Stella & Her Ears!

Yesterday morning around 10:00 a.m. I received that dreaded phone call from day care.  It was the director advising me that Stella's eye was draining and gooing some icky stuff.  With that said, they said someone had to pick her up and take her to the doctor to confirm whether or not she had pink eye.  

About three weeks ago, Stella's right ear was draining some brown / whitish liquid.  It definitely took me by surprise because since she had her tubes put in, we have had no further ear issues.  Turns out, she had an ear infection.  With the help of antibiotics and ear drops, I thought the infection cleared.

Yesterday, her doctor said the right ear was still infected, thus causing the eyes to drain.  I asked the doctor if her tubes were still in both ears.  She stated the left ear tube had fallen out and the right ear tube was about 90% out.  Ugghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!  I was hoping the shelf life on the tubes were going to buy us at least 2 years or so with no ear problems.  Instead they only lasted a little over a year.

The doctor also stated that Stella was wheezing a bit so we might want to start Albuterol breathing treatments at least once a day.  Awesome!!!

In any event, thankfully Stella's mood hasn't changed much throughout the last three weeks.  She has seemed overall very happy and content.

Since I was unexpectedly off work yesterday and construction is under way at my house, I had to find something for Stella and I to do away from the house.  We ended up going to Ruby Tuesday (hello, salad bar) for lunch and took a nice 3.5 mile run / walk through the Greenway.  While loading Stella into my jogging stroller, she spotted her Minnie helmet in the back of my car.  She insisted upon wearing it on our run / walk.  She looked comical to say the least, but she was HAPPY!

Yes, my dad put me in a Christmas shirt this morning!!  Ha, of all days for me to have to pick her up and take her out in public, she is dressed like Christmas!  :)

Hilarious!!  I got a lot of stares!  People were probably wondering why on earth I would put a helmet on a child when we were just strolling!  

Every time, I would slow down to walk, Stella would scream at me to, "GO!"  I think I ended up running about 2 miles total.  Today I am SORE!!!!!!!!  Seriously, I can barely walk!  And my knees HURT!  I am never this sore after leaving 9Round!  I am getting old!  

Towards the end of our stroll, we stopped and talked to the duckies!  Stella is so sweet!  She was blowing them kisses and telling them, "Bye, See You Soon!"

I pray that Stella's little ear heals and is rid of infection over the next week!  I feel so bad for her.  Thankfully, she has been pretty upbeat and happy for the most part!  :)

Stella - 9 Months

Weight: 21lbs, 3 oz (89%)
Height: 28 inches (63%)
Head circumference: 47cm (99%)

Clothes: 12 to 18 months.  Not going to lie, Stella can totally fit into 24 month tops and pants.  The kid is a beast!  I love her little squishy thighs!

Diapers: Size 4

Eating: This child is an eater  Her most favorite thing to do is EAT!  She is still taking in anywhere from 30 oz each day.  A typical day when she's going to daycare is:

6:15 a.m.: 6 oz
9:15 a.m.: 1 container of baby food
9:30 a.m.: 6 oz
12:15 p.m.: 1 container of baby food
12:30 p.m.: 6 oz
3:30 p.m.: 6 oz
6:00 p.m.: 6 oz

Snacks: Puffs, yogurt melts, grapes, peaches, Mum Mums

Yep, still an eater.  This past month she started eating off the menu at school.  Typically, I circle what I think is okay for her to eat through the week.  So far, I have circled only fruits and veggies.  I think next month, we will start more proteins.  She loves to self feed and I swear if you let her, she would eat an entire can of puffs in a day!

Sleep: She hates to nap.  She usually has ONE nap every day.  ONE nap - can you freaking believe that?????????  She usually goes down around 10:30/11:00 a.m. and sleeps for about an hour and a half to two hours.  That's it - she rages for the rest of the day!  :) 

However, the kid is a rock star at night!  During the week, she goes down anywhere from 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.  Since using the "cry it out" method over a month ago, she pretty much goes down without a fight.  She may cry for a minute or two, but that's it.  I think she is so darn worn out from her day and lack of sleep.  I guess if she's going to sleep for 12 hours straight on the weekend, I will totally put up w/ no naps during the day. 

On a side note..............we have not had to do any breathing treatments in almost 3 weeks!  Hallelujah! 

Crying:  Stella....................................... She is still crying!!!!!!!!!!!!  I guess this is why date nights are few and far between.  I just feel so darn guilty leaving Stella with anyone between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m.  Stella goes nuts!!!!!!!!  It is so obvious that she is soooooooooooooooo tired and needs sleep.  Steve and I had our first date night since September this past weekend and we could NOT leave the house until 6:45 p.m. because she was hysterically crying.  Inconsolable!  I had to put her down before we could leave.  Had I left it with my girlfriends to put her down, who knows how long she would have cried.  Oh well, this can't last forever right????????  Day by day, day by day!

Milestones: This past month has been full of smiles, laughs and very loud little girly screams.  Probably the biggest milestone has been her rolling over.  I haven't mentioned it much since her 6 month post, but the kid has NEVER rolled over from her back to belly.  Well, that changed this month and I couldn't be happier.  Her physical development has really been eating away at me over the last couple of months.  Lottie was crawling by 8.5 months and was rolling over by 12 weeks.  Looking back at Lottie's 9 month post obviously doesn't help this mama's psyche and I continue to tell myself that no two babies are alike.  Of course, when speaking to Stella's pediatrician about it, he doesn't seem to be concerned in the least.  He seems to think her weight and the fact that she is a big baby has a lot to do with it.  He also said she may be a little lazy and stubborn.  I put Stella through a series of tests the doctor gave us before her 9 month appointment and she was fine in every way except for gross motor skills (crawling, rolling, walking, cruising along furniture, etc.)

I will say that over the last week, she has really come along.  She is scooting all over the floor while on her belly and her bottom.  Even though she's not crawling, she somehow manages to get from one side of the room to the other in no time!  She is ready to go!  She just needs to gain a little more core strength.  That big ole belly of hers is really getting in her way.  She will get there!  I just need to learn to stop worrying about it so much!  Mom guilt is the pits, I tell you!

