Happy 4 months Bryce!
You are our alarm clock when you wake up talking to the ceiling.. Daddy likes to go get you so he can get that first big smile of the day. (Of course he brings you to our bed so you can eat- your favorite thing to do.) Your schedule is still the same.. you eat every 2 hours and want a 30 minute catnap between every meal! Will you stretch these out for mommy? You are starting to sleep longer at night- you went 8 1/2 hours between feeds one night! Mommy loves nights like that :) Your favorite toy is Sophie the giraffe, mostly because she is one of your only toys. You are scared of your Jumperoo, and not too fond of tummy time. Your laugh is the cutest thing we have ever heard- we get to hear it when we sneeze, hiccup, or tickle your belly. Hope you know how much your mommy and daddy love you :)
4 month check-up:
* 19lbs. 13 oz. - back on the charts in the 99th percentile :) ( you have slowed down in weight gain ALOT- it's all those cool moves you have now )
* 25 1/4 inches long- 65th percentile
* 16 1/2 inches head circumference- 59th percentile
* 3 shots in your legs and one by mouth- you got to sport some cool Cars band-aids for being so tough!
* The Dr. says you should be getting your first tooth in SOON! we are ready to meet Mr. Tooth who makes you fussy even though we can't see him yet..
I'll post pictures after our big road trip to Alabama for my dear friend Heather's wedding! Bryce's first long road trip and first wedding :) We are so excited for you, Heather and Andrew, and happy to be a part of your special day!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
living with a milk protein allergy.
I wanted to share about Bryce's allergy issues for 2 main reasons- to help other moms identify milk and soy protein allergies in their infants, and to be a resource for moms out there who have children with these allergies.
Let me begin by saying I am no expert with this- four months ago I had never even heard of milk allergies in babies! But, with careful research and studying food labels like it's my job, I feel that what I do know can help others. So here is our story..
Weeks 1-2: Bryce never wanted to sleep, seemed unsettled, and my first thoughts were that I had a "colic" baby on my hands. We were exclusively breastfeeding and it was no fun for either of us- he constantly pulled away at first, choked on the milk, and had a painful latch. I went for a lactation consult and things got better- he did still pull away some because he was choking. He seemed uncomfortable and fussy alot. Most people will tell you that this is "colic". I wanted to know more, and so this is when I started to look at all of his issues as a whole..
*not sleeping well
*choking on my milk alot (I had a very forceful letdown)
*fussing ALOT- and during feedings
*tons of GAS- drawing up his knees in pain, waking up frequently day and night because of this pain
*diarrhea/ bloody stool ( didn't see blood until I knew what to look for)
* a ring-shaped diaper rash
I googled some of these symptoms and came up with "oversupply colic syndrome"- it all made sense! I called my lactation consultant and she agreed with me and told me to block feed. She also suggested to me to cut dairy and soy out of my diet for 3 weeks to see if he may have a milk protein intolerance. After the phone call, I googled milk protein intolerance and entered into another world.. it all sounded like Bryce. Other symptoms with this included vomiting, skin rash (eczema), and hives.
A week into the diet I saw MAJOR improvement! His diapers looked better, he had virtually no more gas, and seemed to sleep better. I was excited and sad at the same time- I now knew that Bryce wasn't just a "colic baby". I also realized that this super hard to follow diet was going to be a lifestyle for me as long as I was breastfeeding.
So, here we are 3 months out from diagnosis, and we are still breastfeeding and thriving! We have had "episodes" with this milk/soy protein allergy since then- this stuff is hidden in almost everything you eat. We've been to the pediatrician alot and the pediatric GI doctor. Blood in the stool (from colitis) is the main concern, but thankfully we have still been able to breastfeed. If we ever have to switch, our only option is a hypoallergenic formula (Alimentum or Nutramigen). Although I do miss eating out, pizza, milk, ice cream, Starbuck's, mac-n-cheese, yogurt, etc., I am assured that Bryce is getting all he needs. Not to mention my diet is super healthy for the most part and it saves us money since I can't eat out.
Hopefully, sharing this will help some other mom out there. If you think your child may have allergy symptoms, please talk to your pediatrician and/or try an elimination diet. I will continue to blog about this as we continue this journey (dairy free/soy free recipes, safe grocery list items, etc.).
