Thursday, April 28, 2011

Zachary's Allergist Appointment

I have been looking forward to today for quite some time now. Zachary and I met with his Allergist, Jan Berhisel-Broadbent, to discuss how Zachary has been doing and to talk about introducing new foods to his diet. We are excited to be able to offer Zachary a more varied diet but want to make sure that we go about it the right way!

Today we re-tested Zachary and learned that we are okay to go ahead with introducing soy into his diet. This is a big relief because we will be able to ease Zachary into soy milk. Over the next three months, we will be taking baby steps towards dependency on soy milk instead of nursing. For the next few weeks, we will be introducing soy formula by baking it into muffins, breads, and cakes. Once tolerated, we will move into cooking with soy formula in foods like pancakes and waffles. If that goes well, we will be able to offer him soy formula (Gerber Good Start Soy Plus). We will start with smaller amounts mixed with mother's milk until he is able to tolerate a full serving of soy formula. After a few weeks on Gerber Good Start Soy Plus, we will be able to transition to Gerber Good Start 2 Soy Plus. Once he is able to handle this formula designed for older children, we can ease into soy milk as we see fit. We will also be able to add soy cheese and soy yogurt to his diet as well. Although it is going to take some time to complete, I am so glad that we are able to start this transition. If all goes well, he should be on Gerber Good Start 2 Soy Plus by the end of June!

Since we were in the office, Dr. Broadbent wanted to test Zachary for bananas and shellfish. In the past, Zachary tested positive for bananas, but it is such an uncommon allergy that Dr. Broadbent wanted to test again. Sure enough, the skin test showed that Zachary is in fact allergic to bananas. Luckily, the test came back negative for shellfish so we are able to add more foods to Zachary's diet!

I have noticed the past few times that we have been at the park, or the zoo, or at Thanksgiving Point, that Zachary's eyes seem to water quite a bit. Dr. Broadbent thinks that Zachary must have an allergy to grass or pollen and suggested that I give him a teaspoon of Zyrtec before heading out for a day outside. She also gave me Pataday (eye drops) which should help as well. We'll keep our eye on it and see how he does.

I also talked to Dr. Broadbent about Zachary's skin. It has been looking great lately but I wanted her opinion on a "trouble spot" on his lower back. After looking at it, Dr. Broadbent says it looks like a "contact reaction". Basically, we need to be more careful about washing our hands after touching items to which he is allergic. Apparently, he is having an allergic reaction with something that is coming in contact with this skin. Poor little guy!

While at the pediatrician earlier this week, I was advised to talk with the allergist about how to boost Zachary's weight. Our little man does not even register on the charts for his weight. Usually, we would be informed to add butter, whole milk, and even cream to his diet...however, this is not an option for us. I spoke with Dr. Broadbent about any options that we do have and was told to add olive oil to anything that I can and to have Zachary drink coconut milk. Apparently, coconut milk is almost 100% fat and will do wonders at fattening up our little man!

As I sit here and type this, I am so overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for my healthy and happy little boy. Gratitude for doctors and nurses who dedicate their time to helping those around them. Gratitude for medical insurance. Gratitude for the ability to go to the doctor for assistance and for having doctor's offices so close. Gratitude for manufacturers that produce alternative foods for those that have dietary restrictions. Gratitude for my body and its' ability to provide nutrition for my sweet baby boy. Gratitude that we have been able to provide what Zachary needs to develop and grow.

My heart is full of gratitude.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

12 Month Wellness Check-Up

Zachary had his 12 month wellness check-up this week. I always look forward to meeting with the doctor and confirming that everything is going well with my little ones.

Zachary weighed in at 17 pounds 2 1/2 ounces...which does not even register on the weight charts. Dr. Broadbent listed Zachary as less than 0% for his weight percentile and said that he is a definite "lightweight". When I asked if this was an issue, Dr. Broadbent reassured me by letting me know that Zachary looks alert, healthy, and active. He mentioned that Zachary is destined to be a lightweight right now because of his restricted diet. Dr. Broadbent suggested that I should work with Zachary's allergist to see if there are any weight-boosting foods that I can give him. Other than his weight, all his other percentiles look great. Zachary measured 28 and 7/8 inches long (24th percentile) and his head measured 18 inches (30th percentile).

Zachary is doing great with all of the developmental milestones. He is talking...and even says a couple of words. He can roll, sit on his own, crawl, pull to standing, and cruises while holding onto something. He signs "more" and shakes his head "no". He responds to his name and shows signs of knowing other members of his family. He is handling baby food and table food well and Dr. Broadbent was happy to hear that Zachary loves to eat.

Dr. Broadbent and I briefly discussed Zachary's allergies. However, since we have an appointment with the Allergist at the end of this week, we did not talk about it too much. Dr. Broadbent confirmed that we are reading all food labels and that we are carrying an epi-pen everywhere we go. We are to continue to avoid milk, eggs, bananas, sweet potatoes, and all nuts.

