Emmalyn's 2 month doctor visit

Weight: 8lbs 13oz 3%

Length: 22 inches 25%

Head: 14.49 inches 3%

    As you can see, it didn't go too well :( She's been dropping weight percentiles since her first month. We're on the 3rd week of her having diarrhea (watery, explosive stools). She's pretty content for the most part, except when she has to "go" or has tummy rumblings. She's a very gassy little one! Her pediatrician thinks that she has a milk protein allergy, the same thing Samuel was diagnosed with when he was admitted to the hospital at one month of age with the vague explanation of failure to thrive. Her stool tested positive for reducing substances (her body is not absorbing sugars).

    I've done a ton of research, and basically, this is what it boils down to is this. If indeed this is what is behind her poor weight gain and diarrhea. Milk protein (that I've digested and transferred through breast milk) has damaged the lining of her gut. Now her body cannot absorb sugars and allow them to pass into the large intestines. Once in the large intestines, it causes her pain with gas and diarrhea. This would also explain the slow weight gain and her excessive sleepiness as our bodies need sugar for both energy and growth.

    Her pediatrician is monitoring her very closely and checking her weight weekly. At her last weigh-in, she gained only 1.5 oz in a week. We have been supplementing with a hypo-allergenic formula, however last week her doctor said I should switch to an all-formula diet as her diarrhea and weight aren't improving much. I left that appointment feeling very defeated and depressed! I was extremely heartbroken when I had to stop nursing Samuel at about 1 month of age, and here I was about to do it again. After doing a lot of research and soul-searching I decided to not yet give up on breastfeeding. I have had milk and major milk products out of my diet (for the most part) since she was 2 weeks old. And completely out since she started the diarrhea. From all that I've read, she should have shown improvement within that time and she has stayed the same. I know formula feeding is not the end of the world, but it does mean a lot to me. However, I will do whatever needs to be done to keep her healthy and happy. I requested a referral to a pediatric dietitian to weigh in on her case. After I speak with her I will make the decision whether or not to continue breastfeeding. Her next weigh-in is on Monday 6/4.

Isn't doing laundry fun!

Samuel turns 4!

Forgot to take my camera to the party :( But atleast Tani was able to take a couple of photos and videos for me! Thank you Tani!!!

Video opening his presents
http://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc25/brandywk1/?action=view&current=PIC_1434.mp4

Wordless Wensday

One month of life

    I can't believe that Emmalyn is already a month old! Time seems to be slipping away, and life has been a whirlwind since her arrival. Not much rest for this mommy of 4. Spring break, doctor visits, a photo shoot, soccer games, birthdays, a baptism, and even a bout with the stomach flu – it's been a non-stop adventure!
The first week after her birth was a blur, with minimal sleep, especially during the initial days after my c-section. I did a lot of admiring my new baby and worrying about the rest of my family back home in a cold house. Our furnace went out on us that first day. Emmalyn was born on the first day of spring, with a surprise snowfall on the second day, giving me an amazing view from my hospital room. Gotta love our crazy Oregon weather!
    Once back home, relaxation wasn't on the agenda, the older kids were on spring break. Dane, took on the super-dad role, juggling care for me and ensuring the kids had a fun break from school. Dane took them to the arcade, the movies, the park, and even Wunderland, they had a great time! Amidst all this, he also installed our new furnace, wow! The week ended with celebrations for Ron, Chris, and baby Audrey's birthdays.
    At her 2-week visit, Emmalyn was up to 7lbs 9oz, which was great news! Her pediatrician just wanted her to be up to birth weight. Those first two weeks, I thought I'd lucked out with an easy baby. Christian and Maddy were both colicky, and Sam had his medical issues. I'm due for an easy one! Emmalyn's initial two weeks seemed like a breeze – an easy baby, good nursing, and sleep. Unfortunately, at that two-week mark, we started having nursing problems and tummy pains. So much for getting some sleep! She now wanted to be held 24/7. Thankfully, many eager hands were happy to help.
    On Sunday, April 15th we celebrated Christian's 11th birthday, only to be struck by the stomach flu that took over our entire family! On the way out to Wenzel Mountain to get ready for the party, Maddy got sick in the car. So we girls turned around and stayed home :( Poor Maddy, she was disappointed to miss the party.
    At her 4-week checkup, her visit revealed she had only gained the bare minimum, weighing in at just 8lbs 1oz. A poor latch due to her being tongue-tied (short frenulum) was believed to be the problem. So we made yet another doctor's appointment (between her and I, this was our 7th doctor visit this month)! This time, to the ENT for a frenulectomy. I felt horrible having this done, but I did not want to give up on breastfeeding! It was a simple procedure, and she only cried for about a minute. That same day, Christian came down with the same stomach flu Maddy had! Ug, what a week!
    So here we are, The Wenzel family has survived the first month of this new life. Things are getting easier now that we all know our new places within this family of 6. Emmalyn as tiny as she is, fits right in! We're still working on some nursing issues, but the love I feel for her every time her big blue eyes look up at me while suckling makes it worth it! I hope she'll gain well and we can continue to breastfeed. I feel for her, especially when her big blue eyes gaze up at me during feeding, which makes it all worthwhile. As we navigate through the newborn stage, I know it won't last long, and I cherish every moment.