-j
Let me begin by saying I am no expert with this- four months ago I had never even heard of milk allergies in babies! But, with careful research and studying food labels like it's my job, I feel that what I do know can help others. So here is our story..
Weeks 1-2: Bryce never wanted to sleep, seemed unsettled, and my first thoughts were that I had a "colic" baby on my hands. We were exclusively breastfeeding and it was no fun for either of us- he constantly pulled away at first, choked on the milk, and had a painful latch. I went for a lactation consult and things got better- he did still pull away some because he was choking. He seemed uncomfortable and fussy alot. Most people will tell you that this is "colic". I wanted to know more, and so this is when I started to look at all of his issues as a whole..
*not sleeping well
*choking on my milk alot (I had a very forceful letdown)
*fussing ALOT- and during feedings
*tons of GAS- drawing up his knees in pain, waking up frequently day and night because of this pain
*diarrhea/ bloody stool ( didn't see blood until I knew what to look for)
* a ring-shaped diaper rash
I googled some of these symptoms and came up with "oversupply colic syndrome"- it all made sense! I called my lactation consultant and she agreed with me and told me to block feed. She also suggested to me to cut dairy and soy out of my diet for 3 weeks to see if he may have a milk protein intolerance. After the phone call, I googled milk protein intolerance and entered into another world.. it all sounded like Bryce. Other symptoms with this included vomiting, skin rash (eczema), and hives.
A week into the diet I saw MAJOR improvement! His diapers looked better, he had virtually no more gas, and seemed to sleep better. I was excited and sad at the same time- I now knew that Bryce wasn't just a "colic baby". I also realized that this super hard to follow diet was going to be a lifestyle for me as long as I was breastfeeding.
So, here we are 3 months out from diagnosis, and we are still breastfeeding and thriving! We have had "episodes" with this milk/soy protein allergy since then- this stuff is hidden in almost everything you eat. We've been to the pediatrician alot and the pediatric GI doctor. Blood in the stool (from colitis) is the main concern, but thankfully we have still been able to breastfeed. If we ever have to switch, our only option is a hypoallergenic formula (Alimentum or Nutramigen). Although I do miss eating out, pizza, milk, ice cream, Starbuck's, mac-n-cheese, yogurt, etc., I am assured that Bryce is getting all he needs. Not to mention my diet is super healthy for the most part and it saves us money since I can't eat out.
Hopefully, sharing this will help some other mom out there. If you think your child may have allergy symptoms, please talk to your pediatrician and/or try an elimination diet. I will continue to blog about this as we continue this journey (dairy free/soy free recipes, safe grocery list items, etc.).
-j
Thursday, July 28, 2011
3 months with Bryce- in a nutshell
Bryce turned 3 months old last Monday! WOW. It is sad to think how fast he is growing and learning new things. I just wanted to give an update in Bryce world before I forget all the milestones and memories since the last post.
*Bryce weighed in at 18 lbs. 2 oz and 24 inches long when he went for a sick visit at 12 weeks old! He is averaging 11 oz. per week in weight gain and off the charts!
*Size 3 diaper and wearing 9-12 month size clothes!
*He rolled over for the first time at 10 weeks old. (He really hasn't done it much since then)
*He went on his first beach trip the weekend before he turned 3 months old.
*Favorite activities include laughing in the mirror, watching Dinosaur Train in his Bumbo, and talking to his overhead light.
*Still feeding every 2 hours like clockwork..but only once throughout the night most nights. He loves to eat (see first milestone :) )
*Had our first big scare and a trip to the pediatric ER this morning after a fall off of the couch head first onto the tile floor- luckily the CAT scans were all CLEAR! Hallelujah!
*Still dairy and soy free for mommy and baby- this allergy is no fun! (I plan to write a whole post just about this allergy and our issues we've dealt with)
There are a million unique things I could write about him if I had the time, but moms with little ones understand how hard it is just to find 5 extra minutes just to write a blog post! The only reason I can right now is because Bryce is still asleep in his car seat after a long day at the Emergency Room..
I'll end with some pictures from the past month:
Our world is crazy but I promise I'll post again soon :)
*Bryce weighed in at 18 lbs. 2 oz and 24 inches long when he went for a sick visit at 12 weeks old! He is averaging 11 oz. per week in weight gain and off the charts!