Dr. Broadbent mentioned that Zachary's skin looks great, other than a small rash on Zachary's back, and that we should continue exactly what we are currently doing. I guess we will be lathering Zachary with Aquaphor and Hydrocortisone twice a day. Hey...whatever works! As for the rash on Zachary's back, Dr. Broadbent mentioned that it looks like a "contact rash", which means that we need to do a better job of washing our hands after touching any of Zachary's allergens.

At this time, Zachary is just not big enough to transition to a forward-facing car seat. We will keep Zachary in his current car seat until he reaches the maximum height and/or weight restrictions, then we'll go from there.

I am so happy that we are now able to add meats to Zachary's diet. He loves to eat so it will be fun to see him experience these new tastes and textures. Dr. Broadbent also suggested that we skip the bottle and transition Zachary straight to a sippy cup. Right now we should not give Zachary juice or water. We need to make sure that all of his liquid intake is full of nutrition and calories.

I confirmed with Dr Broadbent that Zachary should have 1/2 teaspoon of Benadryl, unless he is having an allergic reaction. For Zyrtec, we should give Zachary a 1/2 teaspoon, for Infant's Tylenol, he should have 1 dropper (0.8ml) and for Children's Liquid Tylenol he should have a 1/2 teaspoon.

I am so grateful that we were able to meet with the pediatrician. I love the reassurance that my little ones are doing well. I am so happy to know that Zachary is healthy, strong, and developing properly.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Elizabeth's Wellness Check-Up

This week, Elizabeth had her four year wellness check-up. Although, she wasn't very excited about going, I was looking forward to seeing how she is doing. I like to be reassured that everything is going well and that she is developing properly.

The doctor checked her eye sight, blood pressure, reflexes, ears, lungs, stomach, heart, throat, and teeth. I feel so blessed to have a happy, healthy little girl!

Elizabeth weighed in at 34 pounds 1/4 ounce, which is the 45th percentile. She is 39 inches tall, which is the 40th percentile. Her blood pressure is 111/71 with her pulse being 108.

Elizabeth was very brave and did a great job of listening to the doctor. She let Dr. Broadbent listen to her heart and lungs, check her reflexes, and even push on her tummy. She sat still while he looked in her ears, mouth, nose, and eyes. I was very proud of how well she behaved for all of the tests.

At this point, Elizabeth is not big enough to transfer to a booster seat, so we will be keeping her in her car seat for a while longer. She needs to gain about 10 more pounds and a few more inches before she is able to be in a booster. She only gained 5 pounds in the past year, so it looks as though I may be driving her to kindergarten, and possibly first grade, in her car seat!

I was grateful for the opportunity to talk with Dr. Broadbent about Elizabeth's development and progress. I am so happy that she is doing well and that her development is right on mark...if not a little ahead in some respects. Dr. Broadbent was pleased with her progress and says she is a healthy, normal four year old. We are truly blessed!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Easter Eggstreme

This weekend, we attended the Easter Eggstreme at Thanksgiving Point. It was our first time attending this event and we were so glad that Grandma and Papa could join us for the fun! It was a little colder than we had hoped for, but we still had a blast!

Elizabeth loved all of the fun activities...and loved that Grandma was there to help her with all of the craft projects. Elizabeth got to decorate a baby chick and create bunny ears for herself and Zachary.



As we walked the grounds, we came across an area set up with hula hoops. Elizabeth got so excited and wanted to participate...until she realized she had no idea how to hula hoop. She tried and tried...


Grandma even showed her how to do it...


But alas, Elizabeth could not quite figure it out. So instead we set a bunch of them on the ground and she jumped from one to the other.


Zachary was such a little trooper. He spent most of the event in his stroller and car seat because it was so cold and he seemed to be suffering from some type of allergy to something. The poor little guys eyes were watering most of the time. He seemed happy enough though to snuggle in with his blanket and watch all of the people and activities!


One of Elizabeth's favorite activities of the day was the Easter Egg Hunt. Thanksgiving Point had arranged the hunts by age, so once it was almost time for Elizabeth's age group, we headed over the field to wait. Elizabeth was so excited and could hardly stand the anticipation of the hunt!


About 10 minutes before the hunt was going to begin, the Easter Bunny arrived with his helpers and dumped about a bazillion eggs onto the field. Elizabeth was so happy when she saw how many eggs there were!


She is such a good big sister. As soon as she got done with the hunt, she ran over and brought Zachary an egg. He was so patient and watched from the sidelines. I was going to have him participate too but since it was so cold, and his eyes were so watery, I let him stay all snuggled up.


Elizabeth scored quite a few eggs at the event and could hardly wait to open them to see what was inside.


After the hunt, Elizabeth wanted to participate in the Bunny Hop Relay Race; however, she didn't quite understand what she had to do. She happily got into the sack and stood ready at the starting line. As soon as they announced to begin jumping she yelled, "I don't want to jump!" Grandma and I finally convinced Elizabeth to hop but not before the race was practically over! What a silly girl!


Elizabeth always looks forward to getting her face painted at all of these fun events! I was happy that Zachary was able to participate too! Zachary sat so patiently on Papa's lap and did pretty good as the lady painted a darling little caterpillar on his face.


