I started going to a Stroller Strides fitness class last week. I arrived a few minutes late yesterday and my friend K, who is in the class too, frantically whispers "Did you get the email?"
Nope.
CBC Television was there to film our class. Not a biggie, but I sure am glad I made time for a shower in the 20 minutes I had before I ran out the door.
So, they filmed us from all sorts of angles - butt shots as we pushed the strollers around the mall, butt and front and overheard shots as we used the resistance bands and did push ups int he center court. They spent a lot of time filming K's little girl as she cooed and complained in the stroller.
After the class, they asked for volunteers to be interviewed on camera. Of course I did it, because I'm a media freak. I kept thinking how much Jay's grandparents will love to see this, whenever it airs.
So I smiled for the camera and introduced myself and Felix and talked about why I like the class and why I go to it.
Fun times. It's supposed to air sometime in March.
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Friday, December 5, 2008
December 5, 2008
Two napping boys. At the same time, and neither one is ON me!!! Holy crap! And Felix isn't in the swing - he fell asleep, on his own, in the pack 'n play! Holy moly crap!
Poor Elliot has a fever, though. 102. He's very whiny and clingy, but still has lots of energy. Says his ear hurts. And his penis. And his knee. So we'll watch that and see where it goes. I hope he doesn't have an ear infection. Of course, he may have said his ear hurts simply because he didn't want me to take his temp again - he's smart & sneaky like that.
~~~
Must have been viral - we had a rough night last night, but he's much better today.
After a looong wait at the walk in clinic this morning, no ear infection. Lungs are clear. Throat is fine. And since he's also been complaining of a sore penis, the dr checked that, too, and his abdomen in case if might be appendicitis... He's in great shape.
Could also have been a reaction to the flu shot - he had that exactly 10 days before the fever set in.
Poor Elliot has a fever, though. 102. He's very whiny and clingy, but still has lots of energy. Says his ear hurts. And his penis. And his knee. So we'll watch that and see where it goes. I hope he doesn't have an ear infection. Of course, he may have said his ear hurts simply because he didn't want me to take his temp again - he's smart & sneaky like that.
~~~
Must have been viral - we had a rough night last night, but he's much better today.
After a looong wait at the walk in clinic this morning, no ear infection. Lungs are clear. Throat is fine. And since he's also been complaining of a sore penis, the dr checked that, too, and his abdomen in case if might be appendicitis... He's in great shape.
Could also have been a reaction to the flu shot - he had that exactly 10 days before the fever set in.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
November 18-19 2008
Elliot came up to me this morning holding the front of his pants and saying "something in there" - since we've been gradually potty training, I thought maybe he had finally realized he peed. So up we went to the bathroom and sat on his new potty seat on the toilet. Nothing. When we went to put on a new diaper, his the tip of his penis was red and he grabbed it, saying that it hurt. He was crying.
I cleaned it and looked for obvious signs of dirt, infection, etc, but didn't see anything but redness. There was a bit of odor I haven't noticed before. I put some cream on it.
I changed him this morning and gave him his bath last night - nothing out of the ordinary. I didn't see him fall on himself this morning.
I called his dr and she's booked solid today, but the receptionist said if I *could* collect a sample then I should bring him to a walk in clinic somewhere asap (as the sample has to be fresh) or to their office tonight, as it's a walk-in after 5pm.
Right now, I'm tanking him up on fluids to see what happens next time he pees. Poor boy, I hope it's not a UTI.
~~
Changed a very wet diaper not that long ago. He didn't cry or seem to notice when he peed in it, but when I washed off his penis, he said it hurt again. I put more cream on it...
And YAY it's snowing here... gonna be a fun walk/bus ride if i do need to take him in...
~~
After his nap, he grabbed the front of his pants again and said "What's my bum doing?" He must have been peeing. I changed him and again he said it hurt when I wiped him down, he actually grabbed my hand to move it away and then changed his tune - "It not hurt. It not hurt!" I haven't tried to retract the skin, the urinary opening doesn't look to be impaired at all.
Looking at his penis, it looks weird. It's curving and puffy in a few places. I don't normally spend time looking at his bits, so this could be normal, but overall, it looks bigger than I remember. Then there's that red tip. Of course, I also change Felix's diapers, so my perspective is a bit off. And, being concerned, I'm probably reading/seeing more into this than usual.
I just stepped outside to get the mail - damn, it's cold! it's mostly snow now, with rain mixed in. It was the other way around this morning. This will make travel, by any route, fun. It's the first snowfall - not that it's amounting to anything, but with the temp below freezing now, the roads will be dangerous. Everyone knows winter is here, but no one prepares until well after the first snow and it's always a disaster.
~~
The tip is visibly swollen now. So maybe it's retraction based.
Still going with a wait and see attitude. With the exception of diaper changes, he's only complained about it twice - presumably while peeing - but he's peed lots of other times, as those were some wet dipes.
I've been giving him lots of very diluted apple juice laced with probiotics, and we'll go heavy on yogurt at supper. Jay will be home within the hour and he'll take a look at it, since he's the penis expert.
~~~
By the time Jay got home last night, E's penis was visibly swollen, at the tip and down the length. We decided to wait overnight... this morning it was still a bit red but the swelling was almost all gone. He didn't complain about it before we went to daycare and the staff didn't mention him saying it hurt during diaper changes today. So, I guess it was a natural retraction thing.
I cleaned it and looked for obvious signs of dirt, infection, etc, but didn't see anything but redness. There was a bit of odor I haven't noticed before. I put some cream on it.
I changed him this morning and gave him his bath last night - nothing out of the ordinary. I didn't see him fall on himself this morning.
I called his dr and she's booked solid today, but the receptionist said if I *could* collect a sample then I should bring him to a walk in clinic somewhere asap (as the sample has to be fresh) or to their office tonight, as it's a walk-in after 5pm.