*Size 3 diaper and wearing 9-12 month size clothes!
*He rolled over for the first time at 10 weeks old. (He really hasn't done it much since then)
*He went on his first beach trip the weekend before he turned 3 months old.
*Favorite activities include laughing in the mirror, watching Dinosaur Train in his Bumbo, and talking to his overhead light.
*Still feeding every 2 hours like clockwork..but only once throughout the night most nights. He loves to eat (see first milestone :) )
*Had our first big scare and a trip to the pediatric ER this morning after a fall off of the couch head first onto the tile floor- luckily the CAT scans were all CLEAR! Hallelujah!
*Still dairy and soy free for mommy and baby- this allergy is no fun! (I plan to write a whole post just about this allergy and our issues we've dealt with)
There are a million unique things I could write about him if I had the time, but moms with little ones understand how hard it is just to find 5 extra minutes just to write a blog post! The only reason I can right now is because Bryce is still asleep in his car seat after a long day at the Emergency Room..
I'll end with some pictures from the past month:
trying on 12 month clothes!
king of the jungle
our happy little man
watching Dinosaur Train
just waking up
lounging at the beach
first time touching/seeing the ocean
pool time
Team Wilson :)
Our world is crazy but I promise I'll post again soon :)
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Long overdue: Welcome to our world with Bryce!
Well, I could write a novel about life since April 18, 2011- the day our sweet baby boy entered into our world! Bryce arrived safely at 8:21 P.M. after a long day of labor. The first half of the day was slow and painful because I wanted to wait as long as possible before receiving any medications. Our doctor broke my water that afternoon and things really speeded up after that. I received an epidural and went from 4cm to 10cm dilated in about 4 or 5 hours which was fast compared to the morning. After an hour of pushing that seemed like just a few minutes, we welcomed Bryce to this world!
And now he is already 6 weeks old- time is flying by! At birth, he weighed 8 lbs. 15 oz. and was 21 3/4 inches long, and at a 3 week check-up he weighed 10 lbs. 2 oz. and was 22 inches long. I am anxious to see how big he is when we go for his 2 month check-up in a few weeks.. my guess is 13 lbs 5 oz. and 23 1/2 inches long. Some notables so far:
*He is NOT a cry baby..He did not cry during any heel pricks, or during his CIRCUMCISION! He does not cry during diaper changes, baths, or while suctioning his nose unless he is hungry. It really is amazing what he will tolerate.
*At 2 days old, he was already able to lift and hold his head up. He can now push his upper body up for a solid minute. *At about 3-4 weeks old he found his voice and is now cooing, grunting, and making any noise he can- including the girliest shrill I have ever heard. His favorite place to talk is on his changing table.
*He loves being outside, and he loves being on his changing table. He does not like his swing or his bouncer, and hardly takes a pacifier. *He got his first bottle from daddy at 5 weeks old. He took it like a champ and continues to have one bottle from daddy every night.
*He has a milk protein allergy, which means mommy is on a dairy-free and soy-free diet. (this is harder than you think-soy and dairy are hidden in so many things!) After 3 weeks on the diet, we have seen drastic improvement with his colic-like symptoms. Here are some pictures of life with our little man so far:
I'm not biased or anything, but he is the most adorable little thing I have ever seen! I will update again soon..
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
38 weeks 3 days: we have a date!!
Big news from our appointment yesterday: we have an induction date! We will be going in on Sunday evening..so only 5 more days unless he comes on his own time before then! Our butterball Bryce weighed in at 8 lbs 5 oz. according to ultrasound measurements- which I will repeat myself and say they have a 10-15% inaccuracy rate. Either way, he is a very healthy size and my mommy guess is that he will weigh around 8 lbs. 9 oz. at birth. Also, we found out that I am 2cm dilated, 50% effaced and he is at -2 station. Yay!!
We are so excited to know that Bryce will join us here in this world in less than a week- FINALLY!
With that said, the next time I post on here it will be about Bryce's arrival! Please pray with us for a smooth and safe delivery, and for a healthy baby boy. Thank you for sharing in our journey- it has been such an exciting time in our lives, and we look forward to what lies ahead.
As I promised, the finished nursery:
We are so excited to know that Bryce will join us here in this world in less than a week- FINALLY!
