I got a call from AJ's dr (literally, the dr himself called). He said they could not find anything at all in the sample. Usually, if there was an infection or virus there would at least be some white blood cells, but there was nothing. He wants us to start the Culturell and take him completely off anything with lactose and see what happens.
If there is no change at all by Monday (although we do not expect him to be completely back to normal either) I am supposed to call back and set up another appointment. There is a chance he will end up back at a GI dr, if we don't figure something out soon (that is what Dr. said).
Friday, November 07, 2008
AJ's Test Results
I just got a call from the drs office and they had the test results. Everything came back normal. That is good....I guess.
What isn't good is that yesterday he had a total of SIX very bad diapers. So, I am glad he does not have a stomach/intestinal infection, however he has SOMETHING and we are no closer to knowing what it is today than we were Monday when we went.
I am waiting for the nurse to call back with what the doctor wants to do next.
What isn't good is that yesterday he had a total of SIX very bad diapers. So, I am glad he does not have a stomach/intestinal infection, however he has SOMETHING and we are no closer to knowing what it is today than we were Monday when we went.
I am waiting for the nurse to call back with what the doctor wants to do next.
Good Quote
I like this quote and it is something that I want the boys to learn and remember when they start having girlfriends. I am lucky to be married to a great guy that treats me as an equal, but not everyone is!
"Woman was created by the rib of man: Not from his head, to be thought of only, nor from his hand to be owned, nor from his foot to be beneath, but from under his arm to be protected, from his side to be equal and from his heart to be loved."
"Woman was created by the rib of man: Not from his head, to be thought of only, nor from his hand to be owned, nor from his foot to be beneath, but from under his arm to be protected, from his side to be equal and from his heart to be loved."
National Toy Hall of Fame
This is great! In 2005, the cardboard box was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame. This year the STICK is being inducted, along with Mr. Potato Head and the Atari 2600 game system (which are both personal favorites).
Is there a Weapon Hall of Fame? In this house full of boys, the stick might fit better into that one than the Toy Hall of Fame!
Is there a Weapon Hall of Fame? In this house full of boys, the stick might fit better into that one than the Toy Hall of Fame!
Teaching/Learning Bryce
As many of you know, I am concerned (and have been for a while) as to whether or not Bryce could be ADD. I did not want to do anything about taking him to a dr until he completed his first nine weeks of school and I had a conference with his teacher to get her opinion. Her opinion was that he was NOT ADD, and not to get him tested.
I am still skeptical!
I talked to my cousin, who has a child that is ADD. He advice was to watch him and wait until his first grade year. She said things seem to become clear in first grade. So, we wait...we watch...we take notes!
He is very hard to work with at home. He always has been. That is why he went into Kindergarten barely able to write his name. He just has very little interest in sitting still and working on work. Even if you try and make it fun, he knows it is work.
His teacher sent home three lists of words several weeks ago. We have been working on list A since then, and he has problems with the same words EVERY night. I have tried everything I can think of to help him sound them out or somehow get it. There were 18 words in list A. Last night, something FINALLY clicked with him and he got them ALL (after working on them for about 45 minutes). I took the words on the list and made flashcards because I thought it would be a little less overwhelming than a sheet of paper with three lists on it. The first time last night that he got every flashcard without my help, we stopped. I really wanted to stop on a high note with him!!!
I figured tonight we would struggle through it again, but this morning I went through them with him and he got them all, on his own, with little thinking time on each word.
It is very frustrating to work with him because he is always fidgeting. He is either picking at his feet or playing with his clothes or putting his hands in his mouth, but ALWAYS moving. It has got to make it hard to pay attention to what you are working on. My cousin gave me some tips to try with him while he is working. She said that they may work better standing up (we have been studying the words sitting on the couch - this morning we stood up and he barely had to think before he said the words). She also said to try giving him skittles or m&m's while he works. Something to keep his other hand busy.