Right now, I'm tanking him up on fluids to see what happens next time he pees. Poor boy, I hope it's not a UTI.
~~
Changed a very wet diaper not that long ago. He didn't cry or seem to notice when he peed in it, but when I washed off his penis, he said it hurt again. I put more cream on it...
And YAY it's snowing here... gonna be a fun walk/bus ride if i do need to take him in...
~~
After his nap, he grabbed the front of his pants again and said "What's my bum doing?" He must have been peeing. I changed him and again he said it hurt when I wiped him down, he actually grabbed my hand to move it away and then changed his tune - "It not hurt. It not hurt!" I haven't tried to retract the skin, the urinary opening doesn't look to be impaired at all.
Looking at his penis, it looks weird. It's curving and puffy in a few places. I don't normally spend time looking at his bits, so this could be normal, but overall, it looks bigger than I remember. Then there's that red tip. Of course, I also change Felix's diapers, so my perspective is a bit off. And, being concerned, I'm probably reading/seeing more into this than usual.
I just stepped outside to get the mail - damn, it's cold! it's mostly snow now, with rain mixed in. It was the other way around this morning. This will make travel, by any route, fun. It's the first snowfall - not that it's amounting to anything, but with the temp below freezing now, the roads will be dangerous. Everyone knows winter is here, but no one prepares until well after the first snow and it's always a disaster.
~~
The tip is visibly swollen now. So maybe it's retraction based.
Still going with a wait and see attitude. With the exception of diaper changes, he's only complained about it twice - presumably while peeing - but he's peed lots of other times, as those were some wet dipes.
I've been giving him lots of very diluted apple juice laced with probiotics, and we'll go heavy on yogurt at supper. Jay will be home within the hour and he'll take a look at it, since he's the penis expert.
~~~
By the time Jay got home last night, E's penis was visibly swollen, at the tip and down the length. We decided to wait overnight... this morning it was still a bit red but the swelling was almost all gone. He didn't complain about it before we went to daycare and the staff didn't mention him saying it hurt during diaper changes today. So, I guess it was a natural retraction thing.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
September 24-25, 2008
Elliot woke up with blue lips this morning. They stayed blue during and after breakfast. His hands were cold, but fingernails looked normal. (Not pink, but not blue at all.) His tongue and gums looked normal, too. Breathing wasn't laboured, but he was coughing a lot. Jay gave him his puffer before breakfast.
I know this is generally related to lung problems - respiratory due to illness (cold, asthma) but can also be a sign of a heart problem.
I took him to daycare anyway, but let them know about it. It didn't raise any flags with them and they said they'd watch him for me.
I'm 99% certain this is related to his nasty cold.... buuuut should I take him to his dr? The ER? Wait and see? I'm usually a wait and see kind of gal, but I don't want to risk my kids health, of course.
Felix, on the other hand, sounds more laboured and wheezes a bit (more snuffly than wheezy) when he breathes and his skin colour is good. So far. Baby coughs are so pitiful sounding. Breaks my heart.
~~
Well, I called a pharmacist and she wasn't instantly alarmed, but said it would be good to get him checked out. She did check the inhaler he's on to make sure it wasn't a possible side effect.
We don't have a nurse line to call, but I did call out dr's office. Front desk suggested I bring him in to the walk in clinic tonight so they could check him over and make sure he was breathing ok for overnight. She said it didn't sound like a rush thing, but still a 'better to be safe than sorry' thing. I agree. So, I'm getting ready to go pick up Elliot from daycare a bit early and we'll head to the clinic.
~~
Dr said he's fine. He didn't know what caused the blue-ness, but said he's healthy (aside from the cold). Lungs, ears and throat are clear. Skin is completely normal colour now, of course.
So it's a mystery. I don't like mysteries when it comes to my children.
We'll keep an eye on it.
~~
25th
Blue again this morning.
The doctor - an ancient dude - didn't check E's blood oxygen levels, which is something I expected. I'll call the children's hospital, I guess. Last time I called them about something, they told me that unless he was a patient or seen my them already within the last 24 hours, they couldn't advise anything over the phone. To go to the ER was best option if I was concerned.
I know that by the time I arrive there with both kids, Elliot's lips will be normal and they won't find anything wrong and will make me feel (again) like a over protective first time mom.
The fact that his lips return to normal is a good sign. I'm thinking it's a temporary oxygen saturation thing while he has this cold - he had a big coughing fit this morning. The really promising sign is that they're not as blue as yesterday - only a deep red/purple today and a purple/blue yesterday.
His room has been colder than usual, so that could be playing a part. I actually turned the heat on this morning, it dropped to 64 degrees in the house last night, colder in Elliot's room as he has 2 outer facing walls and his bed runs along them.
I know this is generally related to lung problems - respiratory due to illness (cold, asthma) but can also be a sign of a heart problem.
I took him to daycare anyway, but let them know about it. It didn't raise any flags with them and they said they'd watch him for me.
I'm 99% certain this is related to his nasty cold.... buuuut should I take him to his dr? The ER? Wait and see? I'm usually a wait and see kind of gal, but I don't want to risk my kids health, of course.
Felix, on the other hand, sounds more laboured and wheezes a bit (more snuffly than wheezy) when he breathes and his skin colour is good. So far. Baby coughs are so pitiful sounding. Breaks my heart.
~~
Well, I called a pharmacist and she wasn't instantly alarmed, but said it would be good to get him checked out. She did check the inhaler he's on to make sure it wasn't a possible side effect.
We don't have a nurse line to call, but I did call out dr's office. Front desk suggested I bring him in to the walk in clinic tonight so they could check him over and make sure he was breathing ok for overnight. She said it didn't sound like a rush thing, but still a 'better to be safe than sorry' thing. I agree. So, I'm getting ready to go pick up Elliot from daycare a bit early and we'll head to the clinic.
