The Latest...

I'm back...sorry it's been so long...busy, busy, busy!!!

Lydia's feeding has of course run into an obstacle, again! It seems to be an unending cycle...everytime I think it is solved, the reflux strikes again. I am starting to understand the cycle...I guess I'll expect it next time. (It took me long enough!) Once her little body gets accustomed to the "perfect mix," the reflux starts again...so I try to thicken the formula...then she has trouble sucking it from the nipple...and so on and so on. I've also noticed that when she starts to hurt from the reflux, she stops eating as well...she'll sometimes not suck well at all...she'll sometimes suck the milk and not swallow, lets it flow out of her mouth. She's just trying to avoid pain...which none of us can blame her. She doesn't know that she has to eat to live or that she has to gain weight for her body, and most importantly her brain, to grow. She just knows it hurts, and that's not good. Well anyway...here's my new temporary cure: I added an additional 1/8 tsp of formula powder per oz of the previous mixture of ready-to-feed formula and oatmeal. Started that tonight...so far...last two feedings went fairly well. Keep her in your prayers please so that she continues to eat well.

We went to the dr today and she weighed 11 lbs. Sounds great...she's still gaining, but the gain has slowed down...5 1/2 oz in 2 weeks, quite a dive from 11 oz in 5 days last weigh-in. Hopefully, she'll put on some weight with this new trick. Today's appt was to discuss possible seizures. About 2 weeks ago, Martin and I were sitting on the couch...my legs were propped up with Lydia lying on them. About 4-5 times (every 2 minutes or so), she would throw her hands up with a fearful look in her eye and tremble for a couple of seconds. I talked with Susan about it the next morning and she thought it was probably a startle reflex...if she is startled by a loud noise or not being supported well. But, she also thought that if we noticed it to happen again with no apparent cause, we should call the dr. Last night, she was lying on a pillow on the floor and she had the same kind of episode. It was just after she ate... and I'm starting to think now that it may have been related to the reflux....a sudden pain that startles her, because I noticed that she swallowed a few times after it. What stumps me is that she doesn't cry when she does it...it seems to me that if the pain was enough to startle her that much, she would also cry. I thought it was worth checking out. I called Dr Wood's office today and he wanted her to be seen. We saw Dr. Ronnie this afternoon, and he ordered an EEG to determine if it is actually seizures or not. He seems to think that it is probably just a startle reflex, but the test should show for sure. He said that he knew we've been through a lot with her, so it is probably best to check it out. They are trying to get her squeezed in somewhere, so they'll call me back about scheduling an appt.

The thyroid medication has been a bit of a challenge. I have to crush a little pill and mix it with water to give to her. Imagine...she has reflux on her anti-reflux formula mixed with oatmeal, what do you think she does with something as thin as water?? Right! A nightmare the first few times. I am now putting it in a bottle nipple and for some reason (maybe because it is coming out slower...and she has control) she has done better than with the dropper.

Lydia and Jordyn (Tiffany's daughter) were christened together last Sunday. It was a wonderful, beautiful day filled with fun! Martin and I are very excited to be Jordyn's godparents. It also made for a very interesting baptism....transferring babies from arm to arm throughout the ceremony...it was a treat! We are very thankful that Aunt Jo and Uncle Jim were able to join us from California. They also got to make it to see the Broncos play (a big win over Brusly-my home turf...though I am now a full-fledged Bronco fan...:) We are also thankful for the delicious gumbo that Grandma made along with Papa's signature potatoe salad and Granny's delicious bread! Thanks Granny for setting us up in your clubhouse.

I finished buying my last Christmas gift tonight! Yeah!! Martin also started and finished his shopping today....how jealous am I about that?? ...though his list is just a wee bit shorter than mine. I have had a ball shopping this year though! Can't wait for Christmas! We'll have Christmas with the Comeaux's on Christmas Eve and then a Christmas Day debut at our house for Christmas with the Poche's. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas too!!! I'll try to update again before then...