I am hoping that since he is REALLY proud of himself for getting this first list done, he will be more excited about wanting to accomplish list B, and will have the drive to get through the next 18 words.
I am also hoping that I can have the patience to work through this with him, figure out his secret to get through homework and accept that he really may not be able to sit still while he works!! I have figured out he needs little to no distractions while he is working (which is not easy in this house)!
I am still skeptical!
I talked to my cousin, who has a child that is ADD. He advice was to watch him and wait until his first grade year. She said things seem to become clear in first grade. So, we wait...we watch...we take notes!
He is very hard to work with at home. He always has been. That is why he went into Kindergarten barely able to write his name. He just has very little interest in sitting still and working on work. Even if you try and make it fun, he knows it is work.
His teacher sent home three lists of words several weeks ago. We have been working on list A since then, and he has problems with the same words EVERY night. I have tried everything I can think of to help him sound them out or somehow get it. There were 18 words in list A. Last night, something FINALLY clicked with him and he got them ALL (after working on them for about 45 minutes). I took the words on the list and made flashcards because I thought it would be a little less overwhelming than a sheet of paper with three lists on it. The first time last night that he got every flashcard without my help, we stopped. I really wanted to stop on a high note with him!!!
I figured tonight we would struggle through it again, but this morning I went through them with him and he got them all, on his own, with little thinking time on each word.
It is very frustrating to work with him because he is always fidgeting. He is either picking at his feet or playing with his clothes or putting his hands in his mouth, but ALWAYS moving. It has got to make it hard to pay attention to what you are working on. My cousin gave me some tips to try with him while he is working. She said that they may work better standing up (we have been studying the words sitting on the couch - this morning we stood up and he barely had to think before he said the words). She also said to try giving him skittles or m&m's while he works. Something to keep his other hand busy.
I am hoping that since he is REALLY proud of himself for getting this first list done, he will be more excited about wanting to accomplish list B, and will have the drive to get through the next 18 words.
I am also hoping that I can have the patience to work through this with him, figure out his secret to get through homework and accept that he really may not be able to sit still while he works!! I have figured out he needs little to no distractions while he is working (which is not easy in this house)!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Favorite Time of Year
The next two months are my favorite time of year. I love decorating for the holidays and cooking the big meals for the family (even if it is just our immediate family). I also love that this time of year, most people seem to care. There are always those that want that last gift item (even if you have already grabbed it) and get out of hand. But for the most part, it brings out the best in people.
When we go into Home Depot (which we seem to go to more often than we go to Walmart at this point), Andrew's face always lights up at the blow-ups and lite up Christmas trees, etc. He points and squeals and laughs. I love it.
I asked the boys to make Christmas lists (and birthday lists for the older two). Caleb does WAY too well on his own, just sitting and writing his lists. The other two don't really know what to say they want. So, when the Toys R Us catalog comes around they sit down one at a time and give us ideas what they want. The catalog is getting warn out!
There are also many charity fundraisers at school. The boys are always SO excited to give what ever they can. We always make them go through their toys this time of year and get rid of some to make room for new ones. They no longer ask why they have to get rid of toys. They know that we donate the toys so that kids that can't get new toys like them can still get something. They do not complain about having to go through toys and "give up" toys they like (even if they don't play with them much).
I am proud that my kids are growing up understanding that we may not have as much money as lots of other people, but they still have a LOT more than many kids have. They don't rub that in or act snobby about it, but they understand how good they really have it. They don't have to worry about which parent they will be with for which holiday. They don't have to worry about if they have food on the table. They know they will get a Christmas gift or two. They know they will have warm clothes for the winter. Even though their are times they wallow in what they DON'T have (which don't we all) this time of year things are always put into perspective for them.
When we go into Home Depot (which we seem to go to more often than we go to Walmart at this point), Andrew's face always lights up at the blow-ups and lite up Christmas trees, etc. He points and squeals and laughs. I love it.