Moving on.............Stella is still the sweetest little thing!  When she's not tired and crying (ha), she has the sweetest, most genuine smile on her.  Her belly laughs make me chuckle and my heart just smiles!  She loves music!  She also loves "peek a boo" and when I make silly faces.  She still loves to rock back and forth like a psycho in her exersaucer.  She gets more "air" in her jumper that hangs in the doorway than I've ever seen any child do.  She also loves to eat puffs in her jumper.  Thank goodness for the little tray that comes with it.  She also loves throwing all of her toys, especially balls all over the house.  I must pick them up a thousand times a day. 

We are still at the stage where everything she touches goes immediately in her mouth.  I know that won't be changing for a very long time!!  Although, it has become a bit worrying.  We really have to be careful because Lottie leaves all of her "little" toys, jewelry, etc. all over the house.  I can't count how many times I have caught Stella trying to put stickers, rings, etc. in her mouth.  It's hard to baby proof when you've got a 3 year old in the house.  We've tried explaining to Lottie a thousand times that Stella can choke on those things, but it still doesn't stop her from leaving her stuff laying around the house.

We still have NO teeth.  Lottie got her first two bottom teeth at 6 months.  Like I said, I guess no two babies are the same!  I'm sure she can't wait to get her teeth as much as she loves to eat!

Sibling Love: WOW, Stella loves her sister.  Her face lights up when Lottie enters the room or speaks to her. Her favorite is when her sister dances or bounces up and down in front of her.  She lets out the biggest belly laughs.  When she sees Lottie playing with her toys, she wants to be a part of it.  Lottie is constantly petting her head, trying to force a paci in her mouth or tugging on her hands.  The tugging of the hands and arms has gotten out of control!  I don't know how many times a day I have to tell Lottie to leave Stella's hands alone!  I rarely leave the two of them alone in the room!  That Lottie can't be trusted!  Usually Stella is the one who's oohhhhinngggg and ahhhhhing over her sister. But this past month, Lottie has really taken an interest in Stella.  She's constantly telling me how much she loves playing with Stella.  She's normally snatching things out of Stella's hands or telling me to tell Stella to stop eating her princess and give it back...... And so it begins..................  Honestly though, Lottie has been a huge little helper this past month.  Anytime Stella cries, Lottie is right there telling her it will be okay.  I really love watching their relationship bloom.  The way Stella looks at Lottie like she is already her idol just melts my heart.  I would say the only thing that has changed this past month with the two of them is that Lottie really gets aggravated with Stella when she grabs her toys (princesses, dolls, etc.) and tries to eat them!  HA! 

Likes: EATING, sucking on her hands, taking a bath, putting her warm jammies on at the end of the day, seeing her daddy walk in the door from work, playing with sissy when she's not poking or prodding her, sitting up, throwing toys all over the house, being tickled, riding in shopping carts and having her hair brushed.

Dislikes: Being hungry, napping and big sister tugging on her arms and hands.

****The only way Stella would sit still for these photos is by giving her a Mum Mum!

2 Weeks I Wish I Could Forget

Oh the tears did flow.......................................

The past two weeks have been rough to say the least!  Not kidding, worst two weeks yet as far as the kiddos are concerned. 

The memories of Lottie and her ever present ear infections seemed so bad but so vague at the same time.  I remember having feelings of "will this ever end".  Sure enough with a bit of time, it did end and she was as healthy as any kid can be after her tubes were put in(13 Months Old).  We've only visited the doctor once for a sick visit after her procedure.

I am praying for the same result with Stella.  However by the look of things, I just don't see the light at the end of the tunnel just yet. 

Lets go back...............

In the last 11 days, I've been to the doctor 6 times with Stella.

Saturday: Pediatrician - junk in the eye, ongoing ear infection, referral to ENT
Monday: ENT - after an examination and our track record with Lottie, it was decided it be best to go ahead and put tubes in her ears.
Wednesday: 6 month well check up, ears still infected, cleared for surgery
Friday: Surgery
Saturday: Holy freak!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I ended up taking Stella to the children's urgent care due to respiratory problems, cough, trouble breathing.  In the end, she was diagnosed with bronchiolitis
Monday: Follow up with pediatrician due to respiratory problems. 

Everything just happened so fast.  The surgery (according to every doctor we've seen) went great.  The tubes went in great and all the infection was sucked out and gone!  Great news right????

Well, lo and behold on Saturday morning Stella started having a terrible cough.  She was gasping for air and although I planned to follow up with the pediatrician on Monday, I just couldn't for my sanity wait until then to follow up.  I ended up taking her to the children's urgent care in Blakeney on Saturday to get checked out.  OMG, talk about almost having a nervous break down....................  I can't tell you what a hollowing, helpless feeling it is seeing your child sick, miserable and crying. 

After a thorough exam, 3 breathing treatments and a chest x-ray (the most pitiful thing I've ever seen/been a part of in my life!!!) we were on the verge of being admitted to the hospital.  Thankfully my sister was in town (Godsend) who is a nurse and works closely with a pulmonologist / neurologist.  The urgent care doctor said that she felt comfortable allowing us to go home since she was there vs. going to the hospital.  In the end, Stella was diagnosed with bronchiolitis.  Basically, bronchitis for babies.  Somehow within the last week she developed a virus that dug deep down into her lungs causing a terrible cough and heavy wheezing.  So SCARY!

We were given a nebulizer and prescription for Albuteral.  We've been doing breathing treatments every four hours for the last few days.  It seems to help, but so hard to get her to actually take all of the vapor in.  We tried the mask which she hates and the mouthpiece.  The mouthpiece has been the go to for us.  She's also on steroids.  3ml twice a day.  Oh and ear drops, 3 drops in each ear for 3 days. 

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.  Laugh at how chaotic our lives are right now or cry because of how chaotic they are.  Thankfully Steve is his usual, normal, worry free self because I have been doing enough worrying and crying for the whole county. 

Since being back at daycare on Tuesday, she has just not been herself.  I'm pretty positive it's because she feels like poo and the steroids are making her crazy!  Baaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.  I've been getting calls all week from them stating she's not taking her bottles like she normally does and just not being herself.  I want to scream!!!  I mean HELLO, what more can I do?????  Steve and I both have to work.  If we had the option of being at home with her it would be our number one priority but it just isn't an option and honestly probably the best thing for her after all the trauma she has endured is going to get back to some sort of normal routine. 

