Diaper Rash Disaster & The Protein Mission

On Monday, Luke went to the doctor for his 15 month check up. He weighed 19 pounds, 12 ounces, so we have to wait another month before we can turn his car seat to face the front. He is 29 inches tall. He is still, in the doctor's exact words, "hanging on the edge of the growth chart," because he is so small. As usual, the doctor said he was well proportioned and after thoroughly looking Luke over, told us that Luke was a healthy little boy. I haven't written much about it, but I have not been thrilled about Luke's doctor's office. Sometimes I feel as if I don't get thorough answers from the doctors that we see. So, each time that I take Luke, I ask to see a different doctor, hoping to find one that answers my questions to my satisfaction (which, yes, I know, is a high standard - this is my baby boy we are talking about). :)

For this visit, we saw Dr. Bunnevan and, to my pleasant surprise, he was very thorough when answering my questions. So thorough that I have already made Luke's 18 month check up with him. Dr. Bunnevan answered our questions about why Luke walks with one foot turned in and he checked out his knees and legs and told us that his legs were fine and that his legs would straighten out by the age of 3. He also answered my question about exactly how much milk Luke needed each day. Thank goodness, Luke is drinking this recommended amount most days. Then, he also talked with us in detail about Luke's diet. He wanted to know exactly what and when he was eating. When I told him that I had a hard time getting Luke to eat meat, he reminded me (in a nice way) that Luke HAD TO HAVE protein in some way besides yogurt. He spent some time with us giving us suggestions on how to "sneak" protein into his diet - for instance, peanut butter, egg salad, chicken salad, spaghetti with meat sauce, tofu (yuck!) etc.

Dr. Bunneman then spent some time talking to us about how Luke is doing developmentally - he wanted to know what words he was saying, what he understood, how he was getting around, etc. I appreciated his questions about these things because, being an educator myself, I understand the importance of early detection of development delays. It is super important to catch delays young! Thank goodness, according to the doc, Luke is right on track! That's my boy! :) The appointment ended with two vaccines, which, of course, caused many tears. This time, the doctor gave Luke his shots in his arm. I questioned this at first, but was pleasantly surprised the next day that Luke's shot sites did not have a bump, redness, or anything else that the shots in his legs sometimes had. After calming little man down, we were ready to leave. Overall, we were very pleased with his appointment and once again, so thankful to God for a healthy child. We are so blessed!

I took Monday off of work so Luke and I went home to play, play, and play and then we had the luxury of taking a two hour "siesta" together - a rare opportunity in our household. It was a great day!

But, then....the night time came....and, for one of two reasons (the shots Luke got or because he is getting 4 molars at one time), Luke had terrible diarrhea which led to awful diaper rash. Luke's rear end had such bad diaper rash on Monday night that his bottom was blistered. When I changed his diaper, he cried so hard that he shook and had sweat beads on his nose. It was so pitiful! He didn't sleep good, woke up several times, and then on Tuesday morning, his bottom still looked bad. It was horrible to change his diaper because we knew how bad it hurt him. My mother in law and I used Desitin, changed his diaper often, but still the diaper rash seemed to linger and to hurt Luke terribly. By Tuesday night, I was really worried....I decided to use the internet to find out what in the world to do to help Luke. I learned a lot - I had no idea that when a child has diaper rash that you shouldn't use baby wipes, but instead use a warm wash cloth to clean his bottom. I also read to use a diaper rash preventative that included 12% zinc oxide and that Triple Paste is the highest recommended by pediatricians. So...on Wednesday, I bought Triple Paste and used wash cloths instead of wipes and by Thursday afternoon, his bottom was much, much better. We could change his diaper without tears - thank goodness! Now, today, he is almost cured of the dreaded rash! I tell you - when your child is hurting and you don't know what to do to help them, it's a stressful time - all I can say is thank goodness for the internet. What did mommies do before the web was invented? It was a life saver for me! :)

So, to sum it up, Luke's bottom is looking great and he is loving peanut butter sandwiches, spaghetti, and he ate some shredded pork chops last night - YAY for protein! He is not a fan of store bought chicken salad, so I'm going to try to make some home made chicken and egg salad this weekend.