Elizabeth wanted her face to be painted like a bunnies. She sat really still and listened to all of the lady's instructions. In the end, she looked absolutely adorable!


Zachary seemed to be having fun...even if he stayed in his stroller most of the time. He was smiling at cooing at everyone we passed. I can't tell you how many times we were stopped just so people could tell us how cute he was. He definitely is a big flirt!


For some reason, Elizabeth who usually hates getting her picture taken, was asking me to take pictures of her everywhere. She would stand next to a tree, or a sign, pose herself and then say "Mom, I am ready for you to take my picture!" How could I resist when she was being so cute!


One of the highlights of the day was the cow train. We discovered the cow train at Cornbelly's last Fall and Elizabeth was so happy when she saw it again. Even Zachary got to ride on the cow train with Mommy!


Elizabeth was begging all day to be able to go on the "big slide". I kept stalling and changing the subject hoping that she would forget about the slide. However, my little girl never forgets anything and towards the end of the event, asked again to go on the slide. Since the line wasn't very long, I said that she could go. I expected that we would get to the top, she'd chicken out, and we'd have to take the "walk of shame" back down the stairs. To my surprise, when she reached the top, she sat right down and wanted to go. I went with her two times, then she said she wanted to go all by herself. I am so proud of my brave little girl. She must have gone down on her own at least 10 times!


While waiting for the Grain Train, Elizabeth got to learn about stilts and was even given a chance to get up on them. She did not walk around, but was really brave to stand up tall on them.


As our last activity of the day, Elizabeth, Papa, and I went on the "Grain Train". You would not believe how bumpy the ride was. We were getting thrown everywhere. We had to hold onto Elizabeth so that she did not fall off of the seat. Papa and I just sat laughing the entire time; however, Elizabeth kept saying "I don't like the Grain Train". When the ride was over and we were safely back on our own feet, Papa dropped to kiss the ground. We will not be riding the Grain Train again...once was too many times!


We ended the day with some yummy cotton candy and a drink. We had such a fun day and were so happy that Grandma and Papa could join us. We enjoyed this event so much and we'll definately be adding this to our list of traditions!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy Easter!

After church, we arrived home to find that the Easter Bunny visited our house while we were gone. That sneaky little bunny hid eggs all over our house. He even left Easter Baskets for all of us! Elizabeth loved the there were eggs all over the place. She had so much fun running from one room to the next...looking for eggs.


Elizabeth found quite a lot of eggs hidden around our house. She was so happy when she discovered that some of the eggs were filled with coins to put in her piggy bank!


Elizabeth squealed with delight when she found her Easter Basket. The silly Easter Bunny hid it under an end table in our front room.


Elizabeth's Easter basket was packed will all kinds of fun surprises. She received a set of Crazy Creature Trio blocks, a stuffed animal dog with bunny ears, a fairy Barbie, a bunny riding a bicycle, cotton candy, an egg sippy cup, 2 balls, and tons of candy!


Zachary wasn't interested in the egg hunt...but he sure was excited about his basket.


He dug right in and started looking through all of his stuff. He received a package of Farm Animal Wheel Pals, a lamb stuffed animal, a sippy cup, animal crackers, marshmallows, and a Playskool Explore 'n Grow Push 'n Stack Gears toy! He seemed to really like the Wheel Pals!


In the afternoon, Grandma, Papa, Meme, and Uncle Bill joined us at our home to celebrate Easter. This was the first holiday that Matt and I have hosted at our home and it went really well. It was nice for Elizabeth to have all of her toys and we could get Zachary down for his naps in his own bed. We will have to do more celebrating at our house!

Grandma and Papa brought baskets for Elizabeth and Zachary too! Our little ones sure are spoiled. Elizabeth was so excited to open her basket and see what was inside. She definitely was not disappointed...her basket was loaded with candy, a lamb stuffed animal, peeps, two princess card games, a darling giraffe treat holder, and a coloring book.


Elizabeth was such a sweet big sister and helped Zachary open his Easter basket from Grandma and Papa. She showed him each of the things and told him what everything was. I love watching the two of them together!


Zachary made out like a bandit too! He received a cute monkey treat holder, a cookie monster teething toy, apple cinnamon puffs, animal cookies, a book, peeps, and marshmallows.


With all of the toys and treats that Zachary received, the cellophane wrapping his basket was his favorite part. He loved shaking it and hearing it crinkle.


Meme and Uncle Bill spoiled our little ones with some fun treats too. The kids loved the mini Easter Egg Hunt that Meme did with them. Elizabeth and Zachary received some quarters to put into their piggy banks!


We are truly blessed with an amazing family. We are so lucky to have their love and support. I am so grateful that we were able to celebrate with our family. It was so nice to have Meme, Uncle Bill, My Mom and My Dad with us at our home!


I had an amazing day today. I am so happy that we were able to go to church and feel of the Spirit. I am so grateful for what Jesus Christ has done for me and for each and every one of us. I am grateful for the knowledge of eternal families, for the ability to repent and to be perfected through Christ, and for the Spirit in my life.