gage get this little sticker that says "I've Grown..." and I've saved them all in the front of his baby book.  He got one this time; however, it's a little funny, b/c he hadn't actually grown...at all, in fact, he lost weight.  At 15 months, Gage weighs 20 lbs., 5 oz., and is 29 3/4 ins. tall.  Officially teeny!  I was super concerned b/c he hadn't gained anything, but b/c he's so short too, the dr. explained that he's proportional and that unless I want a fat kid, it's ok that he hasn't gained weight.  She said he was probably following in his Daddy's footsteps and would most likely be short and small for good. 

The part that didn't go so 'well' was the shots!  As I think most people would agree the MMR shot is the DEVIL!  My poor child was sick for 3 days w/ a fever and just feeling like general crap.  It sucked.  I had NO idea it was going to be that bad.  He hadn't reacted to any of his other shots like that.  And silly me, got it confused with the DTaP vaccine and thought it was a series he had already had one of.  I won't be blindsided again.  I can't believe I hadn't heard from anyone else how bad it was. And to think that some kids get it at a year!  Not that he was any heavier now, but a year is sooo young to get hit that hard w/ the shots.  Plus he had to get 2 more AND they gave them to him in his twiggy little arms instead of his fat legs.  He SCREAMED like it hurt and I just felt awful. Anyway, I will forever dread and hate the MMR- at least I have a good 3 years before he has to get it again.  I think that's everything.  Have a wonderful weekend. Happy Friday.

Holy Smokes....my kid can eat!

We went to the dr. on Thursday and they told Gage he was a bit underweight, or rather that he was in the 30th %ile for weight...well, I guess it gave him a bit of a complex, because tonight he ate 8 oz. of solid food before he nursed. He polished off an entire container of carrots, apples and 3 oz. of cereal! I literally thought he might pop, or vomit anyway. And that is after he ate an entire container of peaches for breakfast! That's 10 oz. of food today! That's my boy!

4 month dr's appt....

Today Gage went for his 4 month well checkup and as we had hoped....all was well. They told us he would roll soon...check....and that by the time he is 6 months old he should be able to sit up on his own for a few seconds...check...and that he won't crawl until after he is 6 months old...I beg to differ on that one. In any case, our once fat boy seems to have begun to slim down and thin out. He only weighs in at 14lbs 3oz (50% percentile) and is 25.5 ins. long (75%ile). He still has a teeny head and its only grown 1/8 of an inch in the last 2 months, which puts him at the 25%ile again for head circumference. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to be affecting his intelligence!

Wow....so we got alot of advice on schedules, sleeping, napping, etc. We absolutely love our doctor and she let us ask tons of questions today, although I think eventually she was trying to hurry us along. We have chosen a variation of the Ferber method for getting him to sleep so we'll keep you posted. Tonight he ate right before going to bed and it wasn't a problem. Perhaps if we can get him on a schedule of eating somewhere around 7pm we can avoid the insomnia. He also slept sooo well last night.....from 7pm-430am and then he went back to sleep and let Daddy sleep 'til 9am. He napped pretty well also today but we are still working on that. I have to figure out a nice way to talk to the sitter about napping him in a swing. He always naps so well for her so I have a feeling that he doesn't nap in a crib. However, we did find today that he can nap with the door and windows open...probably because it is never quiet at daycare either.

Our little boy is growing up so fast! We can't believe the doc told us today he is ready for rice cereal and possibly solid foods! WE haven't even bought a high chair yet. I was planning on buying him one next month so that he could sit with us at the table and watch us eat before he started eating himself, but now I guess I gotta get on that! It's so amazing that we are at this stage and I'm so excited to see him exploring new things! It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend so hopefully we'll get outside to enjoy!

Baby's 1sts......pictures, beach trip, shots and bedtime

On Friday, an old friend Bunny took GAge's pictures for the 1st time. She took some of us as well, to have our 1st family portraits. Unfortunately we did that 1st and Gage became cranky by the end and therefore we didn't get all we wanted of him. There were some good shots though and we can't wait for the 8x10 of our little cutie! I was going to get pictures taken at 3 mos. as well, but might wait until Easter instead.

This weekend we also took Gage to the beach house for the 1st time. Thankfully the weather was so nice that we actually got to take him on the beach 2 days in a row! He loved it! Of course. Every night Gage falls asleep to the sound of the ocean from a stuffed bear his Grandma Sandi gave him, so this time it was the real thing and he was thrilled! So thrilled he immediately fell asleep both times! Hope that doesn't happen this summer, when he's supposed to play in the sand! And judging from his bath time, he is going to love the water also. (I will post picuters later, somehow Luke has lost the camera cord). While we were at the beach, Grandma took some very cute shots of Gage having tummy time. And as you can see, we taught him to swim while he was at it!





