Four Month Check-up Completed

July 14, 2010

Below is a pic of Liam and I waiting to see Dr. T. We had a great visit and Liam is doing great.

He is still in the 97th percentile for height and weighing in at 20 lbs. and 4 ozs. He is 27 inches long and in the 75th percentile for head circumference.

Our goal for the next two months is to work on Liam sitting by himself. Dr. T. was impressed with Liam and his progress since our last visit. We are also going to work on Liam sleeping 8 eight hours straight in his crib. Dr. T. said that Liam is read for this, so I guess we will start this weekend.

Liam ended the visit with a round of shots, which he took like a champ. He cried a little bit, but we were able to call him down before leaving the Dr.'s office.

Oh, I forgot, we are not to start introducing food to his diet until the 6 month visit. So, he will continue to be on formula for the next two months.

Second Month Check-Up

May 13, 2010

What a busy day. My parents came into town with Uncle Victor and Carson. This was Carson's first visit to the Chi and we hope not his last. My parents treated the kids, Victor and I to lunch at Rainforest Cafe (unfortunately, JB had to work). Liam is a bit young for this, but it was fun to get out with the family.

Carson, on the other hand, was the perfect age and loved it. In fact, he asked my Dad if he would put Apes down in the basement. It is so fun to see life through the eyes of children. Needless to say we had a great time.

Carson, Liam and Grandpa outside after lunch.

After lunch we dropped Victor and Carson off at my place for a nap while we headed to Liam's Dr. apt. This is the second month check-up and we were seeing Dr. T for the first time. All I can say is that we absolutely love her. She listened to all of my concerns and put my mind to ease with any worries I had as a new mom. As Dr. T and I talked Liam sat in my arms with his fist underneath his chin listening to us. Periodically, he would sigh as if he comprehended everything Dr. T said. ;)

This visit Liam weighed in at 15 lbs. and 26 5/8 inches long. He is in the 97th percentile for weight and height. Thankfully, Dr. T reassured me that Liam is in proportion and not to be alarmed. This visit Liam had to received a round of shots that he took like a champ. I was so proud of my little man.

At this visit Liam was also diagnosed with acid reflux. I believe that he has more of the silent reflux (where he swallows it back down instead of spitting up large amounts). Liam was showing all the signs of reflux (gagging/coughing at times, abdominal pain, etc.). Eventually Liam will outgrow reflux, but in the meantime, we are giving him medications three times a day. In addition, we are adding a little bit of rice cereal to his formula. The combination of the two seem to be helping him keep the formula down.

We ended the Dr.'s visit with talk about Liam's sleep habits. Currently he is sleeping three to four hours at a time. Dr. T said that he is right on track and not to expect more regarding sleep patterns. So, we left the Dr.'s office with Mama and Papa in tow. We picked up Liam's medicine and headed back home. As we walked in the door, there was Carson ready to play. Poor guy did not want to leave. In fact, he told my parents and Victor goodbye and that he would see them later. He was ready to stay with Baby Liam and Aunt Leslie. Oh Carson - we cannot wait for you to come visit again. Love you much.

Thank you Mom, Dad and Victor for making the trip to the Chi. We had a great day!!!!

New Doctor

April 6, 2010

Today we had our first visit with our new pediatrician. I decided to make the switch after much deliberating and conversations with other moms/friends.

It was so nice to walk into the office and be greeted with a warm welcome from Regina. As I checked us in I was only able to get out Brown when Regina said, "We have been waiting for you Liam." My mom was with me at this appointment and we both felt comfortable at this office. Regina's welcoming confirmed that I had made the right decision to switch.

We met the Dr. and unfortunately were unable to see Dr. T. at this visit (first month checkup). However, we loved Dr. Lu. She was good about answering all of my questions and just put my new mom worries to ease. We discussed at this appointmet the possibility of Liam having reflux as well as the diaper rash that we went to the ER for in March.

Surprise, surprise - Dr. Lu confirmed my thoughts that this was a yeast rash and that we need an ointment to clear this up. Amazingly, all it took was cream that people use to cure athlete's foot. That's right this was something that was available over the counter. You can imagine my frustration when I received this information. Here poor Liam had this rash that could have been easily cleared up. In fact, once we used the cream, the rash was gone in four days.