I asked the boys to make Christmas lists (and birthday lists for the older two). Caleb does WAY too well on his own, just sitting and writing his lists. The other two don't really know what to say they want. So, when the Toys R Us catalog comes around they sit down one at a time and give us ideas what they want. The catalog is getting warn out!
There are also many charity fundraisers at school. The boys are always SO excited to give what ever they can. We always make them go through their toys this time of year and get rid of some to make room for new ones. They no longer ask why they have to get rid of toys. They know that we donate the toys so that kids that can't get new toys like them can still get something. They do not complain about having to go through toys and "give up" toys they like (even if they don't play with them much).
I am proud that my kids are growing up understanding that we may not have as much money as lots of other people, but they still have a LOT more than many kids have. They don't rub that in or act snobby about it, but they understand how good they really have it. They don't have to worry about which parent they will be with for which holiday. They don't have to worry about if they have food on the table. They know they will get a Christmas gift or two. They know they will have warm clothes for the winter. Even though their are times they wallow in what they DON'T have (which don't we all) this time of year things are always put into perspective for them.
A Little Voting Annoyance
The parish we live in is pretty big. It includes Baton Rouge, along with many other cities. One of the things we voted on was a tax increase for some construction in Baton Rouge. This included needed things like bridge/road work and then extra things like parking and revitalizing Baton Rouge.
They did not get the tax increase, it was voted against. Yesterday morning I heard them saying it was probably because of the outlying cities in the parish (like us) who did not feel they would benefit from the tax increase - we would just end up paying lots of money.
That is my opinion. How do I benefit from my taxes getting hiked for 30 years so they can make Baton Rouge prettier and more accessible. I am not saying there are no benefits, I just think this is the best way to do it.
Last night, the mayor was on tv, upset that the tax did not pass and saying he would find a way to get the money. He was saying that the outlying places that voted no can think they won't benefit, but "when their family or friends is on one of the bridges that collapses because we did not get the tax to fund fixing it" they will understand how this affects them.
First off, seems like an awfully brave statement for a MAYOR to make. To blame the citizens for NOT voting for a tax increase (which includes a LOT more than road/bridge work) which CAUSED bridges to collapse with their family members or friends on it.
Doesn't it seem as though if we have bridges in that bad of shape, somehow that needs to be fixed immediately? And didn't he just open the door for lawsuits, admitting that we have bridges that are in poor shape that people drive on daily?
If they really need a tax increase for BRIDGE/ROAD work, then that should not have been combined with a tax for "fun" things like renovating buildings and adding parking? They need to do two seperate tax increase proposals. I guarantee I would be more likely to vote for an increase in taxes to fix roads/bridges than I would be to help a city 35 minutes away from me look better!
They did not get the tax increase, it was voted against. Yesterday morning I heard them saying it was probably because of the outlying cities in the parish (like us) who did not feel they would benefit from the tax increase - we would just end up paying lots of money.
That is my opinion. How do I benefit from my taxes getting hiked for 30 years so they can make Baton Rouge prettier and more accessible. I am not saying there are no benefits, I just think this is the best way to do it.
Last night, the mayor was on tv, upset that the tax did not pass and saying he would find a way to get the money. He was saying that the outlying places that voted no can think they won't benefit, but "when their family or friends is on one of the bridges that collapses because we did not get the tax to fund fixing it" they will understand how this affects them.
First off, seems like an awfully brave statement for a MAYOR to make. To blame the citizens for NOT voting for a tax increase (which includes a LOT more than road/bridge work) which CAUSED bridges to collapse with their family members or friends on it.
Doesn't it seem as though if we have bridges in that bad of shape, somehow that needs to be fixed immediately? And didn't he just open the door for lawsuits, admitting that we have bridges that are in poor shape that people drive on daily?