Some last minute notes before the weekly pics:

1. Go Heels! They just advanced to the Elite 8! So, Duke fans....are you going to pull for us since your Blue Devils are on the way home???? :) I love it!

2. We are adding on to our back deck. I have taken some pictures that I will post in the before/after format as soon as its complete. Landis and his cousin, Lee, are going to finish it tomorrow. We are renovating the deck so that Luke can safely play on the deck when we are outside. I'll post more about the renovations later! :)

Now, what you really came for...the pictures...

Here are this week's pictures AND some very cute video....I'll include details with the footage..

Luke loves sidewalk chalk....make sure to watch him write with it at the bottom of the page...

Luke and I love to play "catch" in the yard...

Luke has all of a sudden developed this habit of waking up at 5:00am (which is when I wake up and am trying to take my shower)....because it's so early in the morning, he is tired and often times fussy and wants me to hold him while I get dressed, eat breakfast, fix my hair, etc....it gets very interesting - needless to say, I wear my hair in a ponytail A LOT! :) This is his "please pick me up face after eating his jelly bagel." How can you not pick him up after that look?
Luke making the car sound...

Luke loves his fire truck....thank you, Donna!


Luke and daddy - dressed alike playing in the floor...


and eating yogurt....
The first video shows Luke drawing on the pavement with sidewalk chalk....I'm so proud that he can already do this. The second video is Luke making the roaring sound that a lion does...I love it! Enjoy! :)

Have a great weekend everyone! Thanks for stopping by!

Toddy

I've Come So Far

So...first of all, I have no idea why the writing on this blog is underlined...I can't figure out how to get it changed...anyway....here's this week's post...

When I think back to last year, this weekend (meaning the weekend before March 22nd) was the most difficult weekend of my life. It was the weekend before I went back to work after my maternity leave. For all of you mothers who have gone through this, you know exactly what I mean - there is no other feeling like it....because of the tremendous amount of emotional stress it put on me, I was unable to blog about it much at all last year....I couldn't talk about it or write about it without literally coming close to a nervous breakdown. Matter of fact, there was a day about a week before I went back to work that I just about did breakdown. I thought I couldn't handle it and thought I was losing my mind. With my super supportive husband and my always faithful mom, I was able to get through it - but it wasn't easy. For journaling purposes, I can now digest what I was feeling then and can be so proud of myself for how far I've come.

Last year this time, these questions/concerns/thoughts were going through my mind...

No one else can take care of Luke like me...

I will miss every important milestone in his life - crawling, talking, walking, etc....

Luke and I will lose our bond that is so strong at this age of 3 months...

Will I have the energy to work a full time job and then come home to be an energetic mommy and wife?

Will I be able to focus on my job while I'm there or will I miss Luke so much that I will ache to see him?

Last March 19, 20, 21st....these were unanswered questions in my mind and, at the time, no one could tell me the answers to these questions or no one could convince me that it would be okay....it was awful...truly awful....I'm a strong person, very strong person, I've been through a lot in my life and March 22nd just about did me in....

On Monday, March 22nd, my mom babysat Luke all day....I couldn't have imagined anyone else hugging my neck as I cried my way out the door or anyone else holding my precious baby as I pulled out of the driveway. Mom arrived at my house about 30 minutes before I left so we would have time to talk about what I wanted Luke's day to be like....I left her TYPED instructions....yes, that's how crazy I was....my mom, who had already raised two kids of her own, I thought needed typed instructions. Being the supportive mom that she is, she didn't make me feel crazy, she just reviewed the instructions with me, hugged my neck, and then with lots of love, kicked me out the door. I cried all the way to Welcome....then, put my strong face on for the staff there....I stayed busy, busy, busy and didn't call home until almost lunch time.

I remember missing Luke so very much that my heart ached....I had to pump three times a day and each time that I pumped I cried the entire time....it was awful....just awful...I wanted to run out of the door, climb in my car, and hold him....oh...I wanted so bad to hold him.....