If you are reading this, please keep our little family in your thoughts and prayers.  Poor little Stella has been through the ringer!  And her mama has gone absolutely bonkers!!!  :)  I just hope she can kick this virus soon and get back to enjoying daycare and playing with her family. 

Until then we are just going to take it day by day - as I've said before, "We will get through this, it is only a phase!"

Here's a look at a few photos I took right before Stella's surgery on Friday.  I have never seen a hospital gown so itty bitty.  Thankfully the tubes are in and look beautiful.

Again, forgive me for my rant!  It's been 2 weeks I wish I could forget! 

 



The Cesspool I call Daycare!!!

Excuse the subject line of this post, but damn it's been one of those weeks!!!! 

Last Monday, I trekked all the way from downtown Charlotte to Waxhaw to Matthews to get Stella to the doctor.  The kid woke up with that oh too familiar gunk (greenish nastiness) coming out of her eye.  Oh the memories from Lottie's ever present gunk eyes - AKA ear infections. 

I just knew it was the devil I call EAR INFECTION.  Sure enough after a thorough exam, she was diagnosed with a left ear infection.  She also had symptoms of the bark like seal cough but through antibiotics I was hoping for that to clear up as well............. 

Fast forward three days and I was trekking from Charlotte to Waxhaw to Matthews to take Lottie to the doctor for her bark, seal like cough.  I haven't had to take that girl for a sick visit since she had tubes put in her ears (13 months old).  Unfortunately, we weren't able to see our regular pediatrician and had to see one of his colleagues.  She was great and upon hearing Lottie's cough determined she had CROUP!  Bugger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (English slang) 

It was determined the best way to rid croup was a 3 day dose of steroids.  Let's just say - she only ended up taking 2 doses.  I just did not feel comfortable giving her steroids.  Thankfully, it cleared up and she is fine, but those two days of steroids were awful!  She behaved badly and just wasn't herself.  I don't know how people can take them recreationally.  Idiots!!!

Okay, fast forward to this week.  My throat started feeling pretty sore on Tuesday and I thought, "oh great, a cold is coming!"  By Wednesday morning, I was dizzy, had a fever and could not swallow.  I tried my best to get to work, but I just couldn't.  I called my PCP and scheduled an appt. first thing.  I probably would have let it ride, but being sick and caring for two kids might be the absolute worst thing imaginable.  After seeing the doctor, I was diagnosed with strep throat.  Ummmmm, I have NEVER had strep throat!  Awful.  I had a high fever and the worse swollen throat imaginable.  As a remedy, I was written a prescription for 10 days of antibiotics and 3 days of steroids.  Just what I needed right??????????

Holy cow, now I know how my kids felt on steroids!  I just finished up my last dosage and while it did a heck of a job of getting the swelling to go down in my throat, it has made me feel awful!  I have been sweating like a pig, it literally has given me hot flashes and the sweats!  So gross!

Thankfully, we are all starting to feel better and back on track.  The only thing I can think of that started all this mess was the cesspool of germs that come from daycare.  I know it can be a good thing that kids are exposed to the germs sooner than later.  Their immune systems will go strong, but gosh it's hard getting the every so often phone calls and the back and forths to the doctor.   Oh the struggles of the working parents!!!!!!!!! 

Hopefully, this coming week we will be back in a routine.  Routine is key for our family! 

Okay, enough of the rant.  While I love the place my kids go to learn and grow, I hate the germs that come along with it!  Guess that's just a part of life right??????  Keep in mind I've been on steroids people.  Poor Steve is all I can say.  :)

Stella - 3 Months

Weight: 13lbs, 10 oz

Clothes: Anywhere from 3 to 6 months tops / 6 to 9 months pants/shorts skirts
Diapers: Size 2 - Huggies fit me best right now, but soon enough I'll be in size 3!  Mommy just has to use all of Size 2 before she'll put me in size 3!  Frugal McDougal!

Eating: This child is sooooooooooooooooo much different than Lottie.  Lottie ate like a little bird and getting her to gain weight was always such a victory when it came to weighing in.  Stella on the other hand is already eating anywhere from 25 to 27 ounces a day.  A typical day when she's going to daycare is:

6:15 a.m.: 5 oz
9:30 a.m.: 5 oz
12:30 a.m.: 5 oz
3:30 p.m.: 5 oz
5: 20 p.m.: 4 oz
7:30 p.m.: 3 oz

I don't know what it is but the kid goes on a full on feeding frenzy from the time I pick her up to the time she goes to sleep.

On another note, the kid also has MAJOR reflux.  I've mentioned it to the doctor and they've said that as long as she is a happy spitter, we are okay.  We are on our third brand of formula though.  It stinks trying to find just the right brand for her and what works for her little tummy.  Hopefully what we are doing now will work.  We went from Simulac (Sam's brand) to Good Start Probiotic (expensive) to Enfamil Gentle Ease (Sam's brand).  If the last doesn't work, we are going to go broke I guess!  :)  Oh well, at the end of the day the cost is not the most important.  Making sure she's happy and well adjusted is what matters. 

Sleep: The child has been an angel!  Knock on wood right this very second! She usually goes down around 8:00 p.m. at night.  She then sleeps until 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.  AMAZING!  As a parent, you can't complain about that.  I know once the teeth start coming in, it will all go downhill from here. 