On Tuesday, when we returned from our long weekend, GAge had to get his 2 month check up and shots. He was a whopping 12lbs, 13oz., which we actually thought was way more. This is in the 75 %ile. He was 90%ile for height measuring 2 ft. and his head is of course teeny tiny as I had predicted coming in at the 25%ile. Gage had to get 3 different shots that immunizes him against 100 different things...overkill if you ask me. Anyway, he screamed of course b/c they hurt but he was easily consolable. Afterwards there was no fever and he was only cranky for a few minutes. Overall, not a bad appointment.

Finally, the latest news is Luke and I putting GAge down before we go to bed and actually implementing a 'bedtime'. The dr. suggests we unswaddle in the process so we are beginning that tonight. Last night the bedtime went pretty well and he was asleep by 9pm. However, he also didn't sleep at all yesterday so we shall see how it goes. Wish us luck! Ah....parenthood. Only 2 more days at home w/ my baby:(

A day in the life of a 7 week old- babies have bad days, too

After the couch purchase on Saturday, we thought that wasn't enough and needed also to drop another grand on Sunday on a new mattress. Oh well, hopefully the little sleep we are getting will now be in more comfort and buying new furniture is always fun. However, mattresses are probably the last thing on the list of fun new furniture.

Anyway, I am counting down the days until I have to go back to work and trying to cherish every one of them. Gage is beginning to smile and interact much more and I will be so sad to leave him. I am jealous that Luke will get to stay home with for another 4 weeks! Our little boy has still decided that he will not sleep before 1am, however, we can't complain about his night feedings. He eats at 11pm and then at 5am, which if he keeps it up will fit perfectly into our schedules when we go back to work. It could be much worse.
However, yesterday, he slept ALL day long, I think he was up for only a few short hours and we were worried he might be sick. He is his most alert at night and wants to play. It's a shame...he is so cute at night but we don't want to play with him too much since we need to wind him down for the evening. He did put himself to sleep last night though. After hours of trying, I gave up and put him down when he was just a little drowsy and after 10 minutes of talking to himself he went right to sleep.

Today was a different story......today we started the morning with eating and his favorite activity-- the bath. He smiled and cooed and all was well. We went to his room to go through all of his clothes and pack away the ones that don't fit him anymore, etc. He was laying on the floor flat on his back and had been for about an hour when he projectile vomited EVERYWHERE. So...we took another sponge bath and ate again. All was well for another hour. Gage took a 20 minute cat nap and woke up with another belly ache. The vomit continued....We ate again and the cycle continued. The amount of vomit got smaller each time since he didn't have a full belly, but none the less, it continued.

Being a 1st time mom and the fact that it had happened 3 times in a row, I called the doctor to ask if I should be concerned and they told me to bring him in. What?!? We have been to the dr. every 2 weeks for his whole life! Anyway, they 'examined' him and said everything looked good and that it was only one day. Thanks....you could've told me that on the phone and saved me $20. They said only be concerned if it continues and try smaller portions more frequently. Again, they could've told me that on the phone. I was told to call back if it continues through the night and they will do an ultrasound tomorrow. I'm hoping it was just a bad day...

I was supposed to get my nails done tomorrow while Gage plays with Jacob.....ah, babies.

Blizzard 2009, Uncle Brian, Xmas and lots of visitors

Alot has happened since the last time I updated. Gage and myself have seen the most snow we have ever seen in our lives. Not impressive for only 5 weeks of life, but in my 29 years, I have never seen so much and living in this area, might never again. Anyway, it wasn't too eventful since it left us homebound....at least the power didn't go out. Luke shoveled for about 6 hours which was definitley not the highlight, but Gage did get to go out for a little bit to show off his Snowbaby impression.



The beginning of the week of Christmas put Grandma Sandi on a plane and brought the arrival of Uncle Brian. It was great to see him since we don't get to spend too much time w/ him living on the other side of the country. Uncle B and Gage got along well.



Christmas was wonderful. It was so much fun to be home with all the family, including my brother for the 1st time in about 5 years. Gage behaved very well and got to meet tons of people who were all very excited to see him. He survived all the pokes, pinches and baby talk. Gage was soo good when we were opening presents and just hung out on his Boppy and stared at his most favorite thing ever, the Xmas tree. Gage got more presents than the rest of us of course and can't wait to play with them when he gets a little older. He even dressed up for church and was VERY good during the whole service, just staring wide eyed at all of the lights.


GAge traveled pretty well only having to stop once each way to be changed and eat. It is a little more difficult to travel with a baby and our lives and travels will never be the same. Gage was very good at Grandma's house also and slept through the night, although he had a little trouble getting to sleep some nights. That was about the gist of our Holiday travels, nothing to write home about.