If they really need a tax increase for BRIDGE/ROAD work, then that should not have been combined with a tax for "fun" things like renovating buildings and adding parking? They need to do two seperate tax increase proposals. I guarantee I would be more likely to vote for an increase in taxes to fix roads/bridges than I would be to help a city 35 minutes away from me look better!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Should I be Jealous?
Caleb gets to go on a field trip in January. They will be going to LSU Museum of Art to see an exhibit called ! Rodin: A Magnificent Obsession!. Rodin is a world-renowned sculptor whose work can be seen in major museums all around the world. They will see the his sculptures (which will include some nude ones) and then get to create their own (hopefully NO nudity). Then they will go to have lunch on the terrace overlooking the Mississippi River and Old State Capitol. Then they will participate in a second art class. Doesn't this seem like one of those romantic dates my husband and I DON'T get to go on?
He is not quite ten yet, and he gets to meet movie stars and go on romantic field trips. Doesn't seem right!
He is not quite ten yet, and he gets to meet movie stars and go on romantic field trips. Doesn't seem right!
A Mother's Love
Just one more thing I never thought I would do (or even say the sentence), but did for my child.
I spent the morning driving and looking for the lab to deliver poop to the hospital.
All because I want my baby to feel better. AND, I would do much worse if I had too. A small price to pay for his health, happiness and comfort! That is just a Mother's love for her children!
I spent the morning driving and looking for the lab to deliver poop to the hospital.
All because I want my baby to feel better. AND, I would do much worse if I had too. A small price to pay for his health, happiness and comfort! That is just a Mother's love for her children!
Found on Caleb's Google Talk:
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for them"
With fireworks as his picture.
He has been very into this election. Sadly, he still does not understand so much and is "voting" for reasons that are not necessarily true. His choices are being shaped by what he is hearing at school. It is difficult to sit down and talk to him about it because he is so bad about only hearing parts of things and then sharing with everyone what he "heard".
I am concerned about our nation! "Change has come to America" - what kind of change? We are considering a change to Mexico (thought about Canada, but not fond of the cold). I can only trust that God is in control and has a plan we don't know or understand. There are many things that concern me about our new president-elect, none of which is his race. Although, I must say that it is kind of insulting that he is considered "black" even though he is half black, half white. He talks about how great his grandmother was and how she raised him, yet she was white and he does not acknowledge that part of his life much.
I can only continue to pray for our country and for the future of my children. I am proud of Caleb to put a quote like that up at his age and to be proud of where he lives, as am I. I hope that our nation moves in a better direction, and I will try to trust in our new President to lead our country in a way he was elected to do. Many presidents in the past have failed, democrats and repulicans, and politics will always be a scarey place for me. I have a hard time putting that much trust in one person - no matter what the party affiliation or color of skin and will doubt until proven otherwise (I know some may feel that is backwards).
With fireworks as his picture.
He has been very into this election. Sadly, he still does not understand so much and is "voting" for reasons that are not necessarily true. His choices are being shaped by what he is hearing at school. It is difficult to sit down and talk to him about it because he is so bad about only hearing parts of things and then sharing with everyone what he "heard".
I am concerned about our nation! "Change has come to America" - what kind of change? We are considering a change to Mexico (thought about Canada, but not fond of the cold). I can only trust that God is in control and has a plan we don't know or understand. There are many things that concern me about our new president-elect, none of which is his race. Although, I must say that it is kind of insulting that he is considered "black" even though he is half black, half white. He talks about how great his grandmother was and how she raised him, yet she was white and he does not acknowledge that part of his life much.
I can only continue to pray for our country and for the future of my children. I am proud of Caleb to put a quote like that up at his age and to be proud of where he lives, as am I. I hope that our nation moves in a better direction, and I will try to trust in our new President to lead our country in a way he was elected to do. Many presidents in the past have failed, democrats and repulicans, and politics will always be a scarey place for me. I have a hard time putting that much trust in one person - no matter what the party affiliation or color of skin and will doubt until proven otherwise (I know some may feel that is backwards).