~~
Dr said he's fine. He didn't know what caused the blue-ness, but said he's healthy (aside from the cold). Lungs, ears and throat are clear. Skin is completely normal colour now, of course.
So it's a mystery. I don't like mysteries when it comes to my children.
We'll keep an eye on it.
~~
25th
Blue again this morning.
The doctor - an ancient dude - didn't check E's blood oxygen levels, which is something I expected. I'll call the children's hospital, I guess. Last time I called them about something, they told me that unless he was a patient or seen my them already within the last 24 hours, they couldn't advise anything over the phone. To go to the ER was best option if I was concerned.
I know that by the time I arrive there with both kids, Elliot's lips will be normal and they won't find anything wrong and will make me feel (again) like a over protective first time mom.
The fact that his lips return to normal is a good sign. I'm thinking it's a temporary oxygen saturation thing while he has this cold - he had a big coughing fit this morning. The really promising sign is that they're not as blue as yesterday - only a deep red/purple today and a purple/blue yesterday.
His room has been colder than usual, so that could be playing a part. I actually turned the heat on this morning, it dropped to 64 degrees in the house last night, colder in Elliot's room as he has 2 outer facing walls and his bed runs along them.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
September 17, 2008
Poor little muffin... they called me to pick Elliot up from daycare. He had a temp of 101.8, which is 1.3 above their "limit", and his nose was draining green gunk. unfortunately, he fell asleep before I got there (They called me at noon, I got there just before nap time was supposed to start)... so with a 5 minute nap under his belt and a drippy nose, I'm sure today will suck. tried to put him down for an hour and then gave up. he's watching tv now. maybe he'll fall asleep in his chair. once he's out, then Felix, my other crappy napper, will hopefully stay asleep, too. He's been napping in 10 minute bursts. with shrieking in between.
Oh, and Elliot's temp when I got him home was only 99.something. So either our thermometer is off or theirs is off, or they took his temp after he was running around outside. his nose is still a faucet, but temp is down for now, i guess.
Oh, and Elliot's temp when I got him home was only 99.something. So either our thermometer is off or theirs is off, or they took his temp after he was running around outside. his nose is still a faucet, but temp is down for now, i guess.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
September 10, 2008
Had our 6 week check up this morning. She thinks that the lingering carpal tunnel symptoms I'm having should start to dissipate in another 2-3 months (!!) once the post-partum hormones settle. Ditto the quasi-post-partum-depression symptoms I've been having. BUT she gave me a prescription for anti-depressants and I'm to follow up with her in a month.
As much as my boys need their sane, normal mother back, I'm hesitating filling the 'script. For one, I've read conflicting things about BFing while on it. Not to mention, we no longer have drug coverage and it's not cheap. But I'm thinking that with Elliot in daycare 3 days a week, I won't have 2 needing me 24/7 and will be able to rest a bit more. That alone might just get rid of all my PPD signs.
I've been having odd bladder/hoo-ha issues, so she checked me out and did a PAP. Good news is that I don't appear to have a UTI or a yeast infection. But she did a swab to see if I have any unusual bacterial growth. I'll get the results in a week or so.
And I got a prescription for the mini-pill. I took it after Elliot and did well on it - no huge plummet in my milk supply, a drop, but nothing major.
*sigh*
Felix had a good check up. He's a BIG boy!!! 13 lb 14 oz and 23 inches. 95%/90%. And his 'magic spot', unicorn horn is definitely a birth mark. She figures it will fade by time he's 5 yrs. I hope to - it's hard to see exactly where his hair line is, but I think it's just under it.
As much as my boys need their sane, normal mother back, I'm hesitating filling the 'script. For one, I've read conflicting things about BFing while on it. Not to mention, we no longer have drug coverage and it's not cheap. But I'm thinking that with Elliot in daycare 3 days a week, I won't have 2 needing me 24/7 and will be able to rest a bit more. That alone might just get rid of all my PPD signs.
I've been having odd bladder/hoo-ha issues, so she checked me out and did a PAP. Good news is that I don't appear to have a UTI or a yeast infection. But she did a swab to see if I have any unusual bacterial growth. I'll get the results in a week or so.
And I got a prescription for the mini-pill. I took it after Elliot and did well on it - no huge plummet in my milk supply, a drop, but nothing major.
*sigh*
Felix had a good check up. He's a BIG boy!!! 13 lb 14 oz and 23 inches. 95%/90%. And his 'magic spot', unicorn horn is definitely a birth mark. She figures it will fade by time he's 5 yrs. I hope to - it's hard to see exactly where his hair line is, but I think it's just under it.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
June 18, 2008
My sciatica is driving me crazy. I woke Jay up moaning in pain yesterday morning - I was so panicked because it was burning numbing pain from my hips to ankles that I could barely verbalize what was wrong and he thought Boo was coming.
Things that normally help are regular chiro (it's been at least 8 weeks since my last appt), lots of stretching, keeping active, soaking in the tub, hot packs (which I've been using) and sitting on my exercise ball (and doing pelvic rotations, etc, while on the ball).
I'm not leaking fluid, to my knowledge, but my instructions were to not take a bath But at my last appointment, my dr mentioned that baths were probably ok, as long as the tub was clean and I didn't go overboard with fragrances, etc.
I'm sitting on my ball right now and it feels nice - but I'm hesitant to do any of the rotations in case it makes Boo drop or me start contracting or breaks my water again. I've slowly started doing stretches before bed and in the morning - which feel heavenly - but again, I'm nervous. I want to soak in the tub.
Things that normally help are regular chiro (it's been at least 8 weeks since my last appt), lots of stretching, keeping active, soaking in the tub, hot packs (which I've been using) and sitting on my exercise ball (and doing pelvic rotations, etc, while on the ball).
I'm not leaking fluid, to my knowledge, but my instructions were to not take a bath But at my last appointment, my dr mentioned that baths were probably ok, as long as the tub was clean and I didn't go overboard with fragrances, etc.