With that said, the next time I post on here it will be about Bryce's arrival! Please pray with us for a smooth and safe delivery, and for a healthy baby boy. Thank you for sharing in our journey- it has been such an exciting time in our lives, and we look forward to what lies ahead.
As I promised, the finished nursery:
Bryce in his nursery: 38 weeks 3 days
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
37 weeks! just waiting...
37 weeks 4 days..and counting!
Officially full-term and if I do my math correctly, Bryce COULD (we can never know for sure) be weighing in at around 8 lbs right now. Mommy would love it if you would just come out now, little man!
This week has been a week of re-finishing the nursery, cleaning, organizing closets, and also resting. Our 37 week appointment yesterday was short and sweet- the normal routine with our weekly NST test. Have I mentioned how much I love hearing his heartbeat for 20-30 minutes? The first few seconds alone brings me so much peace and joy, so I cannot even imagine hearing his first cry! He did great again, so now we just wait around until our next appointment on Monday.
... I will post pictures of the finished nursery next week and give an update after our appointment. Or, maybe our Bryce man will decide to come before then :)
"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." (Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)
Thank you Lord for our sweet little reward!
This week has been a week of re-finishing the nursery, cleaning, organizing closets, and also resting. Our 37 week appointment yesterday was short and sweet- the normal routine with our weekly NST test. Have I mentioned how much I love hearing his heartbeat for 20-30 minutes? The first few seconds alone brings me so much peace and joy, so I cannot even imagine hearing his first cry! He did great again, so now we just wait around until our next appointment on Monday.
... I will post pictures of the finished nursery next week and give an update after our appointment. Or, maybe our Bryce man will decide to come before then :)
"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." (Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)
Thank you Lord for our sweet little reward!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
36 weeks- nesting gone wrong.
Today we are 36 weeks and 5 days..almost full-term! I have been in nesting mode full force this week, mostly motivated by my intuition that he might come early. We have been cleaning and organizing the house, running errands, and buying all of the last minute things we will need before he arrives. Somehow that list grows everyday.. I know that all of the mommas can sympathize with that!
Tuesday was our 36 week appointment- now we will go every week! We had an NST (non-stress test) done because of my hypothyroidism and Bryce measuring so big. He did great and we loved getting to hear his heartbeat for 30 minutes straight. We will now have NST's performed every week until he comes as a precaution. For anyone who is curious, a non-stress test basically records baby's heartbeat and movements to make sure his heart rate goes up and down according to his movements. It also measures any contractions I may be having. The doctor also checked me and I am 50% effaced- any progress sounds good to me!
And now you may be curious about the blog title..
My plans for this week's post were to show you pictures of the nursery, since it is almost completely finished. However, the Lord had other plans and decided to allow a tornado to come through Lakeland today before I took pictures. The winds blew rain and hail at such a speed and angle as to make it's way into our house through the window seals. I know that sounds crazy.. only us! Luckily I was home to dry everything up, so no damage in the nursery. Not so sure about our wood floors down in the den though.. a moment to be glad about renting!
I'll stick to my plan and show you pictures of the once finished- now disaster nursery (nesting gone wrong):
Tuesday was our 36 week appointment- now we will go every week! We had an NST (non-stress test) done because of my hypothyroidism and Bryce measuring so big. He did great and we loved getting to hear his heartbeat for 30 minutes straight. We will now have NST's performed every week until he comes as a precaution. For anyone who is curious, a non-stress test basically records baby's heartbeat and movements to make sure his heart rate goes up and down according to his movements. It also measures any contractions I may be having. The doctor also checked me and I am 50% effaced- any progress sounds good to me!
And now you may be curious about the blog title..
My plans for this week's post were to show you pictures of the nursery, since it is almost completely finished. However, the Lord had other plans and decided to allow a tornado to come through Lakeland today before I took pictures. The winds blew rain and hail at such a speed and angle as to make it's way into our house through the window seals. I know that sounds crazy.. only us! Luckily I was home to dry everything up, so no damage in the nursery. Not so sure about our wood floors down in the den though.. a moment to be glad about renting!
I'll stick to my plan and show you pictures of the once finished- now disaster nursery (nesting gone wrong):
The water in the den was much worse:
Just one more reason I think Bryce might come early.. it's things like this that could send a pregnant woman into labor! :) until next week...
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