Mar. 2, 2007 - Doctors, doctors, and more doctors...
Noah has seen so many doctors lately it's hard to keep them all straight! He has a regular (new) pediatrician, his specialist that deals with hormones and such (there is a name for him- I know how to 'say' it just not 'spell' it), and his gastrio doctor (deals with the digestive system...boring I know). Plus the nurse for WIC (I had to get WIC for his 'special' formula -it would end up costing us around $400 to $500 a month). We saw three last week and two this week. We don't have to see anymore for another three weeks! Wa-ho! I'm so thrilled that they all have given him a thumbs up
and said he was doing 'GREAT'! His electrolytes were just about as perfect as you can get them and he has been consistently gaining weight since coming home ( he's gained a pound since arriving home two weeks ago). I'm just so happy we don't have to see anymore doctors for awhile! Hopefully it's all upwards from here! I will keep you updated and I will also post a picture of Noah soon in all his 'bald' glory! He looks like a different baby- the lack of hair and the new double chin really changed his look! He is such a hungry, sleepy, and happy baby now. 
• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
Feb. 16, 2007 - Through the trials of life...
Praise the Lord! We just arrived home after three weeks(to the day) of being in hospitals! O.k....let me tell you the story. About four weeks ago I decided to take my youngest (Noah) to the pediatrician ( 2 hours away- we moved when he was three weeks old) for his three month checkup and also because I had been pretty nervous about his small size for about a month. I wasn't expecting what happened when I got there and they weighed him. He was 2 ounces lighter than when he was born! I was horrified, humiliated and very, very scared! The doctor automatically decided to admit him into the hospital. He let me know though that because he had failure to thrive he would have to turn me in to DCFS. I really wish he would've tried to see first if the cause was environmental or medical, but he didn't. Anyway, I was then drilled by everyone about his feeding habits and a host of other questions. I told them he eats all the time and that was why I was so worried in the first place! I don't think they believed me when I said I fed him at least eight times a day. So he was admitted and thus our journey in the medical world started. Needless to say his small town doctor couldn't figure out what the problem was, because he was eating all the time at the hospital and not gaining any weight. Even under close supervision of my feeding him (the nurses either had to feed them or watch me feed him...grrr...no bitterness there really). So after a week of hypoallergenic formula that was reeking havoc on his poor little body (he was having explosive stools, acid reflux, and a head to toe itchy eczema and pussing cradle cap) they finally decided to send him to Rockford Memorial Hospital because they have pediatric specialists. My poor little baby was worse now than he was when I brought him to his checkup, did I mention they made me stop nursing him? Did I also mention that I told the doctor I thought he had an allergy to the formula and that was why he wasn't gaining weight among other things? He wouldn't believe me! Anyway we were very blessed with the doctor we got at RMH (Rockford memorial hospital). He, the GI, and a couple other student doctors all instantly thought it was a food protein allergy! Wow! So I do know what I'm talking about?! The GI automatically switched him to Neocate formula which is an amino acid based formula (very expensive formula...). By the very next morning you could already tell a difference! He was calmer and seemed to much more comfortable.
So I knew 'that' problem was solved, but we also had discovered another problem. His potassium was really high and his sodium was way down. They started him on a Sodium Chloride IV. That didn't help. The next morning his sodium was still low and stayed low for another week. They ran all kinds of tests and after another week and a half's time - be a process of elimination figured out that he either has hypoaldosteronism or sudoaldosteronism. This means his aldostren (a certain hormone) is either not there or is there but is not functioning correctly. What this hormone does is balances your potassium and sodium. His body was wanting to hold on to his potassium and let go of his sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your body you can become dehydrated and have growing problems. That's what happened to Noah. He wasn't growing because he couldn't absorb his sodium correctly. Odd isn't it? Anyway he is better now. He is now holding on to his sodium better with the help of fludrocortisones (does the job of the missing or inactive hormone) and sodium chloride supplements in his bottle. He has now gained almost two pounds (thanks to the sodium and fludrocortisone), has completely rash free and cradle cap free skin, and has no more tummy aches and acid reflux (thanks to the new formula). He is like a totally different baby! Anyway it has been a journey but the Lord got us through yet another trial. Please pray DCFS will leave us alone now that we've had a medical diagnosis. I have already been 'investigated' by two different investigators and I'm pretty tired of having to convince them that I really was feeding my baby. I think they need to put there energy in to cases where there is real neglect or abuse happening. Oh well, the truth shall prevail!
• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
Jan. 25, 2007 - I'm befuddled about my baby's needs...