I'm sitting on my ball right now and it feels nice - but I'm hesitant to do any of the rotations in case it makes Boo drop or me start contracting or breaks my water again. I've slowly started doing stretches before bed and in the morning - which feel heavenly - but again, I'm nervous. I want to soak in the tub.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
May 11, 2008
Elliot was sick with nasty head cold a few weeks ago. For a whole week, he only nursed once, because he couldn't breathe. He started demanding bottles. Once he could breathe again, he had a marathon nursing session (20 minutes - abnormally long for him, he's usually done in 3-4 minutes) and then didn't ask for it again for several more days. We're averaging nursing once a week now. Sometimes he'll ask for it when I get home from work, but when tell him he can have it before bed, just to see if he *really* wants it, he's ok with that and then, come bedtime, he doesn't want it and actually says 'no' when I ask.
So, I think we're weaned. Or just about weaned. Or taking a break. Or whatever!
Although, he likes to pull up my shirt to kiss & hug Boo, and the other day he pulled it way up and grabbed my boob and said "milk". I told him that the baby was going to drink the milk, too. He looked a bit concerned, I could see his little brain figuring that one out. Luckily, since he's only been nursing on the left side for the last year, I had a solution - I pointed to his side and said "Elliot's milk" and then to the other side and said "Baby's milk." He seemed happy with that!
Due to the pregnancy and the nursing once per week thing, I have next to nothing left, but he does seem happy enough to "dry nurse", I guess now and then, I guess. I suppose this counts as weaned... it's certainly the longest he's gone without nursing. We'll see what happens when Boo arrives!!!
So, I think we're weaned. Or just about weaned. Or taking a break. Or whatever!
Although, he likes to pull up my shirt to kiss & hug Boo, and the other day he pulled it way up and grabbed my boob and said "milk". I told him that the baby was going to drink the milk, too. He looked a bit concerned, I could see his little brain figuring that one out. Luckily, since he's only been nursing on the left side for the last year, I had a solution - I pointed to his side and said "Elliot's milk" and then to the other side and said "Baby's milk." He seemed happy with that!
Due to the pregnancy and the nursing once per week thing, I have next to nothing left, but he does seem happy enough to "dry nurse", I guess now and then, I guess. I suppose this counts as weaned... it's certainly the longest he's gone without nursing. We'll see what happens when Boo arrives!!!
Monday, April 28, 2008
April 28, 2008
Elliot likes to sit in the chair next to my computer. But often, he has to be reminded to sit on his bum as he stands up and dances. After pulling him down twice, I moved the chair away and told him he was done. He started to cry and drag the chair back. He had a mouthful of dry cereal. All of a sudden, his cry got very quiet and wheezy. He started turning deep red, then purple.
I could tell he was still breathing a bit because there was a faint cry. But he looked scared. I tried to scoop some cereal out of his mouth. I tried encouraging him to cough or to drink some water to help break it down. But he just turned deeper purple and looked at me so scared.
The phone started ringing just as I thought to call 911. I was freaking because someone calling in wouldn't let me call out. Luckily, at that point he coughed a bit and the cry got louder and his colour started to get better. My cell phone started to ring and I knew it was Jay trying to reach us so I answered it, with Elliot crying into my shoulder.
I was finally able to get him to drink some water afterwards and he sputtered up the rest of the cereal.
I need to take a first aid/CPR course. I've been meaning to take one for so long and keep putting it off. This just shows me how important it is to make the time to go. God, that was scary.
(And yet I STILL haven't taken that course!!)
I could tell he was still breathing a bit because there was a faint cry. But he looked scared. I tried to scoop some cereal out of his mouth. I tried encouraging him to cough or to drink some water to help break it down. But he just turned deeper purple and looked at me so scared.
The phone started ringing just as I thought to call 911. I was freaking because someone calling in wouldn't let me call out. Luckily, at that point he coughed a bit and the cry got louder and his colour started to get better. My cell phone started to ring and I knew it was Jay trying to reach us so I answered it, with Elliot crying into my shoulder.
I was finally able to get him to drink some water afterwards and he sputtered up the rest of the cereal.
I need to take a first aid/CPR course. I've been meaning to take one for so long and keep putting it off. This just shows me how important it is to make the time to go. God, that was scary.
(And yet I STILL haven't taken that course!!)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
April 24, 2008
Elliot had a bit of a runny nose yesterday, but I ignored it because the weather had cooled off and we were outside.
Throw in the early waking and uber-crank fest today along with a drippy faucet nose and yep - it's a nasty cold come bed time tonight. It's gonna be a long night, I'm sure. I hopped in the shower while Jay bathed him tonight, to help loosen things up. He couldn't nurse before bed like usual - kept popping on and off, snuffling the whole time. Of course, the soother is just useless. Jay finally got him to sleep with a bottle, but that only last about an hour and he was crying again.
I spent about half an hour rocking him, wiping his nose and shhhhing him. Then he puked slime all over me. We fell asleep twice, but only while he was propped up in my arms. The second I put him down he was awake and crying. His crib is raised, but it's such a slight angle compared to my arms when I hold him. I still hadn't had supper, (at 9:30, by this time) so I managed to get down to the basement to get Jay to come up while I ate, poor Elliot crying upstairs the whole time.
Elliot's asleep now, Jay did it somehow. But I'm not looking forward to tonight, the poor little monkey. And now I'm deliberately missing the first new epi of Greys because I know I need to get some sleep before the slime banshee is up again. I'll have to find the time to watch the (now recording) episode later this weekend. Except I don't have another day off until Friday.
Yep. Perfect timing, kiddo. I wish I could make him feel better. I hate it when he's sick.