Gage has become a little fussier these days, wanting to interact with us more and fighting off sleep. He has been smiling a little in his sleep lately, but showed off a few while he was awake in the last week. We aren't convinced yet that he is smiling in response to something he enjoys, but he is smiling and making eye contact and we are anxiously awaiting something more certain. We also took Gage to the dr. for a few follow ups last week and he is now 11.5 lbs! He is growing so much and we can't believe he is only 6 weeks old. Here is the most recent picture where we think he looks all grown up. I hope everyone had a wonderful Xmas and please be safe on New Year's Eve!

Mama's Big Boy!

Yet again we went to the doctor for the 3rd time in 2.5 weeks. (This week we went all by ourselves.) Gage is of course, getting bigger and bigger and still growing like a weed. This week instead of 15oz. he only gained 10oz! He is now 9lbs, 3oz! What a big boy! He has also grown almost 3 inches, I'm not sure what is normal, I looked it up but could only find that babies grow about an in. a month, so I guess we will keep you posted on that. They also did a head circumference measurement, but reported nothing to me. I might call to find out the percentile, etc. I'm assuming, if they don't point it out, then no news is good news. So the dr. put Gage on Zantac due to his being uncomfortable after eating, it might take up to 2 weeks to work, so again, we will play the waiting game. We have been able to maintain his spitting up and vomiting a little bit just knowing how much to feed him per sitting. Meanwhile, I could feed starving babies everywhere w/ the amount of milk I am still producing.

Other than our getting up early to take a bath before the dr's, today has been quite boring. We wanted to go for a walk but it just wasn't quite warm enough. Hopefully there will be one more day this week that will be nice enough before it gets cold cold. We are looking forward to several visitors this week and for Grandma Sandy to come on Friday!

2nd Dr's. Visit + Cowboy Outfit= Large Child

Ladies and Gentlemen- We have a fat kid! Gage went to the dr. today for the 2nd time. He was very uncomfortable after feedings and had recently begun to throw up and spit up more often. They thought he might have acid reflux and I didn't want to wait and see and risk something getting worse over the holiday. However, it turns out the problem is, Gage is eating too much and I am what is considered an 'over producer'. He is supposed to be getting about 3-4oz. per feeding, which is about 10 mins. per side. However, I am producing that in about 5 minutes and Gage is not regulating himself and doesn't know when his little belly is full. We are on a trial and error basis to find the right amt. of food for him to see if we can satisfy him, yet not over feed him. Of course, the whole reason they figured this might be the problem is because last week at the dr. he weighed in at 7lbs. 10oz., his orignal birth weight and today he was 8lbs. 9oz., a whole fricking lb. more than last week! In 7 days, he has gained 15oz! Crazy! So for now, we pump and we wait and we don't allow him to eat to his pleasure and we cross our fingers that we figure out something that works and satisfies all of us.

Since Gage is such a fatty and will be out of his newborn clothes soon, we have to in the next couple of days dress him in all of the clothes he has not worn that he will soon outgrow. Our friend Jessica bought him a cowboy outfit and it is quite amusing, although quite over the top as well. See what you think.

Still Counting...and now not sleeping

Well, I was officially wrong. Went to the dr. this am and there is no change from last week ....which really means nothing at all, since some people go from zero to 10 in less than 24 hours and others take weeks. I just hope he decides to come within the next 13 days, but you can't rush these things so I will leave it up to him. (I know, I know, who am I trying to convince?) Anyway, the dr. I saw today is on call Friday so I told him I'd see him then, he said he hoped so... I did lose 2 lbs this week which is what happened to a friend of mine right before she went in to labor, so I will bet on that one.

The good news is, (or not so good) is that my computer crashed last week and all of my grad school work from the last few weeks is gone, but at this point I'm not doing it over. I have other, greater things in my life to worry about. Thank God I got my 20 page paper turned in before it died. I knew it was going to happen... a few weeks ago it was acting funny and Luke claimed he fixed it. I should've been backing up EVERYTHING, but that's not something I would think of doing with a less than a year old computer that shouldn't crash at any minute.

The other good news is that I am now not sleeping either. Everyone told me it was hard at the end but I had been doing fine up until about Sunday. Ah well, I'll live, not like I have to go to work anyway...speaking of work, if GPI doesn't get here soon, all of my sick leave will be sucked away!

Hopefully the next time you read this, there will be pictures of the little guy to post. Here's to Friday the 13th!

40 weeks and counting...

Week 40

If you checked in today, you would've seen that my baby widget said my baby was one day old. FALSE! ha...I was actually interested in what it would say past the due date. Earlier, it said it was go time, which obviously it was not. You would think they would make those a little more accurate, huh, since virtually noone has their baby exactly when they are supposed to! In any case, I go to my 40+ week appt. in the morning and my prediction is 3 cm, 80% effaced....I will also have to see who is on call Friday so I will know who will deliver my baby.;)

To be Continued...