I am utterly confused about the special needs of my little three and a half month old son. What could be his problem? He isn't gaining weight like I'd like him to, he has a rash on his head, stomach, and back, and he is fussy allot. I am wondering if he may have some kind of food allergy. I was exclusively nursing him until a few weeks ago. I started introducing formula into his diet to supplement for what I thought was lack of milk on my part. He had the whole rash and fussy thing going on before I started him on formula, the formula only irritated it more. So I tried a lactose free formula- nothing really changed. Now I have him on a hypoallergenic formula and I have cut out all dairy from my diet so I can continue nursing him also. I really hope this does the trick. It has only been two days since I started the new formula and have cut out dairy from my diet so we'll see in a week or two if this is his problem. I feel so bad for him. He is so skinny and he acts as if his little tummy hurts him (he is very gassy and spits up allot). There are a few other things it could possibly be but I'm not sure what. I'm taking him to his doctor tomorrow so we'll see what he has to say about it. I'm praying it's nothing too serious. Anyway, if you have any idea what might be his problem please let me know. It would be greatly appreciated! Keep him in your prayers please!
• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
Jan. 13, 2007 - Where is all the snow?!
Where has all the snow gone? My boys are anxiously awaiting for a snowfall. I bought them both a pair of snow boots and a hat and glove set the other day at Old Navy (they were 75% off). Ever since then they have put on their boots, hat and gloves and wore them around the house. Austin even wore his boots to the grocery store yesterday. I usually don't let my children wear snow boots to the store, but he was so excited about them ( he put them on all by himself)I couldn't say no. Jonathan (my four year old) gets up every morning and looks out the window to see if it has snowed. It has not so everyday I hear, "I'm so sad that it's not snowing", "I need to go to Grandma Harmon's (my mom) land and play in the snow". I hope it snows soon so my children can put their new boots, hat and gloves to good use. Plus, if I have to endure the winter as it is, at least let there be snow! That's the only highlight of winter! Well, that's how I feel anyway. :)
Here's my boys all geared up and ready for a snow fall. Jonathan smiles so cheesy. Gotta love it!
Here they are with their father after I'd finally convinced to take off all the snow gear. My husband would kill me if he knew I put a picture of him on here...
• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
Jan. 11, 2007 - A Tour of Our House!
This is mostly for my sister, Cassandra (TWMCRM2001), since we just moved and she has not and probably never will see my house. :) Plus, I always enjoy seeing other people's house so I thought maybe you would too! So let the tour begin!
This is my kitchen. Small but very workable. I spend allot of my time here.
Here is my living room. This is where my kids spend allot of their time. My honey made the entertainment center.
This is our dining room. We never use this table. We always sit at the stools at the counter in the kitchen. It's easier cleanup. :)
Here is our bedroom. I still have some work to do in here (hint- no bed skirt). We just moved a month ago- give me a break! It's a start though. Psst...my husband made the dresser and cradle. :)
I had to show her (my sister) a picture of our garage. I was so excited about having our very own garage door opener! It doesn't take much to get me excited. :)
Here is my blogging area. Notice the picture on our computer's screen saver. I thought it was funny. Oh yeah, my husband made this desk too. He engraved our names and wedding date on it. Did I ever tell you he does custom woodworking as a living? If you hadn't guessed that by now.
Well, I have more pictures but I think this gives you the basic idea. I have allot of work to do to the boy's room so I won't even post it until I'm finished. I couldn't get any good pictures of our bathrooms so I guess Cassandra will just have to come and see me some time. Ha! That'll happen! :) Lol. She knows I love her. Have a great day!
• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
Jan. 9, 2007 - Nursing problems...
I really need some ideas on how to increase my milk supply. My youngest is only three months old and I'm already starting to dry up. I refused to use bottles just so this exact thing wouldn't happen and it did anyway! UGH! I have tried everything! Drinking lots of water, taking fenugreek and milk thistle, eating small snacks through out the day, and I have even been taking garlic because I heard it can help get your baby to nurse longer. Well, no such luck here! I did this exact same thing with my oldest! I did pretty well with Austin (my second), he nursed exclusively until he started solids. I had to supplement with formula with Jonathan (my oldest) by six weeks. He was done nursing by five months (sigh...I was so sad). I was really hoping to nurse Noah until at least eight months. I can't believe my body is doing this again! I really think it is some kind of hormonal thing or something. I always have a great milk supply the first month and then BAM it's gone! Just like that! Do you think it could have anything to do with my babies sleeping through the night? All of my boys have slept a straight 8 to 10 hours a night from about four weeks on. That's usually about when my supply starts to vanish. I mean I guess I could get up through out the night and pump, but I am usually so tired that the idea of waking up to pump isn't exactly my cup of tea. I don't know what to do...I'm so depressed thinking about the reality of possibly not nursing him a whole lot longer. I love everything about nursing! Oh well, enough of the pity-party. I'll try to write again soon.