Throw in the early waking and uber-crank fest today along with a drippy faucet nose and yep - it's a nasty cold come bed time tonight. It's gonna be a long night, I'm sure. I hopped in the shower while Jay bathed him tonight, to help loosen things up. He couldn't nurse before bed like usual - kept popping on and off, snuffling the whole time. Of course, the soother is just useless. Jay finally got him to sleep with a bottle, but that only last about an hour and he was crying again.
I spent about half an hour rocking him, wiping his nose and shhhhing him. Then he puked slime all over me. We fell asleep twice, but only while he was propped up in my arms. The second I put him down he was awake and crying. His crib is raised, but it's such a slight angle compared to my arms when I hold him. I still hadn't had supper, (at 9:30, by this time) so I managed to get down to the basement to get Jay to come up while I ate, poor Elliot crying upstairs the whole time.
Elliot's asleep now, Jay did it somehow. But I'm not looking forward to tonight, the poor little monkey. And now I'm deliberately missing the first new epi of Greys because I know I need to get some sleep before the slime banshee is up again. I'll have to find the time to watch the (now recording) episode later this weekend. Except I don't have another day off until Friday.
Yep. Perfect timing, kiddo. I wish I could make him feel better. I hate it when he's sick.
Monday, March 10, 2008
March 10, 2008
Ugh.
Back-story: since about January, Elliot's poops have become mushier and mushier (impossible to scrape off a CD) and the odour has gotten very bad - this morning, Jay described it as if Elliot had eaten a skunk. Tonight's smelled very sour.
He has 2-3 of these mushy things per day. Otherwise, he seems to be very happy and not in pain. He does have some eczema spots, but they started before this. But, they aren't budging. They improved, but did worsen in January. But the air got colder and dryer then, too. I've switched laundry detergents.
In December, we went from 4-5 nursing sessions per day to about 2. In January, I went back to work and his consumption of regular milk skyrocketed. The poops got mushy then, and I switched him to Lacteeze milk, which I drink due to lactose intolerance, to see if it would help. No change - worse, if anything.
My plan right now is to gradually switch him over to goats milk and yogurt and cut back on the cheese (he gobbles up dairy products - very much like his mama here!!)
Maybe my colostrum is coming in and that's contributing. We're still nursing about twice per day, but I know my supply is drastically lower - it's mainly for comfort than anything. He still asks to nurse and I'm not ready to fully wean, but if it's my milk causing the problem, then I need to.
He's not overly gassy and the poops don't appear to be mucousy which I know are big signs of dairy issues. They don't hurt him coming out - except his little bum is getting a bit ready due to the frequency and ability for it to smear all over, I guess. Jay is blaming it on juice, which Elliot does get, but it's always very watered down and he drinks maybe 2 oz of the mixture all day. In any case, we're stopping the juice.
Ugh. I'm asking my dr for a referral to an allergist for myself at my appointment on Wed and I'll be asking about Elliot then, too.
Back-story: since about January, Elliot's poops have become mushier and mushier (impossible to scrape off a CD) and the odour has gotten very bad - this morning, Jay described it as if Elliot had eaten a skunk. Tonight's smelled very sour.
He has 2-3 of these mushy things per day. Otherwise, he seems to be very happy and not in pain. He does have some eczema spots, but they started before this. But, they aren't budging. They improved, but did worsen in January. But the air got colder and dryer then, too. I've switched laundry detergents.
In December, we went from 4-5 nursing sessions per day to about 2. In January, I went back to work and his consumption of regular milk skyrocketed. The poops got mushy then, and I switched him to Lacteeze milk, which I drink due to lactose intolerance, to see if it would help. No change - worse, if anything.
My plan right now is to gradually switch him over to goats milk and yogurt and cut back on the cheese (he gobbles up dairy products - very much like his mama here!!)
Maybe my colostrum is coming in and that's contributing. We're still nursing about twice per day, but I know my supply is drastically lower - it's mainly for comfort than anything. He still asks to nurse and I'm not ready to fully wean, but if it's my milk causing the problem, then I need to.
He's not overly gassy and the poops don't appear to be mucousy which I know are big signs of dairy issues. They don't hurt him coming out - except his little bum is getting a bit ready due to the frequency and ability for it to smear all over, I guess. Jay is blaming it on juice, which Elliot does get, but it's always very watered down and he drinks maybe 2 oz of the mixture all day. In any case, we're stopping the juice.
Ugh. I'm asking my dr for a referral to an allergist for myself at my appointment on Wed and I'll be asking about Elliot then, too.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
January 15, 2008
Elliot woke yesterday with a 100.2 temperature. Four hours later, it was 100.5. An hour later it was 101.7 He was a bit clingy, but otherwise seems happy and in great spirits, just very warm.
He's getting over a cold and still has a nasty cough, so my worry is that it's turning into an ear infection... but that would spike a fever, rather than this slow burn, right??? And he'd be in pain and unhappy; not the cheery little thing that's doing laps around the house on his little red car, right???
Well, the fever broke yesterday and there's still no sign of the roseola rash, if that's even what it was. His cough is sounding terrible and it's keeping everyone up at night. I was at my dr's office today and was able to book him in with his dr. He's got the all clear for an ear infection or respiratory infections. His dr thinks he might have a mild form of juvenile asthma (that he should outgrow) which makes recovery from colds longer. (His cough ALWAYS drags on for 3-4 weeks after he has a cold, meaning that his colds last a total of 5-6 weeks.) So we have a prescription for a puffer and face mask to give him only when he has a cold to help him sleep/breath better. We pick it up tomorrow - so we'll see how it goes!
He also got the first part of the flu shot today. We all figured since he's more susceptible to respiratory problems that having the shot might be beneficial in the long run.
We talked about a possible milk sensitivity. The last few days, he's really been guzzling whole milk, and his little belly is now swollen all the time and his poops are super mushy and smelly. Very different for him. So we're switching him to Lacteeze milk, which I drink anyway, to see if it helps any. If there's no change in 2 weeks, we'll try soy or goat's milk.