At the end of that first day, I felt like I had climbed a mountain....I was mentally and physically exhausted and couldn't wait to see my little man. When I arrived home, he was perfect as usual - very well taken care of and happy to see me. I don't think I've ever hugged him so tight and that's saying a lot thinking about how much I hug him. I was so glad to have him in my arms again. For the next two weeks, I cried everyday when leaving for work...I began to cry less and less while at work...and, eventually, cried less on the way to work with some occasional Monday breakdowns. Luke stayed with my mom three days a week and a sweet lady named Tammy the other two days a week. Knowing my baby boy was in good hands was a slight relief. Before I knew it, it was summer time and I had survived the last 3 months of school. I SO MUCH enjoyed my summer with Luke - you all know because you have read my blog. :)

Then, in August when I had to face going back to work again, I did so much better than that day in March. Now, as I get up and get ready each morning and I leave Luke here with my mother in law, I'm able to do that with a sound mind and a peaceful heart and can honestly say that I'm a stronger and better mom because of the strength I had to muster up to go back to work this time last year. It was hard, it was painful, but it was all okay...

These days....I KNOW....first of all, that, no, no one will take care of my Luke just like I do, but his mammaw Carolyn comes in a close second. She is a God sent and a blessing to our family. She and Luke have a blast during the day - he is learning so much from her - she is one of the reasons why he is so smart and understands language so well...and she is definitely one of the reasons why he is such a loving child - Carolyn is one of the most compassionate people I know and she is instilling this trait in my child. She sings him Christian songs and tells him about Jesus - I'm so appreciative of her. Not to mention, she does my laundry, sweeps, starts the crock pot, and cleans the dishes.

These days....I KNOW....that I am not missing milestones in his life....he crawled for the first time on a weekend. He walked for the first time one night after work....I missed seeing it because I turned my head, but I saw the next few steps after Landis got my attention. I hear the new words that he says....I saw his teeth come through....I still get a lot of quality time with him to see all the wonderful things he is learning....I am home by 4:15 each day and don't leave until 7:15 each morning. and, on top of that, I get to look forward to snow days, holidays, and SUMMER VACATION.

These days....I KNOW....that Luke and I will not lose our special mommy/son bond...matter of fact..it's stronger than ever...when I get home from work, he runs into my arms with the biggest smile on my face that makes leaving and coming back worth it...

These days....I KNOW....that with my extra income, I can provide Luke with all that he needs and many things that he wants...one day we will be able to take trips to Disney World, the beach, museums, parks....anywhere he wants to go because we can afford it. One day when he wants to play AAU travel ball, we will be able to afford to go watch him and to buy all the equipment that he needs.....one day, when he starts kindergarten, he will be able to go to school with me and I will be able to attend all of his school events and know exactly what is happening in his classroom everyday. He will always have his mom looking over him at school (whether he realizes it or not.)

Basically, it comes down to this....with me being a 10 month employee in the school system where I will get to enjoy summers and vacations with him for a long time and when he's not with me, he's with his mammaw who loves him so much....I couldn't be more blessed....if there is a way to be a working mommy and have it made, I have it made and you better believe, I thank God for this set up He has provided me each day....it's great!

I should say, yes, there are days when I wish I had more energy when I get home to Luke because there are days at work that wear me down. But, God always comes through and gives me that energy that I need and I lay my head down at night KNOWING that my son has all he needs - emotionally, spiritually, and physically from his mom, his dad, and his mammaw.

We are blessed - truly blessed! A year ago, I was blinded by my selfishness and couldn't see these blessings - I'm so proud of how far I've come..... :)

I've included this week's pictures below....please enjoy a piece of my little blessing.... thanks for reading....

Last Saturday I took Luke to the Natural Science Center in Greensboro. As always, he loved it...we had a blast! He loved the indoor Kid Alley with the grocery store and house area to play in and the big ship to climb and he loved the outdoor petting zoo and animals to look at...check out the pics...(the underlining stopped...that's nice)


















Here are a few more pics of Luke in his adorable overalls.....
This was Luke and I rolling around and playing on the bed one day...


Loving the closet again...

Finally, the long awaited video of Luke driving his Thomas train....he still can't steer and if he's going up hill, he has to have a push....so, this is a short clip of him outside to give our walls and doors a much needed bang up break....

Enjoy this gorgeous weekend! Luke and I have already been playing with the sidewalk chalk....pics and video of that coming next week (or possibly mid-week)...see you soon!

Toddy

Before the Talking....

....comes the cutest gestures and body language...

