Friday, October 12, 2012

OMG, It's Been Awhile!



Oh, how I have neglected my blog! I had no idea the amount of people that actually read this. My blog has had over 500 page views in the last 3 weeks!! I had to take a break from everything!

So, it's been about 3 weeks since I last posted about my little man! He had lost some weight (down to 7lbs 14.5oz). About 3 weeks ago we added 1 tsp of formula per bottle to increase calories and weekly weight checks with our pediatrician. Well, he did not tolerate formula!! Within an hour he starting 'spitting up' which was a little unusual because he had not been doing this. By the next feed he was projectile vomiting and got a nasty diaper rash... Allergy vs intolerance?- did not care was not giving him anymore, the oncall peds dr agreed. Within 24 hours he was back to his happy self and eating so much better than ever before.

We also changed bottles. Our friend Jessica brought us these tiny bottles when Ethan was in the NICU. They have smaller nipples for his smaller mouth struture. They are made from Gerber, First Essentials with latex nipples. We had been using Playtex dropins- that's all I ever used with Eli. He could not get latched with these bottles, made a huge mess, and sucked tons of air!!! The Gerber bottles are no longer sold on the stores (Walmart has the silicone nipples or the fast flow latex nipples). I ordered the Gerber bottles shown below from amazon, 6 bottles for $10.00- this INCLUDED SHIPPING!?!?! These bottles have made a HUGE difference. Our last weigh in 3 weeks ago....... he was up to 8lbs 5oz!!!!

 
      The Gerber 1st essentials on the LEFT                                                         Playtex Nurser on the RIGHT
 


We go back to our peds dr next Wednesday for his 2 month follow up. Our next cardio appt is October 26th. He has been doing SO WELL!!! He eats 3-4oz usually over 30 min, sometimes a little longer. He is awake for longer periods but still sleeps quite a bit, but that's all related to the heart issue. Once his little heart is repaired, he will be a whole new little baby boy!

It's been so nice to have a break in between appointments. This is awful, but this is the 1st time I have gotten to enjoy my family and my newborn son since he has been born. Right now THIS is normal. I love waking up every morning to my 2 beautiful baby boys. They shine so much light. Everything I have been through and continue to adventure only makes me a stronger person. We don't chose the cards we are dealt. Ethan was born with Down syndrome, but that's not who he is going to be. He will learn to smile, sit, crawl, and walk just like everyone else.. It will just be on his time. I know he certainly has a fan club that will cheer him through on! So enjoy some picture below :) I also threw in some of Eli's 1st dentist appointment, LOVE the fact he likes going to the dentist... for now!!!

 






 





 

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Yes, Renee, you have a big following on your blog! I check it every day and look forward to your updates-but make sure you get your famly time in, we will wait for your updates! Ethan certainly does have a big big fan base to cheer him on. I really think special children are given to special people and YOU ARE SPECIAL! Love you and sooooo honored just to be considered a friend of yours, Shauna