Crying:  She is still on a crying fit from about 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. every night.  Again, the doctor said that this period is usually because she is over stimulated and just doesn't know when to give in.  I don't mind it too much because usually Steve is home between 6:00 and 6:30 so he helps out when he gets home. BUT, I will say that when Lottie starts whining, crying and throwing fits at the same time, it makes me want to pull my hair out.  If someone was standing outside my home while the two are going nuts, it would seriously prompt someone to call 911.  They would definitely think I was trying to murder them both.  Ha!  Times like these call for a glass of wine!  :)

Milestones: This past month she is smiling and cooing like crazy!  She is also doing great at holding her head up whether it be in the Bumbo or her bouncy swing that hangs in the doorway.  This past month also marked her being at daycare full time and her first non-well visit to the doctor.  Daycare is going well.  They call her Princess Stella.  They all keep telling me that they think she will one day fall in love and marry Prince George!  Ha.  No really, they have told me what a chilled out baby she is and what a pleasure it is to have her.  On a side note, they all also tell me that when Steve drops them off every morning, they all talk in an English accent after he leaves.  They just can't help themselves!  Hysterical.  On a not so funny note, poor little Stella developed a raspy chest infection.  I took her to the doctor after a couple of days of congestion in her chest.  She never had a fever, but you could tell she didn't feel well.  I wanted to nip whatever it was she had in the bud before my biggest fear struck (ear infection).  Lord knows, we went through multiple ear infections with Lottie and it was awful!  They swabbed her nose and called me the next day.  Thankfully it wasn't croup (which is going around town) or RSV.  They prescribed antibiotics and it did the trick.  She is back to herself again.  There is absolutely nothing worse than having a sick child.  I get so upset to the point of tears and guilt like it is my fault.  Ever since becoming a parent, I feel such responsibility and if my kids aren't right, then I'm not right.  My heart just aches anytime they aren't feeling themselves. 

Stella still HATES tummy time.  What is it with tummy time???  Lottie was the same.  They both hate it.  Stella is pretty lazy about it.  I feel like Lottie started rolling from back to front around this age but Stella is showing no signs of doing that anytime soon!  She somehow manages to get from one side of the crib to the other at night (scooting, I'm guessing) but again, no signs of rolling over yet.  I'm good with it though because the first time you see them on their belly in the morning is when panic sets in a bit.  Are they breathing is the first thing that comes to mind. 

Sibling Love: The jealousy has set in again.  OMG, one minute Lottie is loving on Stella and the next minute she's telling me to put Stella down.  Stella is pretty easy going (minus the feeding frenzy between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) so I think Lottie not being able to do puzzles with me or read after daycare like we used to is really getting to her.  I try so hard to show Lottie that once Stella eats and we get her a bath and down for the night, her and I can play, do crafts or whatever her little heart desires.  I just don't think she's able to comprehend all of that quite yet.  Toddlers are all about "right now" and not later.  So instead of "understanding" so to speak, she whines, cries and gives me major attitude which in turn throws us all off.  I feel for Lottie but I also feel for Stella.  I can't tell you what a game changer it is going from one child to two!  The needs between an infant and a toddler differ so much. 

But, enough of that, Lottie is still sweet natured and constantly kissing and aggravating Stella like a big sister should.  She's constantly in Stella's face going, "do do do do do".  Any sort of baby talk I give to Stella, Lottie copies!  Another really funny thing is when Stella stretches out or kicks her arms and legs around and happens to hit Lottie.  Lottie immediately comes running like a little tattle tale toddler telling me that Stella kicked/hit her.  It makes me laugh so hard.  I've witnessed these encounters several times and it is the most ridiculous thing. 

Likes: Being held, EATING, riding in the car, going on walks with mommy, taking a bath, putting her warm jammies on at the end of the day, swinging, Bumbo time and playing with sissy when she's not poking or prodding her.  She is also starting to love her paci, mobile and the new chandelier hanging in the living room. 

Dislikes: Being hungry, Lottie poking her in the face and pulling on her, sleeping or laying flat on her back, tummy time and when Lottie whines, cries or fusses in front of her.  It sets her off. 

 

BARF!  Outfit change!

Stella - 2 Months

Weight: 12lbs, 3.2 oz (64%)
Height: 22 inches (25%)
Head circumference: 40 cm (89%)

Clothes: Anywhere from 3 to 6 months / 6 months
Diapers: Size 1 (only b/c my mom is so frugal that she refuses to put me in size 2 until she uses the rest of size 1.  Squeezing into size 1 by a smudge!  Put me in 2 mom!!!!

Eating: This child is still a beast!!!!!!  She is now a full time formula eating baby!  I just recently stopped nursing all together.  Between not being able to produce enough for her needs and it making me a little crazy - she is a happy, full baby.  She is eating 4 to 6 ounces every 3 to 4 hours.  But she sometimes goes longer.  It really just depends.  She generally eats 6 to 7 times a day.

Sleep: We are officially what you would consider at this age sleeping through the night.  She has been sleeping in either the rock and play or bassinet depending on her mood from about 10:00 at night to 5:30 a.m.  She has been amazing this past week!  I will officially be going back to work full time in ONE week - eeeeekkkkkk which means we will be transitioning into the crib full time this next week.  I of course will be getting no sleep b/c it scares me to death with her laying flat on her back.  The girl has the worst reflux and is constantly spitting up.  That's why most of the photos I post of her on Instagram or Facebook is her in a bib!  She lives in them!!! 

Crying:  Her little crying episodes have gotten better.  She usually has a major fit anywhere between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. every night.  The doctor said that this period is usually because she is over stimulated and just doesn't know when to give in.  I don't mind it too much because usually Steve is home between 6:00 and 6:30 so he helps out when he gets home. 

Milestones: This past month she is smiling and cooing.  She is also doing great at holding her head up whether it be in the Bumbo or her bouncy swing that hangs in the doorway.  She hates tummy time and it usually ends in her puking all over the mat, herself and me (even though all I'm doing is supervising!!!)  On a different note, can I just say that I have been puked on more than I ever did with Lottie.  The girl loves throwing up on me!!  My nose has that constant "puke/spit up" smell dwelled in it!!!!!  Ugghhhhh, makes me want to vomit!

Sibling Love: OMG, I just could just die at how cute Lottie is with Stella.  Every day, she continues to tell her goodbye in the morning and that she loves her.  She also gives her multiple kisses throughout the day!  So cute.  The latest and greatest thing is when Lottie does "Patty Cake" and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" with her.  She takes Stella's hands and rows them like a boat.  And when she sings "Merrily, Merrily, Merrily", I just want to melt!  However, I am constantly having to remind Lottie that Stella is fragile.  She is always patting her head, pulling her legs, poking her face and telling me to tell Stella to walk - ha!  Probably the worst part is how loud Lottie is when Stella is sleeping.  Lottie is really into JUMPING right now and pounces all over the house.  There is nothing worse than getting an infant down to sleep after hours on end and your toddler decides the house has suddenly become an inflatable bouncy house!  Steve and I want to strangle her!!!!  (Not really, but you get my drift!)  Other than that, all is good with the two of them.  Lottie is very loving.  The doctor told me that between 4 and 6 months, Stella would be really into Lottie and smile and laugh at everything she does.  He said that she would probably smile and laugh at her more than she does Steve and I. 