At 14 months, Luke only clearly says a few words/sounds - "Daddy", "Mumi" (which isn't him calling for me, but instead asking for his paci), "Do" (for dog), "Rar" (for roaring like a lion), "Ay" (for yay!), "UUU" (barking like a dog)-then, there are a few words that we think we understand, but are not for sure - "outside", "toast", "ride", "yummy" (which sounds so much like mumi that I can't tell the difference), and "milk".

Even though we name all of the objects that we give Luke, he still relies heavily on pointing for his request or sometimes, if mommy and daddy don't understand with pointing, Luke takes us by the finger and shows us what he wants. Luke is very expressive...which brings me to the main idea of my post....Luke does the cutest gestures and movements....I have recorded several of them on my other video camera but it is hard to get still pictures because the movements happen so fast...I sure do wish you could all see Luke....

-give a high 5...when I hold my hand up and say, "High 5" - he does the same and hits my hand

-make the arm motion that indicates a train whenever I say, "choo-choo" - you know, it's the same hand signal that we used to give the big MAC truck drivers when they passed us in the car

-stick his fingers up to his nose and pretend to "smell" a flower - when he's outside, he actually picks up flowers and smells them

-read his Eric Carle book that requests that he act like the animals - when I read this book to him, he turns his head like the penguin, he bends his neck like the giraffe, he waves his arms like the monkey, he claps his hands like the seal, and he kicks his legs like the donkey-we have, of course, read this book while I showed him the motions a TON of times...it's one of the bed time stories

-point to the dogs' bedroom or to the back door as he "tells the dogs" where to go - when we let the dogs back in from outside or let them out of their bedroom, Luke points his finger and jibber jabbers to tell them where to go and guess what??? After giving Luke a tiny lick, they listen.

-raise his arms and stick out his tongue on request or when he sees a similar picture in a book - he has a book that has a girl raising her arms, every time we get to that page, Luke raises his arms. When he sees a child eating in a book, he sticks his tongue out. He will also stick his tongue out anytime you ask him to. He giggles because he thinks we look funny when we stick our tongues out.

-do the "Hokey Pokey" - this has to be one of my favorites - when we sing the Hokey Pokey song, he will wiggle his hands around like I do and then, my favorite part, he will turn himself in circles while stomping his feet - it's quite funny when he gets going so much that he makes himself dizzy - hilarious! :)

-pretends to be an airplane - when I say, "Luke, make an airplane," he sticks his hands out to the side and turns in circles

-point/touch many body parts - he can now, most of the time, identify the following body parts: hair, ears, belly (he's 100% on this one - he, he), nose (he often points to mine instead of his), toes, feet, hands, arms, tongue, and eyes.

-see him do the movements to "If you are happy and you know it..." - when we sing this, he will clap his hands, stomp his feet, and nod his head when we get to those parts of the song.

-clap his hands and roll his arms around when we sing "patty-cake" - he also rolls his arms when we sing, "The Wheels on the Bus."

What I am most proud of is that Luke can now do many of these things without me demonstrating them first....just by hearing the words, he knows what to do...I'm so thankful that he is so attentive....I don't worry about him not saying many words right now because I can see that he understands so very much - his comprehension of language is great! The spoken part will come - I know from experience (he, he) - that's my job! :)

What I am NOT proud of myself for is that I didn't start teaching him real sign language...I know, I know....it's not too late and I may start teaching him a few important words using sign language to see what he can pick up....I just wish I would have started sooner.

Luke's sweet gestures and movements are just one super part of this age - now that he is sleeping through the night 90% of the time, I have to say that this age is my favorite so far - we have a blast everyday because we can actually play together now and communicate! Like I have said before, this mommy stuff comes with its tough times but every challenge is SO worth it! I love my little man!

Thanks for letting me brag! Enjoy the beautiful weekend that we have ahead of us! And....don't forget to cheer on the Heels as they aim to win the ACC Tournament this weekend.

Toddy

Enjoy the pics....

He loves to play with the muffin pans....check him out...

This is the train that Luke can now push the "ride" button on his own - he cannot steer yet so it's quite interesting when he decides to ride Thomas because he pushes the button and then heads straight into the couch, wall, toys, etc (whatever is in front of him is getting hit). It's funny to watch - I'll try to get this on video to post! Mark and Melissa....you should be so proud... :)











Loving the boxes again...I save boxes for this reason...