Dr. Lu also confirmed that Liam had thrush and to continue to use the script previously prescribed. Liam is weighing in at the 97th percentile for height and weight, which is perfectly in proportion for both weight and height. Liam ended this visit with a shot in the leg. He cried briefly, but was immediately consoled by Mama.

The rest of the day Liam wanted to be held and loved on. Of course, I was happy to oblige. ;)

Quick side note, the nurses loved Liam's red hair. What a great visit.

Liam's First Dr. Visit

March 15th

Today we had Liam's first Dr.'s visit. My parents are in town and my mom is going to the Dr.'s apt. with Liam and I. We are meeting JB at the Dr.'s office since it is close to his job.

My mom and I left with plenty of time to get to the Dr.'s office, but you never know with Chicago rush hour traffic. Thankfully we made it to the office a half hour before his appointment. Liam was an awesome as we sat in the waiting room for our name to be called.

Once Liam's name was called, we began his first Dr.'s visit. When we left the hospital, Liam was 10 lbs. and 22 1/2 inches long. At this visit, Liam weighed in at 10.5 lbs. and 23 inches long. The nurse could not get over the fact that I was up and moving around. I have to admit that her amazement at my ability to get around so quickly after birth made me feel great.

I wish I could say the rest of the visit was just as great. Unfortunately, I left the Dr.'s office feeling as if I was the world's worst mom. When we were finally able to see the Dr. our visit consisted of talk regarding breastfeeding vs. formula. I was told that I was given wrong information at the hospital and that I was teaching Liam instant gratification. I was shocked - instant gratification, really? The Dr. also said that Liam could go a day without eating and that he gained too much weight since leaving the hospital. Seriously, this was not what I was expecting. Great, I am going to be one of those mothers who is on Jerry Spring or Jenny Jones with the overweight toddler.

I was already having a hard time with breastfeeding and this just made me feel worst.

The Dr. did a quick exam of Liam and most of my concerns were met with the response that this was normal baby behavior. The exam was a bit too quick for me, but I am a new mom and did not know what to expect. Not to mention, I think the Dr. was more interested in my mom than Liam. Seriously, he asked if my mom was really my sister three times or more.

After three hours my mom, Liam and I left the Dr.'s office. JB had to leave after an hour and a half to get back to work. I expressed my frustrations with my mom as she reassured me that I was doing everything right. This was not at all how I imagined this appointment going

Now what?

Here is a pic of Liam in the office as we wait to see the Dr. Of course it was during his feeding time. Good thing the Dr. didn't see this feeding. ;)

Final Dr.'s Visit - March 8th

Today is our final Dr.'s appointment regarding Baby Brown. Dr. Clinton confirmed that there is no change in Brown's status. Therefore, we said goodbye to Dr. Clinton until Tuesday morning for delivery. In the meantime, we are heading home to relax before going to the hospital at midnight for inducing.

March 2nd = Due Date

March 2nd was our 40 week appointment with Dr. Clinton. We headed to the Dr.'s office with my bag and the diaper bag in hand just in case we were sent directly to the hospital. Originally we were told that we would not go four days past our due date, so worse case would be that I would be induced on Friday.

Our visit was short and to the point with Dr. Clinton. Unfortunately, we did not receive the news we were hoping for. Dr. Clinton informed me that I would have go 41 weeks and 4 days before she would recommend inducing me. At this point, what is a few more days?

So, here I am back at work as we continue the waiting game. To be honest with you - I am ready for Baby Brown to come. With that said, Monday evening (at midnight) I will be induced at Northwestern Hospital. Baby Brown will be here one way or another or March 9th.

39 Weeks

Februry 24th was our 39 week visit with a new Dr. that joined the practice. There was no change since last week and Dr. Brenda indicated that I may have dilated one cm. This is really nothing in the grand schemes of things, but I will take it.