Likes: Being held, EATING, riding in the car, going on walks with mommy, taking a bath, putting her warm jammies on at the end of the day, swinging, Bumbo time and playing with sissy when she's not poking or prodding me.

Dislikes: Being hungry, pacifier (she still hasn't quite got the hang of it!), Lottie poking her in the face and pulling on her, sleeping or laying flat on her back, tummy time.

Lottie - 2 Year Doctor Appointment / Growth Update

Weight: 25.8lbs (55%)

Height: 33 inches (25%)

Head circumference: 47.5 cm (60%)

Wednesday afternoon was Lottie's 2 year well visit.  It's hard to believe that this time two years ago, she was less than a month old.  My how time flies.  I don't think I'll ever stop saying it.  A couple of months before the appointment we were given a 5 page form to complete full of tests and questions regarding her development.  It involved communication skills, motor skills, etc.  I believe the test is performed because of the ever growing autism diagnoses every year.  Thankfully, Lottie excelled in all categories.  Feeling very blessed and thankful!

During this well visit we discussed potty training, nutrition, dental hygiene and safety.  Lottie also had her final Hepatitis A vaccine to complete the series.  I believe this particular vaccine is optional, but due to the fact that we travel overseas to England, the doctor felt that it would be beneficial for her to have it.  The great news is that Lottie is completely finished with getting vaccines / shots until she is 5 years old.  We also don't go back to see the doctor until Lottie is 3 years old.  I never thought I would see the day!!!!!  I felt like we were regulars there for awhile with all of the ear infections Lottie kept having around age 1.  On that note, after a look in her ears on Wednesday, she still has two beautiful tubes in her ears!  I don't think I can say enough about tubes other than they are lifesavers!

Updates:

Speech: Lottie is definitely becoming a chatty little thing!  Most of what comes out of her mouth I understand.  But sometimes she starts these long winded conversations where she shrugs her shoulders, tilts her head and looks to me like HELLO, did you not just hear me.  It's those times I feel like I need a translator.  Like I said though, her sentences have gone from basic stuff: "Sit down", "Thank You", "Please", etc. to "One more please mommy", "Daddy go bye bye in the car", "Where did the cow go?", etc.  Her sentences have definitely gone from two words upwards to 4, sometimes 5.  Our conversations home from day care every day are becoming more and more amusing.  It's truly amazing how that little brain of hers continues to grow.  She's also getting better and better at memorizing and learning more challenging words.  I bought these sticker books from Walmart ($1.00) that help kids learn their first words, pets, numbers, colors, etc. and they are wonderful.  She adores stickers and these books can keep her entertained upwards to 30 minutes.  And the great part about them is that she is learning.  It's almost like a matching game where she matches the sticker to the number, color, etc.  While she is matching, we discuss why she is putting the sticker there, how many of something there is, etc.  I could go on all day about how wonderful these sticker books are.  If you have a toddler, they are a must.  You can find them at Walmart where the children's books, coloring books, etc. are.  And you really can't beat it for $1.00 each. 

Nutrition: Honestly, I couldn't believe Lottie hit the 50% for weight when we went to the doctor.  Her appetite is the most unpredictable thing EVER!  One day, she'll sit down and eat like a little pig (well, finishing her meal), then the next 5 days, she won't eat but three bites of each meal.  The easiest meal is definitely breakfast.  It is the only meal where she seems to eat most of what she is given.  I guess if you are going to eat one meal, breakfast is the best.  Her usual go to is fruit oatmeal.  She's loved it since she was a baby.  At daycare, she usually gets a mid morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack.  She normally eats both snacks but when it comes to lunch she never has an A (all) beside anything when I get her report in the afternoon.  It is always S or N (some / none).  And of course dinner is barely touched most days.  During the past few weeks, I've been getting aggravated with her eating patterns / concerned really that she isn't getting enough nutrition, calories down her.  But after speaking with the doctor, he said that you would be surprised at what they actually do get down them.  He said not to force foods as a reaction to my anxiety, but rather continue to provide her with snacks of cheese, fruits, veggies, and milk.  So, last night as my child refused dinner (not even a bite), she ended up eating two little chunks of cheddar cheese.  I tried reminded myself that if she gets hungry, she'll eat and she's definitely not afraid to ask.  Chill out T! 

Pacifier: Lottie has done amazing!!!!!!!  She has not had her paci since last Monday - almost two weeks.  I couldn't be more proud of her.  She has done great.  She still asks for it every now and again but doesn't get upset or angry when we tell her no.  I can't believe how easy it was.  Knock on wood!

Potty Training: This is our next big "thing".  Currently, we've got her Minnie Mouse tiny toilet set up and she sits down on it every day.  Granted, she is sitting down with her diaper still on, but is getting more and more used to the idea.  She starts in her new classroom at day care next week, so I am really going to start pushing the potty on her.  I am hoping that she will transition pretty easy, but I'm no fool, I know how hard potty training is going to be and am not looking forward to all of the upcoming "accidents" in our future.  I feel like I am going to have to put plastic over everything.  :)  After speaking with the doctor and picking his brain on how he did it with his young children, it sounds like a little bribery might be in our future.  He suggested using / putting up a chart in the bathroom along w/ a bag of m&ms.  For example, every time she goes #1, she gets two m&ms and every time she goes #2 she gets 4.  He also suggested going to the dollar store and buying $1 gifts and using that as bribery as well.  Hopefully soon after, she will get the gist of using the bathroom and gifts/candy will be a thing of the past. I am hoping by 2.5 years, Lottie will be full blown potty trained.  I am going to look into buying pull ups today when I go to Walmart for cleaning supplies, etc.  I am also going to look into some Minnie Mouse undies and princess undies for her to start wearing.  Wish us luck as I know this is going to be a process.  :)

