a tonsillectomy for e

Where should I begin? Ellis gets multiple strep infections each winter. He frequently chokes. He snores...loudly...and so much that he experiences apnea on occasion. Because of that, his sleep suffers tremendously. This combination made his ENT believe he was a good candidate for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. After a lot of thought, preparation, and fear of the unknown, the day arrived.

Waiting...and really hungry.

Immediately post-op...it is painfully obvious he is uncomfortable.

His little ET finger.

The procedure was a simple 45 minutes, start to finish. Recovery was truly difficult. His pain was manageable, but it lingered for so so long and that takes it's toll. After 10 days of rest, fluids, and pain medicine, Ellis was back to his normal, happy self. He experienced extreme (wake you up, writhe around) ear/nerve pain that would only subside if I put pressure on his ears. ...like I was squeezing his head! He also didn't want to speak much, but he would write down his answers for me. This one was heartbreaking.

When asked why he doesn't want to talk.

When he did speak, his voice was noticeably higher. It didn't stay like that, but it was a little comic relief for us during his recovery. The craziest thing about all of this is that Andrew came down with food poisoning the night before the procedure so he wasn't able to go to the hospital with us. Don't worry, Mimi was available to substitute. Two days later he left town for work. Ellis took this opportunity to cuddle and sleep in bed with me. It was a smart move...so I could be there for him at night when he experienced most of his pain. This was brutal, like having a newborn again, kind of sleep deprivation. Short lived, for sure, but...whew!

After it was all said and done, things improved almost immediately. The snoring is gone...no more apnea, and there was even a round of strep throat that made it's way through his kindergarten class without touching him. All my questions of "do we do this?", "is it going to help?" were answered.

turning 2...YEAH!!

a trip to the doctor...BOOOO!!!

E remembered that doctor's office and what happens there. He was telling me "go" as we were walking through the first door. He didn't want the nurse touching him. He didn't want his clothes off. He didn't want Dr. Roth to look at him, and he definitely didn't want the two shots he had to receive. I was stunned when he just about grabbed that syringe and yanked it out of his leg himself. He surprised Dr. Roth when he strung four words together, "I need to go!" So, you could say this appointment went well but was a challenge.

E weighed in at 25 lbs 12 oz. That's the 23rd percentile.

He is 35 inches tall, putting him in the 69th percentile.

Of course, we all survived the doctor's appointment in the end...with a couple of band aids and stickers to show for it.

The End.

15 months

E is growing up...sadly, there is no doubt about it.

Oh, the beautiful, curly blonde hair...so much he is mistaken for a girl quite a bit. 

I can't cut it...I just can't.

In the last 3 months, he's become so independent! Along with that, the brother's are playing together more and more, and it makes me so happy to watch their bond really start to grow. E would rather feed himself, and he will make his own choices...thank you very much. Lucky for us, he chooses to eat just about everything! Four molars decided to come in at once, so we had one cranky baby for a short time. The tooth count so far is 10 with a few others still on their way (according to the doc). It never ceases to amaze me how much is happening in those tiny little bodies all at once.

peek-a-boo from his booster seat - no more high chairs here!

E is definitely learning to express himself and you can tell he's picking up on what works and what doesn't. He has thrown a couple of full blown tantrums...throwing toys and himself...and I just can't help but giggle when he does it. Thankfully, he's learning that one DOESN'T work.

 His focus seems to have been on his gross motor skills lately (since he's almost running at this point), so his speech took a back seat. We are keeping an eye on his lack of verbal communication, and spending more time reading books to give him a boost, but we're really not worrying about it yet. There is no doubt he is understanding what we say and can follow simple direction. E just doesn't have much to say at this point.

The doctor's visit included a couple of shots and of course, a measure of weight and height. Here's where E is at 15 months.

32 in tall  - 77th percentile

That's up an inch and a half in 3 months! Again, I am just amazed...

22 lbs. 5.5 oz. - 18th percentile

Gained less than a pound despite eating everything in sight!

Still looks like he might be a tall and skinny Witherspoon after all.

12 months

This baby is sweet...

...from his hands...

...to his feet.

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Along with this milestone, comes a doctor's appointment (yeah!) with shots (boo!). All told though, the doctor is pleased with E in all aspects.  He engages in the world around him, he eats what he should, and is eager to get moving! So, at 1 year old, E's measures in at...

Weight - 21 lbs. 9.5 oz

33rd percentile

Length - 30.5 in

75th percentile

9 months

 Our little E...you've grown so much in the last month!  

(yes, despite my valiant efforts with the sunblock, E has a farmer's tan)

Eating - You love it all so far!  Mommy is still making your baby food, with the exception of when we go out.  We started working in some texture and you are receiving it quite well.  Of course, Cheerios are your favorite snack... We were given the go ahead to add yogurt to your diet and while I think the cold temperature shocks you at first, you do like it.  It took some experimenting on mommy's part, but we have finally found a sippy cup you don't reject.  You drink some water out of them on the really hot days and you've even started getting excited when you see some formula being prepared.  Yes...formula...it appears that mommy just isn't making what you require anymore, so we're having to supplement a little bit.