~Excuse the many mistakes you will come across. I am not the best at writing. My sister (Cassandra) was always the writer of the family. You can visit her blog- TWMCRM2001- and see what I'm talking about.~
Here is my little nursing buddy...look at those big eyes!
Maybe he'll grow into them someday!
• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
Jan. 5, 2007 - Ahhh!!!
I had just written this huge long blog and it got deleted! All of it! It took me aprox. a whole half hour to write! I am not too happy with myself right about now. I would write more but it is 6:30 a.m. and I need to take my shower and get ready before the kiddies awake! I will try to get back here again today and write more. I would love to post more pictures soon. My two eldest children took my memory card out of our camera and lost it. So once we have a little extra money I will buy a replacement. I don't like not having one. I feel like I'm missing so many ' kodak moments'.
• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
Dec. 28, 2006 - Who says being a mom isn't work?!
Wow! What a day it has been! I have taken down the Christmas decorations (aw...what a good feeling), bathed all three of the children (also myself...), made and cleaned up after a meal three times, did a couple loads of laundry, given many 'disciplining' lessons, nursed and fed a baby about seven times, taken my two year old to the potty about fifteen times,and still have some time to blog! The only reason I do have some free time to blog is because my husband is working late and won't be home for another couple hours. So how do I pass the time? Blog of course! Anyway, I thought I had some free time! Ha! My little two month old just awoke and is in need of some mommy time that only mommies can give. Plus my two year old is also in need of one of those 'disciplining' lessons- he is laying in bed crying uncontrollably because he wants a drink in bed and mommy won't give in and give him one. If your feeling bad for him- don't, he has already had a whole sippie cup full of water. I'm trying to potty-train him and too many liquids make it allot harder to accomplish the task at hand. He is our strong-willed child - he doesn't give in very easily, but wait... I think the crying has stopped! Wa-hoo! Mommy has won again! Oh the joys and victories of motherhood!
• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
Dec. 22, 2006 - Have a 'merry' Christmas...
Have you ever noticed how some people have the 'best' holiday cheer this time of year? I've noticed the last few times I've had to go out shopping just how crabby everyone seems to be. Always in a hurry, trying to grab the best parking spot before anyone else can get, cutting you off in traffic and the grocery line and yelling at you because you didn't park the way they would like you to park. Well anyway, that has been my observations lately. For example- last night I was out with all my three kids trying to get some small errands taken care of. I had already gone to Target and been cut off and had a few parking spaces stolen away from me already (sigh...) so I was already worn out and ready to go home. I had one last stop and that was to return a sweater at Kohls and be on my way. I parked in the first available parking space I found and then got all my three kids out of the van. As I was walking toward the store (trying to keep hold of my two older boys and carry an infant seat at the same time), I heard this lady saying, "Well YOU make it really hard for people to get into their cars when YOU park crooked like this!!!". At first I didn't even realize she was talking to me. I turned around stunned and saw this middle-aged woman standing there scowling at me and shaking her head vehemently in disgust with her six to seven year old standing by her side. All I could think of was 'how did I get an infant carrier and two kids out just fine and you can't get your one little self in your car'. Humm...anyway, I think she just needed someone to be crabby at and unfortunately I was her victim. It's just sad that everyone is trying to get their kids the greatest and latest toys in a panic (their kids would be 'so' upset if they didn't get exactly what they wanted...) before anyone else gets the last one out there, that they have totally forgotten how to have a Christmas spirit. Besides the fact that they have also forgotten the whole reason for Christmas in the first place. Oh well, I guess these are just the times we live in. Everyone living for self. That's what our culture teaches anyway- good self-esteem, loving yourself and having a good relationship with yourself. It's pretty flipped from what the Lord teaches.
I pray everyone does have a wonderful and 'merry' Christmas. Just don't forget the real reason for celebrating!
• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
Dec. 19, 2006 - Who we are!
Hi! We are a soon to be homeschooling family from Illinois! My name is Sarah, my husband is Tim and we have three amazing little boys. Jonathan is 4 1/2, Austin is 2 and our newest member is Noah - he is 2 1/2 months old. We plan on homeschooling Jonathan next year, but who's to say we haven't already started teaching him. I feel every day there are learning experiences and opportunities to teach. Either with learning to make a bed, brushing their teeth, helping daddy in his shop, helping me cook supper or even loading the dishwasher! The experience of being a mother has been a wonderful and sometimes overwhelming job but all in all it a very rewarding and self-fulfilling experience. I am looking forward to the journey ahead!
Merry Christmas!!!
• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