Skin: Ever since we got tubes put in Lottie's ears, we've rarely had to see the doctor.  She's had a few issues with constipation for which we have a prescription to use as needed, but other than that, nothing major.  However, sweet girl has got Eczema.  She's got it on her legs, shoulders, hips and arms.  About a year ago we were given a very mild prescription cream to use but it is not cutting it anymore.  It just does not work.  Over the past couple of months, I have been rubbing Lottie down with Palmer's Stretch Mark cream.  It actually seems to help.  The doctor said the thicker and greasier the better.  So, every night, Lottie and I rub each other down with our cream.  Lottie calls is BOO BOO cream.  I find it hilarious that she and I are rubbing each other down with stretch mark cream especially since she is 2!  Never too soon to start right?  HA!  During our visit with the doctor, he gave me a stronger cream to use on the affected areas to hopefully clear it up before spring/summer where she'll be wearing less clothes.  I think with the weather being so cold, it really dries it up more than normal. 

Time Out: You best believe we've got a time out chair.  It sits against the wall in our living room.  I call it "THE CHAIR".  She hates it!  Over the last couple of months, Lottie's little attitude and tantrum throwing has become more and more frequent.  I mean some of the things she throws fits over really baffle me!  For instance, "I don't want to wear that shoe, so I am going to chuck it across the room" or "I don't want to wear my coat when it's 30 degrees out so I'm going to lay on the floor and cry and scream."  Oh and some of my favorites are, "I'm not going to sit in the high chair when we go out for dinner" and "I'm not going to sit in the shopping cart at the store".  This type of behavior is just unacceptable.  For one, it is straight up embarrassing!  I usually give her a stern warning, sometimes a pop on the hand or behind depending on where we are and most definitely time out when we are home.  I usually make her sit for up to 5 minutes.  I've become pretty good at not caving.   I try really hard to discipline her like she should be and always explain to her why it is that she has been disciplined.  I just feel that if we can nip this in the bud now, she will be a much more respectful, good hearted kid as she grows.  Disciplining her is no fun - it is times like these when guidance from my parents would really help.  But if you knew my dad, he would say wearing her little butt out would be the best way.  :) 

Favorites: Snacks (I know I said that she doesn't eat, but she loves to snack!) - goldfish, bananas, edemame, anything dipped in Ranch (she doesn't actually eat the veggie - she just sucks the Ranch off), crackers, york peppermint patties, oranges, peaches, cheerios, fruit snacks, yogurt, juice boxes, etc.  Her favorite food is probably pizza!  We don't have it very often, but when we do, she loves it!  It is probably one of the only meals that she ever finishes. 

Favorite Activities: Sticker books, reading, coloring, baby dolls, Minnie Mouse anything, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Chuggington, dancing, kicking a soccer ball w/ Dad, playing catch, wearing mommy's shoes around the house, etc.

That about sums up our two year well visit with the doctor.  Now, if I can just start getting her to wear her hair up on a daily basis, that would be WONDERFUL!  If you see her with her hair up, you have to know that it was an act of congress to get it up!  :)

Here's a couple of quick photos of Lottie at the doctor's office.  She did wonderful with her shot and the visit all together.  She was such a big girl!  So proud!

Every time I say, "CHEESE", she squints her eyes to where they are almost closed. 

She decided to get really comfortable before the doctor came in and laid on her belly to do a puzzle.  This kid cracks me up!  I had to get a few pics!

18 Months Old

Weight: 22 lbs, 12 oz (50%)

Height: 31 inches (25%)

Head Circumference: 46 cm

Shots: Flu, Pentacel

Let's just go ahead and get the obvious out of the way here..........."Why is this child so small?  I mean hey, look at her parents!"  If you have found yourself in the past asking the same question, don't worry, Steve and I ask that question all the time.  We are just not small people!  Steve and I both have big builds.  It just doesn't make sense!  :)

The doctor is in no way shape or form concerned about her growth.  He stated that she has continuously grown at a  steady pace since she was born.  In other words, she is a healthy 18 month old child - so don't start worrying about something that doesn't exist.

CLOTHING / SHOE SIZES

Tops: 24 months
Pants: 18 months
Shoes: Size 5

FAVORITE FOODS:

Peas, Chicken Nuggets, Zucchini, Pizza, Spaghetti, Roasted carrots, peaches, applesauce, Cheez-its, yogurt, oatmeal, blueberry nutri-grain breakfast bars, mac & cheese, tomatoes, dips (honey mustard, ranch, ketchup), chips and salsa, yellow rice, biscuits, muffins, chicken & dumplings, fish balls and Gerber fruit / veggie squeeze packs.

FAVORITE WORDS:

Shoes, Ball, Bear, Dog, Car, Fish, Up, Back, Amy, Bubbles, More (she signs and says it at the same time), No No No No No, Yes, Snack, Juice, Eyes and really most anything you say, she can copy back to you if she is in the right mood!

FAVORITE SENTENCES:

"What's That?", "Get Down", "Stop It", "Diaper, Diaper, Diaper"

FAVORITE ANIMAL NOISES SHE MAKES:

Dog, Cat, Tiger, Lion, Bear, Shark, Elephant, Giraffe, Cow, Pig

Let me just say that about two months ago, Lottie was actually saying the names of these animals, but since she has learned the noises they make, she refuses to call them by their names and instead only shouts the noises they make!  Example: Lottie will see a dog and start saying, "Ruff, Ruff" or a pig, "Oink, Oink" or a cat, "Meow, Meow" (the Meows are very drawn out so it sounds like someone just stepped on a cat)  - hilarious to say the least.

BODY PARTS SHE KNOWS AND POINTS TO:

Head, Hand, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth, Belly, Toes, Knees

WHAT WE ARE CURRENTLY TEACHING:

We are working on Please and Thank You.  For the last 4 months or so, she has been signing and saying the word "More" which is pretty darn adorable.  But, it is definitely that time to start teaching manners and working towards being a polite little girl!  Yesterday, she said Please (sounds like Peeeaaaaassss) so we are getting there. 