He's getting over a cold and still has a nasty cough, so my worry is that it's turning into an ear infection... but that would spike a fever, rather than this slow burn, right??? And he'd be in pain and unhappy; not the cheery little thing that's doing laps around the house on his little red car, right???
Well, the fever broke yesterday and there's still no sign of the roseola rash, if that's even what it was. His cough is sounding terrible and it's keeping everyone up at night. I was at my dr's office today and was able to book him in with his dr. He's got the all clear for an ear infection or respiratory infections. His dr thinks he might have a mild form of juvenile asthma (that he should outgrow) which makes recovery from colds longer. (His cough ALWAYS drags on for 3-4 weeks after he has a cold, meaning that his colds last a total of 5-6 weeks.) So we have a prescription for a puffer and face mask to give him only when he has a cold to help him sleep/breath better. We pick it up tomorrow - so we'll see how it goes!
He also got the first part of the flu shot today. We all figured since he's more susceptible to respiratory problems that having the shot might be beneficial in the long run.
We talked about a possible milk sensitivity. The last few days, he's really been guzzling whole milk, and his little belly is now swollen all the time and his poops are super mushy and smelly. Very different for him. So we're switching him to Lacteeze milk, which I drink anyway, to see if it helps any. If there's no change in 2 weeks, we'll try soy or goat's milk.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
January 5, 2008
Elliot fell this morning. He was crying, but not a scream or anything to indicate he was badly hurt, but when I picked him up and rubbed the back of his head where he landed, my hand came away all sticky with blood.
I froze and didn't know what to do. It was about 6:30 in the morning. Jay was asleep. I didn't know if I should rush him upstairs and tend to him up there or scream for Jay to come help or what. I finally grabbed a facecloth, got it cold and put it on his head to wipe away what I could before I looked at it. It was really a very small cut once I got to see it, so I cleaned him up (the cloth on his head pissed him off more than the fall!) and watched him for signs of pain/disorientation/etc. And I had to clean the floor, as there were blood drops where he landed, too!
He was fine. But boy, I was terrified!!!
He was squeezing himself between the table and the radiator and must have tripped. He plays behind there all the time - it's a fun little obstacle course that he loves and until today, appeared safe. There's nothing sharp coming out of the radiator, so I'm confused as to what he hit his head on, but no matter, he's ok.
Whew!
I froze and didn't know what to do. It was about 6:30 in the morning. Jay was asleep. I didn't know if I should rush him upstairs and tend to him up there or scream for Jay to come help or what. I finally grabbed a facecloth, got it cold and put it on his head to wipe away what I could before I looked at it. It was really a very small cut once I got to see it, so I cleaned him up (the cloth on his head pissed him off more than the fall!) and watched him for signs of pain/disorientation/etc. And I had to clean the floor, as there were blood drops where he landed, too!
He was fine. But boy, I was terrified!!!
He was squeezing himself between the table and the radiator and must have tripped. He plays behind there all the time - it's a fun little obstacle course that he loves and until today, appeared safe. There's nothing sharp coming out of the radiator, so I'm confused as to what he hit his head on, but no matter, he's ok.
Whew!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
August 21, 2007
We're taking Elliot for his first dental check up. my dentist doesn't see kids until they're 3 ...but he's making an exception because there are discolored pits on El's top front teeth. Pits which are now on the bottom front teeth as well, grrr.
hopefully it's just developmental pits that only effect the look of the enamel and not early childhood caries, which will be really bad for Elliot - lots of decay and many dental visits.
~~~~~~~~
i'm so proud of my boy!! he was very good and there was no biting or crying or screaming or having to pin him down!
i sat on the chair with him in my lap and the dentist put the chair down so Elliot and i were both reclined (Elliot loves being upside down, so this calmed him instantly) then they brought over the big light (Elliot is also fascinated with lights). the dentist could see the big pits on the top teeth but had to bring over a little pointy tool to get at the bottom ones. we had to hold Elliot's head still, but he didn't struggle!
so the verdict is: as long as we keep the pits and Elliot's teeth very clean (brushing 1-2 times per day and wiping his mouth after meals) and don't put him to bed with any bottles and limit his juice intake, we should be fine and nothing else needs to be done. if they get bigger, however, or seem to be causing him pain, we will have to have them bonded - a simple procedure involving cleaning and drying them and applying a fill to the wholes (like crack filling a wall!) of course, that requires Elliot to stay perfectly still for at least 3 minutes. something i don't think my son is capable of!!
the dentist told me i have a good eye - apparently he couldn't see the pits in El's bottom teeth until he brought over the light and that tool. but they're very obvious to me - especially when filled with peas!!
hopefully it's just developmental pits that only effect the look of the enamel and not early childhood caries, which will be really bad for Elliot - lots of decay and many dental visits.
~~~~~~~~
i'm so proud of my boy!! he was very good and there was no biting or crying or screaming or having to pin him down!
i sat on the chair with him in my lap and the dentist put the chair down so Elliot and i were both reclined (Elliot loves being upside down, so this calmed him instantly) then they brought over the big light (Elliot is also fascinated with lights). the dentist could see the big pits on the top teeth but had to bring over a little pointy tool to get at the bottom ones. we had to hold Elliot's head still, but he didn't struggle!
so the verdict is: as long as we keep the pits and Elliot's teeth very clean (brushing 1-2 times per day and wiping his mouth after meals) and don't put him to bed with any bottles and limit his juice intake, we should be fine and nothing else needs to be done. if they get bigger, however, or seem to be causing him pain, we will have to have them bonded - a simple procedure involving cleaning and drying them and applying a fill to the wholes (like crack filling a wall!) of course, that requires Elliot to stay perfectly still for at least 3 minutes. something i don't think my son is capable of!!
the dentist told me i have a good eye - apparently he couldn't see the pits in El's bottom teeth until he brought over the light and that tool. but they're very obvious to me - especially when filled with peas!!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
February 17, 2007
(as i write this, Elliot is sitting beside me, filling his diaper. he looks so proud)
He seemed in very good spirits for the rest of yesterday and last night, more "healthy". He only really started wheezing and coughing again this morning. We all got some some much needed sleep last night. I left Jay to do the bedtime routine with a bottle and I went out for a few hours with the girls and drank lots of wine. Feel much better today!