Playing - You are so fast!  You still army crawl to get where you're going, and you go EVERYWHERE!  A favorite game of yours is to empty out boxes and containers of toys.  Our living room becomes a sea of toys in no time!  You've recently taken to carrying small items around.  In fact, it almost seems to calm you to have something in your hands.  Maybe you would enjoy having a love...mommy will have to work on that.  You really love the swings at the playground. When we play outside, you pull grass, examine it closely and then pull some more.  In fact, if mommy takes it out of your hands, you snatch more up in what seems like quite a little huff.  Thankfully, you don't seem too interested in putting everything in your mouth yet.  M always has to be in your sights and you love to play with him and his toys...even if he doesn't seem to feel the same way.  He makes you laugh hard and smile even harder. & that makes mommy and daddy the happiest of all.

Milestones - You've been pulling up to stand anywhere and everywhere you can...on people, couches, tables, toys. & you've finally figured out how to sit yourself up. You are learning quickly how to express yourself and there is real objection when something is taken from you (whether you should have it or not).  You pass out kisses and like to rub foreheads (as weird as that may sound) to show your affection for someone.  You're working new consonants into your "vocabulary" every day and you smile all the time...mommy's favorite.

Sleeping - Well, this is still a pretty inconsistent part of your life, but...oh well.  I think that's really all I can say about it at this point.  You're only small once and I do like some of the quiet time you and I can share at 5:00am.  That's what I'm supposed to say, right?  You share a room with M now and you don't seem to interrupt each other's sleep, but we all still wouldn't mind if you decided to sleep all night...every night.  That being said, you ARE a champion napper, so that's something...

Doctor's appointment -

28.5 inches long

79th percentile

18 lbs. 13.5 oz

24th percentile

While I know I don't...I feel compelled to talk about the fact that E only gained 10oz in 3 months.  Both myself and our doctor were surprised at this minuscule gain.  I can assure you that E eats...and he eats healthy, nutritious food...3 meals, plus nursing/formula, & snacks. With that established, our doctor will still be keeping an eye on his weight and making sure his blood levels are just right when his 1 year appointment comes around.  It is possible that his true body proportions are starting to emerge.  Long and lean would not be out of the realm of possibility here with those Witherspoon genes...

Until next month! I should probably get going on the big party planning...yes?

E's 6 Month Appointment

As I expected, the doc wagged her finger at me a little today for E's lack of progress in the sleep department.  During the night, I am convinced that E is hungry when he wakes at 3 but not when he wakes at 5.  I feed him accordingly.  Well, the doctor would like to see the opposite happen...she would rather he eat at 5 instead of 3.  Tonight should be fun.  Please pray for my sanity...

All other aspects of E's appointment got good reports.  She was happy to watch him do his "push ups" on the exam table.  M even got compliments from the nurses for his good behavior.  I suppose, coming from a group that sees a lot of kids everyday, this is a real victory.  We got "clearance" to start any and all pureed foods for three meals a day and a reminder to start putting away all of M's toys that are small enough to swallow.  It's that time...

Here are E's stats at 6 months...

Length - 27.5 inches

84th percentile!  

Looks like he might have got some of that Witherspoon height.

 Weight - 18lbs. 3oz.

65th percentile

E's 4 Month Appointment

As we expected, E got a glowing report. His skin is a little dry and we have some cradle cap to contend with, but other than that, he is one healthy baby. We were given the go-ahead for rice cereal, but I think we'll hold off on that for now. I think he's in the middle of a growth spurt right now because he's eating like crazy and waking one more time at night. I don't want to change his nursing habits if it isn't necessary. We'll re-evaluate in a couple of weeks.

E was not a fan of all the poking and prodding...in particular that cold stethoscope. The vaccinations were not well received, either. He seemed especially shocked this time around which is always sad for mommy, but he was easily comforted. The next visit will be in 2 months...

Weight - 15 lbs. 3.7 oz
58th percentile

Length - 25.5 inches
70th percentile

In other news, E got a new toy today. And while he's still on the small side to really get into it, we tried it out anyway. Big brother liked playing "helping" him play in it and even gave him a short serenade on his guitar. I think it's obvious, E enjoyed it.

...in love with those chubby legs.

It's that time of year...

...and by that, I mean, it's time for the yearly visit to the doctor for M. Additionally, E went for his 2 month appointment. All I have to say is that I'm really thankful Andrew was able to go with us.

M is still a small guy according to percentiles, but someone has to make up those lower ones...right? Officially, at 3 years old - M weighs 28 pounds (14th percentile), and is 36 inches tall (16th percentile). We did manage to get the swine flu vaccine for him and if there are any left by next month when he has to get the booster...we'll be set for that. We'll see... M didn't cry, but I haven't seen his bottom lip stick out so much ever before. It's like his feelings were hurt more than his arm. All in all, M got a great report. Now, let's hope he decides he doesn't want to wear diapers anymore soon.

E is a little above average according to his percentiles. I'm still amazed at how different these two brothers are.