"I Love You" is another phrase we are working on.  Steve and I must tell her that we love her 1,000 times a day.  She really is the best thing in this world.  She has got the "I" part down to a tee but the rest not so much.  We've been signing it quite a bit and have learned that helps her with saying the words out loud. 

"Potty Time" - during her last doctor's appointment, we discussed potty training.  He suggested we go ahead and buy the potty that you can attach to your own toilet.  He said that in the long run it helps them get accustomed to using the "big" toilet, plus it is less of a mess when it comes to cleaning up.  I think we are going to try and start introducing toilet behaviors.  I am hoping that with a little time and patience, we will have a potty trained little lady by the time she is 2.  Lottie already tells us when she's had a poop, she starts patting her bottom and we ask her if she needs her diaper changed.  If she does, she will usually take off to her room to be changed and we sing, "Diaper, Diaper, Diaper" - something my sister started with her.  :)

HAIR BOW / HAIR TIE STRIKE

You've probably noticed that in quite a few photos, Lottie never has anything in her wild, unkempt hair.  The girl has been on BOW strike since she was 12 months old.  I must have 100 different bows, hair ties, etc. at home that I am dying to put in her hair.  Every single time I put something in her hair, she pulls it out faster than I can get it in.  I am hoping this is just a phase because I don't know what I am going to do if she keeps this up for the next year!  I might cry!  Really!!!!!!!!!

CURRENT MOOD SWINGS / TANTRUMS:

It AMAZES me how quickly my child has developed her own little personality and the characteristics of a child who wants nothing more than to be independent.  I guess we are approaching what everyone refers to as the "terrible twos".  I'm talking tantrums, fake crying (she's a pro at that) and the attitude.  It seems though that 9 times out of 10, the tantrums, etc. stem from her not getting her way. 

Example: "Lottie, please come inside so that you can have your dinner. "No, No, No."  "Lottie, I'm only going to ask you one more time to please come inside."  (Fake crying ensues, which leads me to pick her up and physically take her inside.)  She then plops down at the door and continues to fake cry.  This is just one of many examples where she either wants it her way or no way. 

On the flip side, I've never seen a child more affectionate and loving than Lottie.  She is constantly laughing, smiling, giving kisses, blowing kisses, giving hugs and making faces that absolutely crack you up.  At the end of the day, these tantrums are only temporary and just a phase.  We will get through it just as we've done in the past.

*************************************************************************

Overall, Lottie is developing into such a sweet little girl with more personality than I think Steve and I know what to do with.  Maybe that comes with the territory of having a girl!  But hey - I wouldn't have it any other way!  :)

Up Next: 18 Month Photos

12 Month Check Up

Weight: 19lbs, 9 oz (50%)

Height: 28.5 inches (25%)

Head Circumference: 45 cm (50%)


Short Stuff - that is what I've been calling Lottie since her visit on Monday!  She is still a little peanut - but a healthy proportioned peanut!!  Now, once the tubes are in next Friday, I am hoping and praying we don't have to see another doctor's office until her 18 Month check up!!!  Whew - do you think we can make it that long?  I've got my doubts.....................

Nutrition

This past Sunday we began weaning Lottie from the bottle!  We started mixing her formula with whole milk vs. water and she drank it like a champ.  Slowly, we've reduced the amount of formula she gets and I imagine by this coming Monday, she will strictly be on whole milk.  Honestly it's like music to mine and Steve's ears!  We are so SICK of cleaning bottles (Well, Steve is - that is primarily his job).  That also means no longer having to take bottles to daycare!  YAY! 

Now we are going to have to get her better about sipping from her sippy cup.  She does well at school.  I think it is because she sees the other kids doing it and they pick up on what each other are doing. She just needs to get better about it when she's home.  But no doubt, she'll get there within the next few weeks!

Lottie is getting to be such a big girl.  She eats off the menu everyday at school - no more baby food for her.  A typical day at daycare goes a little something like this:

Breafast: Cereal Bar/Waffles/Cereal/Fruit with Milk

Lunch: Always a main course, vegetable/fruit with juice / milk

Snack: Goldfish, Cheezits, Animal Crackers with juice / milk

Some of her favorite foods at the minute is Chicken and Dumplings, Spaghetti, Roasted Celery and Carrots, Yogurt, Chips and Salsa, Gerber Puffs, Gerber Wheels, Peas, etc.

Talking

So far, the only words I've heard her really say is MaMa and DaDa and most recently Bye Bye.  The latest and cutest thing you've ever seen is her WAVING!  She starts doing the bye bye wave and it just melts my little heart - so stinking cute!  I will have to post a video soon!

Walking

We are still just taking a few steps at a time which is fine with me!  She loves pushing around her train and anything that rolls or moves like "a chair".  She tries really hard so it truly is only a matter of time before she is going to be full on mobile!! 

Obsessions

The girl is OBSESSED with the dishwasher!!!  If she is in the living room and I am in the kitchen and she hears the door open, she starts hauling bum into the kitchen hollering and making the craziest noises.  She gets so excited!  I can't help but bust out laughing when I hear her coming.  Once she gets there, she immediately heads to the silverware compartment and starts pulling out all the spoons and throwing them on the floor or putting them in her mouth, all while jumping up and down in excitement.  Of course before she starts running to the dishwasher, I have to remove all the knives and forks in record timing so she doesn't get her hands on those! 

Another new OBSESSION is her love for the tuppleware cabinet.  I knew this day would come and it is one of the few cabinets I didn't install a lock on.  I knew that once she found it, she would love it.  Yes, it is a pain in the you know what to clean up 5 seperate times a day, but she loves it and it keeps her entertained while I cook dinner or clean the kitchen. 

One last OBSESSION is with the Gerber Puffs!!!!  Well, lets be honest - Lottie gets the Target brand puffs which are about 50 cents cheaper!  :)  This is by far her favorite snack!  She has just learned how to take the lid off with her teeth so now we have to be extra careful where we leave the tube at b/c God forbid she dumps all of those puffs all over the floor, then steps on them!  She loves the sweet potato, strawberry-apple and banana puffs.  She even tries to feed Steve and I.  It of course is really cute!