I *think* and hope the worst is over, but will be making an appointment with his dr next week. That scary coughing/throwing up episode wasn't the only one he's had, but it was by far the worst. The emerg dr told me that as the cold comes to an end, the mucous get thicker so it can often seem as if things are getting worse, but that it's actually a good sign. All the same, we're keeping a very close eye on our little muffin. (who is now demanding a diaper change...)
He seemed in very good spirits for the rest of yesterday and last night, more "healthy". He only really started wheezing and coughing again this morning. We all got some some much needed sleep last night. I left Jay to do the bedtime routine with a bottle and I went out for a few hours with the girls and drank lots of wine. Feel much better today!
I *think* and hope the worst is over, but will be making an appointment with his dr next week. That scary coughing/throwing up episode wasn't the only one he's had, but it was by far the worst. The emerg dr told me that as the cold comes to an end, the mucous get thicker so it can often seem as if things are getting worse, but that it's actually a good sign. All the same, we're keeping a very close eye on our little muffin. (who is now demanding a diaper change...)
Friday, February 16, 2007
February 16, 2007
Elliot had a marathon nursing session at 3am this morning, followed by scary huge coughing fit. He couldn't breathe and was turning purple and looking at Jay and I with big eyes just begging for help. Then there was a large, projectile, mucousy-milky vomit followed by more coughing. He finally settled down and slept ... Took him to Emergency at 11 am rather than his regular dr because I thought that a baby this young with such a bad cough and wheeze they might want to xray his lungs or something (as my friend's mother, who is a pediatric nurse, recommended.) ... But nope. Just listened to him and told me he was fine, but to bring him back if he got worse.
Feel very silly, but glad I got him checked out. He's had a phlegmy, harsh cough for 10 days and has been wheezing for 4... poor little muffin.
Feel very silly, but glad I got him checked out. He's had a phlegmy, harsh cough for 10 days and has been wheezing for 4... poor little muffin.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
January 23, 2007
Elliot is 4 months old already! He had a check up yesterday, and he is 17 lbs 4 oz and 26 inches long. He had immunizations again and didn't even blink! Such a good boy. He didn't have any reactions to the shots either - no fever or irritation. He slept for almost 8 hours in a row last night - something he hasn't done since before Christmas. (His cold really threw him off, I think.)
His measurements now mean he's officially too long for his infant carseat. We need to get a next stage carseat that is designed to stay in the car that we don't have. These types of carseats don't have a handy handle on them, and this will make travel interesting. I think we'll invest in a heavy duty stroller and make it a point of walking everywhere, even in crappy weather.
I've been putting Elliot in his crib in his own room for naps for the last 2 weeks. Over the weekend, we put him there at bedtime. So far, so good, but it's only been 3 nights! I think it's much harder on mommy than it is on him. I've already had a few cries about it. I know he's probably going to sleep much better without the noises and distractions from our room (the cats knock things off the dresser, etc)... but he's been in a cradle next to our bed for the last 4 months. *sniff* My little boy! I miss him already!
Today I bought a white noise machine to see if it would help him nap longer. He usually fusses and wakes up after napping 40 minutes, but with the machine, I heard him fuss once then fall back to sleep at the 45 minute mark. He's still sleeping right now and it's been an hour! Woooo woooo! Let's hope it's a trend.
He rolled over today from his belly to his back 100% on his own. He rolled at 3 months, but we helped a bit - we would lay next to him on the bed and our weight would dip the mattress a touch & help him get the momentum needed.
Look out world, Elliot is coming to meet you!
His measurements now mean he's officially too long for his infant carseat. We need to get a next stage carseat that is designed to stay in the car that we don't have. These types of carseats don't have a handy handle on them, and this will make travel interesting. I think we'll invest in a heavy duty stroller and make it a point of walking everywhere, even in crappy weather.
I've been putting Elliot in his crib in his own room for naps for the last 2 weeks. Over the weekend, we put him there at bedtime. So far, so good, but it's only been 3 nights! I think it's much harder on mommy than it is on him. I've already had a few cries about it. I know he's probably going to sleep much better without the noises and distractions from our room (the cats knock things off the dresser, etc)... but he's been in a cradle next to our bed for the last 4 months. *sniff* My little boy! I miss him already!
Today I bought a white noise machine to see if it would help him nap longer. He usually fusses and wakes up after napping 40 minutes, but with the machine, I heard him fuss once then fall back to sleep at the 45 minute mark. He's still sleeping right now and it's been an hour! Woooo woooo! Let's hope it's a trend.
He rolled over today from his belly to his back 100% on his own. He rolled at 3 months, but we helped a bit - we would lay next to him on the bed and our weight would dip the mattress a touch & help him get the momentum needed.
Look out world, Elliot is coming to meet you!
Friday, January 5, 2007
January 5, 2007
Bailey got scared and jumped onto the head of my child who was innocently sitting in his swing. i don't know who was more freaked out - Elliot, the cat, or mommy!
he was such a brave boy - only cried for a second. there was a 2 inch scratch on the top of his head. it didn't break the skin, so that's the only reason i didn't rush him to the dr. i know cat scratches can cause so many infections. poor boy. i washed his head, and then watched the scratch go from a white mark to a red welt.
i called his dr, but they were closed for lunch. i did talk to a nurse at the mom & baby clinic, and she said to keep an eye on it for now, but that chances are it's fine since it didn't break the skin.... and it was fine!
he was such a brave boy - only cried for a second. there was a 2 inch scratch on the top of his head. it didn't break the skin, so that's the only reason i didn't rush him to the dr. i know cat scratches can cause so many infections. poor boy. i washed his head, and then watched the scratch go from a white mark to a red welt.
i called his dr, but they were closed for lunch. i did talk to a nurse at the mom & baby clinic, and she said to keep an eye on it for now, but that chances are it's fine since it didn't break the skin.... and it was fine!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Santa and the melt down!