12 pounds 5.7 ounces - 66th percentile

23.5 inches in length - 69th percentile

E got three shots and an oral vaccine so as you can imagine, he was none too happy after that first one... He cried for a short time and we comforted and cuddled for much longer. He went down for a "nap" as soon as we got home at 5:30pm and well, that ended up being bed time.

Developmentally, E is smiling, cooing, and holding up his head...all the things he supposed to be doing. He sleeps pretty well, and at his longest stretch, mommy and daddy have been able to put 5 hours together for themselves. We're getting up twice a night. Not too shabby... He can put himself to sleep quite easily and in a surprising turn, he's like his brother in that he really prefers NOT to be rocked unless he's overtired. He likes looking and batting at all the little things on his playmat and has really started noticing his big brother lately. He'll follow M around with his eyes and he even shot him a big smile the other day. The bond begins...

E's Doctor

Today we had a 1 month doctor's appointment for E. It's been three short weeks since we were there so here's the breakdown...

2 weeks - 7lbs. 5.5 oz.
5 weeks - 10 lbs. 7.6 oz.
That's a gain of over 3 POUNDS!

2 weeks - 20 inches
5 weeks - 22 inches
TWO INCHES TALLER?!

Good night, little one...8:00 pm on the dot and he is out cold.

E is in the 60th percentile for both height and weight and the 58th for head circumference, so he's completely average all around. Dr. Roth thinks he is a strong guy. He's still got a couple of obvious "stork bites" on the back of his neck and on his left eye lid, but they will fade. Heck, I think this whole family still has those on the back of our necks. All in all, she was pleased. Shots start up with next months visit...ewww...

Our doctor did recommend starting to give him a bottle of expressed milk every now and then, or he may never really accept a bottle. She thinks that with his weight, he'd probably take a 4 oz. bottle! I'm not getting fixated on a number this time though. When I did that with M, I almost went insane. Andrew might even argue that I made it all the way there and then some.

This brings up yet another inconsistency with breast feeding.

• I'm supposed to pump to get milk for bottles...but I'm NOT supposed to pump in order to get my supply regulated.
• I have to express some to make it easier for E to latch and not swallow too much air...but I'm NOT supposed to express in order to get my supply regulated.
• I have to get the milk out so as to not get an infection or plugged duct...but I'm NOT supposed to pump or express in order to get my supply regulated!

Geez...which way do I go? I have to get my supply regulated so I'm not so uncomfortable, but what about all the other stuff? Who ever said that breast feeding was the most natural thing in the world IS A LIAR! This is a delicate balance.

Doctor's Report

We started our day at the doctor's office for a 2 week weight check. E is up to 7lbs. 13.5 oz. That's up 8oz. in 10 days...so, we're making good progress. We were instructed to start tummy time and some vitamin D drops. All is well...

Tummy Time - 1st attempt

not to shabby...

E's Doctor Appointment

Well, in the doctor's eyes, E is a perfect baby...if you didn't know that already. He has lost a bit more weight and we're down to 7 lbs. 5.5 ozs. She was not concerned since weight is lowest on the 3rd and 4th day. My milk is undeniably IN so we expect this to be changing quickly. We go back in 2 weeks for another weight check.

M has a birthday!

Well, we knew this day would come. Our little man turned 2! We went to the doctor for a check-up to find that he is in perfect health. All his blood levels look great and his mental and physical development is again, right on track. Here are his stats...

Weight - 24 lbs. 2.5 oz
9th percentile

Height - 33.75 inches
33rd percentile

Additionally, his head measures at 50 cm - the 75th percentile.

Sadly, the day after his appointment, we made our first trip to the emergency room. M tripped over his own feet and took a header onto the floor. This resulted in a seriously split bottom lip. It was a bloody mess, and we thought stitches might be in order, so we were off to the ER. Luckily, we were wrong and we left stitch-free. M was great and let everyone poke at him without objection. The day after (his birthday) he drooled more than I've seen since he was teething, but one week later, you can't even tell it happened.

2 doctors in 2 days! Certainly unusual for M...

18 months and counting...

Officially, it's not until tomorrow, but we had our doctor's appointment yesterday. Here's what Dr. Roth had to say this time.

Length - 32.25 inches - 48th percentile
Up 1.25 inches from 3 months ago

Weight - 22 lbs. 2.5 oz - 9th percentile
Up .5 lb. from 3 months ago

Additionally, his head circumference is at 49 cm - the 82nd percentile. As you can see, he is of average height, has a big noggin, but is pretty thin. It's nothing to worry about though. We just might be staying on whole milk past age 2 here. Anyway, developmentally he is right on target. She said that we don't even need to think about any problems his tongue may pose until he starts saying some real words with the letter "l" in them - OR - if he can't lick an ice cream cone. WHAT! The doctor asked me if he could do that...I said "I don't know, he's never had one." Is it weird that she seemed a little surprised?

I'll leave you with a new way to eat raspberries... READY??

Step 1 - Place raspberry on index finger.
It still works if your face is already covered in SunButter...

Step 2 - Place finger in mouth. YUMMM!!

Nice...I like your technique little man!