Anyways, hoping to post 1st birthday photos soon, but for now, I will leave you with this.........  Have a great weekend!!!!  :)

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat

1 week ago today Lottie had her consultation for tubes with Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat. 

Back up a minute - About a week and a half ago I received a call from Lottie's daycare saying she had a fever.  I rushed out of work and made her an appointment with her pediatrician that afternoon.  Once I arrived at daycare, they stated they had a confirmed child with RSV.  When we arrived at the pediatrician's office, I informed them there was a confirmed case of RSV in her classroom.  After sticking a q-tip the length of a pencil up her nose (RSV check) and taking a quick peak in her left ear - he said she has another ear infection.  Uggggghhhhhh - really?  Another ear infection!!!  Noooooooooooooooo!!!

After the RSV check (q-tip swab), you have to wait 10 minutes for the culture to come back.  At this point Lottie was so ticked off and in pain - the tears, screams and cries went on for what seemed like a lifetime.  Of course seeing her in pain got me crying so Lottie and I cried together like babies in the exam room.  But it doesn't end there.............. because of the ear infection, she had to have another Rocephin injection to help clear out some of the infection.  At the same time, he confirmed that she has RSV.  He also said that right now is peak time for RSV.  He has seen numerous cases in his office throughout the last month. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do for it.  It is basically one of the worse little colds an infant can have.  Tear!

On the plus side, we finally got our referral for tubes.  Lottie had her consultation last Wednesday.  We met with Dr. Moss who sat down and explained the process.  As we were talking, I explained that Lottie was diagnosed with RSV the Friday before.  I knew something was wrong when he gave me a "look".  He said that unfortunately they are not able to do tubes until 6 weeks after a RSV diagnoses.  He said that the anesthesiologist will not give anesthesia to a child until after the 6 weeks is up.  He said studies show that there are complications with breathing, etc. but once the 6 weeks is up, the risks are minimal. 

As bummed out as I was about Lottie having to wait a whole month for tubes, there is no way the doctor or myself would take any risks especially when considering what a relatively easy procedure this is. 

Tubes have been scheduled for March 2nd!!!!  Hopefully we will all make it until then - especially Lottie. 

10 days until my little munchkin's first birthday!!!  We are all getting excited!  A sneak peak coming soon! 

9 Month Check Up

Weight: 17 lbs 153/4 oz (50%)

Height: 27 inches (25%)

Head Circumference: 44 cm (50%)


Lottie is all over the place right now - her crawling has doubled in speed - she is flying through the house now as opposed to the turtle like cruising she was doing before.  These last couple of weeks have certainly changed!!!! 

Lottie has become a lot more clingy, which the doctor said she would.  I literally can't put her down to play without her crawling, whining and reaching for me which of course I don't mind but at the same token, it makes getting everyday household chores difficult to get done.  The doctor also mentioned normal personality changes such as Lottie recognizing strangers as different.  That hasn't been too bad yet. 

TEETH!  Oh those darn teeth.........  We've officially got 4 teeth now!  They are so cute BUT definitely not cute coming in because as you can imagine they are painful! 

And let's not forget the CONSTIPATION!  TMI????  Poor baby has had a rough go of it these last couple of weeks between those teeth and not being able to poo!  She's been loaded up with prunes, pears, apple juice, you name it!  The good news is it looks like she is back on track after a full on pooping fest on Sunday and Monday which makes MAMA happy.  We've had two great nights of sleep and I am feeling somewhat human again!  :)

The blog has certainly been neglected lately!  SORRY!!!  Between work, the holidays and my growing little one, I've not had a chance to get much done these days.  Hopefully things will slow down here soon.  Gosh, before you know it Lottie will be a year old - which completely BLOWS my mind! 

Stay tuned for Lottie's First Thanksgiving post

6 Month Check Up

Yesterday afternoon was Lottie's 6 month check up. 

Weight: 15lbs, 9 3/4 oz (40%)

Height: 25 1/2 inches (25%)

Head Circumference: 42 cm (50%)

During the examination I explained to the doctor that Lottie still had a little cough that I thought might be lingering from her double ear infection she had at the beginning of the month.  Sure enough, after looking in her ears, she still has an infection in both ears.  He said that sometimes the first round of antibiotics doesn't take care of it especially if she is around other children on a daily basis.  Continuous exposure to other children at school will most likely result in Lottie getting more colds and more ear infections than if she were to be at home with me or with a nanny.  Unfortunately, as much as I would love to stay home with her, that just isn't an option for our family.

We were given a different antibiotic to try for 10 days.  I am praying it does the trick.  The doctor did say that this specific antibiotic may cause her BMs to look reddish (I know - TMI) and not to panic if we see RED!  I told him that it was a good thing he told me that b/c I would have been rushing little Lottie to the ER thinking there was blood in her stools. 

Of course no visit would be complete without SHOTS.  Those dreaded shots!!!!  She had to have a total of 5.  1 was given by mouth and 2 were given in each thigh.  The oral "shot" wasn't so bad - she gagged a bit and coughed but eventually took it all down.  The first injection wasn't bad either - surprisingly she didn't even cry.  The second injection had her screaming like I've never heard before - seriously have never heard her scream so loud and so long.  The nurse quickly gave her the next two injections in the opposite thigh.  I then scooped her up to comfort her.  I hate seeing my baby so upset.  It breaks my heart. 

One of the injections was a flu shot (1/2 dosage) - we have to go back in 30 days to get the rest.  BOO!!!!!

Thankfully at her 9 month check up she won't have to have any shots!  Hallelujah!! 

After we got home yesterday, I fed and bathed Lottie.  She was a little more fussy than normal but given the tough day she had, completely understandable!  Around 8:30 p.m. - we hopped in my bed for some girl talk and magazine reading.  I was reading Parents magazine and saw where a baby was already saying "mama" at 6 months so Lottie and I practiced saying "mama" - everytime I said, "Can you say MAMA?"  She would crack up and laugh uncontrollably.  I was dying laughing - and of course grabbed the video camera because she was being too cute.  I would say "MAMA" and she would die laughing!!!  Hysterical! 

Here are a few pics of my poor baby's legs (but hey at least her bandaids were stylish!)

Girl Talk!