Despite his cold, we took Elliot to meet Santa yesterdayday. he hadn't pooped in 3 days, and sure enough, as we got in the line up, he filled his diaper! (and his clothes) so off we went to change him. by the time we got back, the line was quite long. we waited 20 minutes - Elliot was happy up until the last few minutes, then he started to get tired and hungry and cranky. we managed to get this pic - adorable!
we shopped for a couple more hours, and when we got home, he absolutely had a melt down. screaming, refusing to eat or sleep or anything. he seemed to be starving, so i tried every breast feeding position i could think of. (and i think i invented a few - jay came in the room to see me practically straddling Elliot, who was propped up on a pillow on the couch.) we tried breast milk in a bottle, we tried a finger-feeding tubing device, we finally put some milk in a dropper and squirted it into his mouth. he just screamed more. he seemed to be in pain (sore throat, most likely) so we gave him some tylenol. he calmed a bit, but was still VERY upset. (and i was in tears - thank god jay was home.) finally, after 2.5 hours, he latched on with me standing and supporting his butt on my leg which was braced on the bed (NOT comfy for mama, but he needed it.) he ate for 5 minutes then fell asleep.
too much stimulation + nasty cold = very upset little boy!!!
he's doing much better today. I got a full-fledged laugh out of him before bedtime!!! just melts your heart. and he ate very well before bed, so i'm hoping he'll be back to his usual 7-9 hours of sleep!!! (it's been every 3-4 hours since he's been sick - we're all VERY tired!)
we shopped for a couple more hours, and when we got home, he absolutely had a melt down. screaming, refusing to eat or sleep or anything. he seemed to be starving, so i tried every breast feeding position i could think of. (and i think i invented a few - jay came in the room to see me practically straddling Elliot, who was propped up on a pillow on the couch.) we tried breast milk in a bottle, we tried a finger-feeding tubing device, we finally put some milk in a dropper and squirted it into his mouth. he just screamed more. he seemed to be in pain (sore throat, most likely) so we gave him some tylenol. he calmed a bit, but was still VERY upset. (and i was in tears - thank god jay was home.) finally, after 2.5 hours, he latched on with me standing and supporting his butt on my leg which was braced on the bed (NOT comfy for mama, but he needed it.) he ate for 5 minutes then fell asleep.
too much stimulation + nasty cold = very upset little boy!!!
he's doing much better today. I got a full-fledged laugh out of him before bedtime!!! just melts your heart. and he ate very well before bed, so i'm hoping he'll be back to his usual 7-9 hours of sleep!!! (it's been every 3-4 hours since he's been sick - we're all VERY tired!)
Thursday, December 21, 2006
December 21, 2006
Elliot is sick with a cold - very congested. i have a miserable sore throat. Jay has a runny nose. what a sad bunch we are!
Elliot is being so good. he's not very fussy, but has been sleeping for most of the day. he's only been awake for 6.5 hours all day - yes, i counted, i'm that anal. i'm trying not to freak out over that fact, and that he's had fewer wet diapers today. the good news is he's still nursing and doesn't seem dehydrated at all (drooly, in fact!)
he's not feverish and there doesn't seem to be anything to suction out with the aspirator, but he sounds so congested. we've been bringing him into the bathroom while we have showers so that the steam unclogs him - his nose would run afterwards, so i know it's working. we don't yet have a humidifier or vaporizer, but i think we're ok this time around.
my poor little baby. i hate to think that he has the same sore throat i have. it's terrible to think of him hurting at all. he wouldn't understand why, only that he hurts and mommy's not making it better.
on the progress side, Elliot is meeting more milestones! over the weekend, he started grabbing at his toys. he's really into his hands - looking at them, sucking on them, waving them around. he's vocalizing a lot, too, always chatting or yelling happily. He started actively trying to roll over from his back to his belly. since this is the tougher direction to roll in, we were very pleased! then on Wednesday, on his 3 month "birthday" he rolled over twice, but from his belly to his back. Such a smart little boy! he is still arching his back and kicking off with his feet when he's on his back, so likely rolling from that direction isn't far behind. now we have to watch where we put him down, since he's becoming more mobile!!!
Elliot is being so good. he's not very fussy, but has been sleeping for most of the day. he's only been awake for 6.5 hours all day - yes, i counted, i'm that anal. i'm trying not to freak out over that fact, and that he's had fewer wet diapers today. the good news is he's still nursing and doesn't seem dehydrated at all (drooly, in fact!)
he's not feverish and there doesn't seem to be anything to suction out with the aspirator, but he sounds so congested. we've been bringing him into the bathroom while we have showers so that the steam unclogs him - his nose would run afterwards, so i know it's working. we don't yet have a humidifier or vaporizer, but i think we're ok this time around.
my poor little baby. i hate to think that he has the same sore throat i have. it's terrible to think of him hurting at all. he wouldn't understand why, only that he hurts and mommy's not making it better.
on the progress side, Elliot is meeting more milestones! over the weekend, he started grabbing at his toys. he's really into his hands - looking at them, sucking on them, waving them around. he's vocalizing a lot, too, always chatting or yelling happily. He started actively trying to roll over from his back to his belly. since this is the tougher direction to roll in, we were very pleased! then on Wednesday, on his 3 month "birthday" he rolled over twice, but from his belly to his back. Such a smart little boy! he is still arching his back and kicking off with his feet when he's on his back, so likely rolling from that direction isn't far behind. now we have to watch where we put him down, since he's becoming more mobile!!!
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