The Dr. also indicated that we needed to schedule our 40 week appointment with an ultrasound to check on Brown. She also stated that they would not let us go two weeks pass our due date of March 2nd. This was different from what we originally discussed with Dr. Clinton. Needless to say we are anxious to meet with Dr. Clinton next week.

I was hoping that this weekend Brown would arrive, but that is not the case thus far. So, we shall see what the first week of March brings us. Stay tuned.

38 Weeks

February 17th was our 38th week appointment. There were a couple of changes that I noticed over the past week. One, I felt this line of hardness and discomfort around my belly button. This is also where I have a scar from my gall bladder being removed. I was not sure what was causing this feeling and JB thought we needed to call Dr. Clinton. I looked the symptoms up in my book while he called his sister who is a nurse for confirmation that we did not need to worry.

The discomfort did go away and when we inquired about this during our Dr.'s apt. we were informed that this was just the stretching of the ligaments. I also felt that Brown did drop some, which again Dr. Clinton confirmed that he moved down. No signs of being dilated at this apt. So, our next visit will discuss the options available (inducing or c-section) if there is no further development.

I have to admit this is somewhat scary to me. I really would like to have him naturally, but what if he is too big? I tried to block this out and told myself that we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Sometimes the size of the baby is not right. However, the stories I have heard where the Dr. indicates the baby is small, he/she is usually bigger than originally projected. With that said we shall see.

37 Weeks

February 10th = 37 weeks and counting. Our weekly visit with Dr. Clinton was the same as before, but much quicker. Still no sign of Baby Brown coming early.

36 Weeks

February 3rd marked 36 weeks. I cannot believe that we only have four more weeks to go. Well, that is if Baby Brown stays on schedule to arrive March 2nd. We now have our weekly appointments with Dr. Clinton until Brown arrives. We have also discussed with her our birthing plan as well as other labor questions. So far everything is on schedule.

We will continue to keep you posted with each visit.

34 Week Visit

On January 20th we were at 34 weeks. Wow, only six more weeks until Baby Brown arrives. We also had an ultrasound at this visit in order to see how Brown is progressing.

Unfortunately, I was having a terrible time during the ultrasound. I started getting hot flashes and felt sick to my stomach. What made it worse was that I had on a huge turtleneck sweater that just seemed to be engulfing me. I really wanted to just jump off the table. However, I made it through the ultrasound and received great news from the Tech that everything is okay. Once she left the room I told JB how sick I felt. He then asked the nurse if this was common or if we should be alarmed. She informed us that with Brown getting bigger and trying to move around this would be common. I had not felt like this before and thankfully it only lasted for a short time.

We saw Dr. Clinton shortly after and she informed us that Brown was already at seven pounds. Okay, not bad I thought to myself. She then continued to tell us that he will gain a 1/2 pound (on the average) per week. Thus, if I go to my due date of March 2nd, he will most likely be a nine pound baby or more. NINE POUNDS is not the same as seven. Dr. Clinton told me not to worry. I thought about my cousin Liz who had Oliver in November (a ten pound baby) and thought if she could do it, then I most certainly could. I am not going to worry about it right now.

So, we shall see what happens at the February 3rd visit. ;)

32 Weeks and Counting

On January 6th, we had our 32rd week Dr.'s apt. This was merely a check-up to make sure that everything is going well with Baby Brown. We are happy to report that both the baby and I are doing well.

It is amazing how the time has flown by during this pregnancy. Even Dr. Clinton started our apt. by commenting on this being our 32nd week and how quickly Baby Brown will be here. I cannot believe that Baby Brown will be here in just eight short weeks if all goes according to plan. I am thankfully crossing things off my checklist and hope to have all items checked by the end of this month. This may be wishful thinking, but I am thinking positive. ;)

At this appointment, Dr. Clinton also clarified for JB where to park when we come to the hospital for delivery. I had to laugh, but know this information reassured JB. So, we can either valet or park in the parking garage across the street depending on the intensity of contractions, labor, etc.

Fetal Echo Ultrasound

This is merely an update - our final fetal echo ultrasound was on January 5th. We are happy to report that Baby Brown's heart is normal and healthy. In addition to the ultrasound, we were able to hear Brown's heart beat, which is always exciting.