Heidi's whole new world: September 2008

So, I've decided to HATE statistics. It started with Sophie's diagnosis....One in 500 children are born with hydrocephalus. Then, it was the next thing....the acid reflux. Only a small percentage of children are born with this condition. Out of those children, only another small amount acquire a "milk protein" allergy....and now, as if that is not enough statistical information....30-40 percent of children with milk protein allergy also have a soy protein allergy.

NOW, can you GUESS which category atatistically we are now falling into???? Will this ever end???

I hate statistics. By the way, does anybody wanna buy a WHOLE buncha soy based products from a very frustrated breastfeeding mom???? Also, please note...formula is both soy and milk protein based unless you buy a specially prescribed and expensive one. The allergy can be treated by simply changing mommy's diet....AGAIN.

By the way....LOVED, loved, loved all the comments from previous blog! Thankyou for writing and please keep in touch...strangers don't have to be strangers if we chat!!!! I really appreciate all the good advice and comments from those of you who are watching! It is very helpful!!!

OK...I don't want to jinx myself, but our girl had a GREAT day today. First of all, she has not thrown up in 3 days...a lifetime achievement for her! She is sleeping 8 hours every night, from 10:30pm or so until when daddy gets up for work around 5:30-6:30pm...and to be honest, I have to wake her then!

We decided to take a road trip to Morgantown today to make an appearance at the Orff workshop. I really do miss being a grownup, but I was very relieved that I didn't have to be involved with the planning. My brain doesn't process like it did before I got pregnant, so I'm sure I would have botched things up pretty bad. Anyways, we went to Panera's afterwords with the presenter Rachel, Jennifer, and Janet. Laura was coming too, but I think she backed out cuz she was sick and didn't want to make sophie sick. (thanks Laura, we missed you!) Sophie was a bit fussy, but not enough to make me leave.

We then went to Giant Eagle to buy my new diet. You see, as if Sophie doesn't have enough to contend with, she now has been diagnosed with a milk protein allergy. She's allergic to my milk! That is, if I have ANY dairy product in it. (She's really not allergic to breastmilk, I promise!) I have discovered in this venture that apparently, even formula has milk protein in it. Soy milk can have milk protein....so can spaghetti sauce....even lunchmeat....forget about any butter, margarine, milk, yogurt, etc. etc... I am now on an organic type diet, avoiding milk protein and its 900 other versions in the food world.

After that, we went home! But, when we got there, Jason said there was a family gathering at the farm, so after a quick nurse...we piled back into the car and headed over there to see the aunts, uncles, and cousins for the first time. Sophie came in the house and immediately Jason's dad grabbed her. He really can't help himself!! He justs wants her outta that car seat! EVEN if she is sleeping, he gets the baby itch! Well, he held her, then grandma Lisa, then different aunts all around the room She just sat there on her little butt, held her head up (yes, another new personal record of strength), and looked around like, "yeah....I'm cool and cute, all at the same." She isn't smiling yet, but if she could...she probably would have done it on cue. She lasted over an hour before even making a squeak. When she finally needed to make some "feed me" noises...I bravely threw a blanket over her and nursed right in front of everyone...Yay for me!!! I was brave in Panera's too!!! I am breastfeeder, hear me roar!!!!!!!!

So, she never threw up! Even after being passed around 100 times today. When it was time to go, she settled down again, after a brief fussy moment and allowed us to stop at Walmart to buy some essentials...NEVER MAKING A PEEP!!! Again, a personal best for our girl....she hasn't been in a Walmart she wasn't able to scream at one end and be heard at the other.

We go home and get her ready for bed and her night time feedings! We were a bit behind on those due to all the excitement. When I put her on her changing table, which used to be one of her "terror screaming" times, she just started kicking and really seemed to enjoy the fact that she was naked! Airing out the special parts seems to be fun for her! As I was changing her, she looked up at me and went "ghah"...and I imitated her right back (completely and utterly thrilled she was uttering a sound that WASNT pain related) then a few seconds later..."aaaahk" and I said it back, and this continued for a minute or two, until I called daddy in to witness. Then, she clammed up, but arched her back and looked upwards so she could see him. (he was standing above her head at the end of the table). This is OFFICIALLY the very first time Jason and I have heard her make a sound that wasn't related to crying. Honest, she has NEVER done that. Even her stretches are just grunts or squeaks...this was honest to goodness baby sounds.

Finally, we nursed again and she fell fast asleep. It is 10:00pm and she is currently laying flat as a pancake on daddy's lap and seems perfectly content that way. She NEVER lays flat usually because of the reflux. For those of you who don't know, Sophie also has been diagnosed with "severe acid reflux". Yeah...I know GIVE ME A BREAK, right..but seriously..that stuff is terrible for the little ones.

I am typing with two hands for the first time since she has been born!!! I feel liberated! Hahahaha Thanks for listening to my new mommy milestones! Although simple to most babies, I feel like we climbed Mt. Everest today and made it to the top!!! Thanks for listening!!

By the way!!!! Welcome to our new cousin!!!! My cousin Becky "Becktoris" had her baby boy this week! He does not have a name yet until they perform a "naming ceremony", a tradition in the country his daddy is from! Very interesting! We'll let you know it when we do.