Sweet AJ
Andrew has been giving us raspberries for a while now. He especially LOVES giving them on tummmies. We have been telling him there is a baby in my belly and until recently he would blow raspberries then hit my belly (playfully, open and closed fisted).
He doesn't do that very often anymore. Now he is ALWAYS wanting to lay his head on my belly, but it has to be my bare belly. He will climb in my lap, pull up my shirt, point to my belly and say "ba-by" and then kiss my belly, put his head on it and suck his thumb while lightly patting my belly with his other hand. Of course, he still blows lots of raspberries, but it melts my heart everytime he lays his head down and pats my belly. What is really funny is if I lay his special blankie on my belly for him to lay on, he will throw the blanket on the floor. HE WANTS MY BARE BELLY!!
I know he has NO idea what is to come, but it is still so sweet to hear him say baby and to have him love on the baby! AND, it is much better than him beating the baby!
He doesn't do that very often anymore. Now he is ALWAYS wanting to lay his head on my belly, but it has to be my bare belly. He will climb in my lap, pull up my shirt, point to my belly and say "ba-by" and then kiss my belly, put his head on it and suck his thumb while lightly patting my belly with his other hand. Of course, he still blows lots of raspberries, but it melts my heart everytime he lays his head down and pats my belly. What is really funny is if I lay his special blankie on my belly for him to lay on, he will throw the blanket on the floor. HE WANTS MY BARE BELLY!!
I know he has NO idea what is to come, but it is still so sweet to hear him say baby and to have him love on the baby! AND, it is much better than him beating the baby!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Elections and a Thank You to AJ's Timing!!
Paul had to be at work at 5 this morning for some hazardous materials work. He came home at 2:30, so I could have a chance to vote. Unfortunately, his voter registration never came, even though mine did and they were mailed at the same time (his name was not on the voter list either). I got my voter registration Saturday, so I could not do early voting.
So, he came home early. I was getting all of the "supplies" out to take care of AJ's "special samples". Daddy pulled up just in time for me to run out and vote and HIM to get to take care of the samples. YAY MOM!!!!!
I got to vote - absolutely NO line! I walked in, got checked in, voted and left. Less than five minutes in all. I had heard that the lines would be the shortest from 10 to lunch and after lunch to 4, so I rushed to get it done before 4!
Both accomplishments put a big smile on my face (maybe the sample on put a BIGGER smile on my face though). If I did nothing else, those were big enough accomplishments for one day!
So, he came home early. I was getting all of the "supplies" out to take care of AJ's "special samples". Daddy pulled up just in time for me to run out and vote and HIM to get to take care of the samples. YAY MOM!!!!!
I got to vote - absolutely NO line! I walked in, got checked in, voted and left. Less than five minutes in all. I had heard that the lines would be the shortest from 10 to lunch and after lunch to 4, so I rushed to get it done before 4!
Both accomplishments put a big smile on my face (maybe the sample on put a BIGGER smile on my face though). If I did nothing else, those were big enough accomplishments for one day!
New Bed for the Older Two
We have decided how we are going to do bedrooms when the baby comes. Caleb and Isaac will share a room and Bryce and Andrew will share a room. This of course means we need another set of bunkbeds. After lots of looking this weekend (online) Daddy found THE ultimate bunkbed. This is going in Caleb and Isaac's room:
It has two beds, desk and dresser all built in to one. To make it even more fun, if you notice next to the ladder there is a door. There is nothing behind that door but space. So, built in storage (or hiding spots as the boys say) to top it all off. Technically they will not need any more furniture in their room, although I think we will get a student desk so they can both work at a desk at the same time.
Daddy will have fun putting it together, since it comes in four big boxes (although it says easy assembly - we will see).
It has two beds, desk and dresser all built in to one. To make it even more fun, if you notice next to the ladder there is a door. There is nothing behind that door but space. So, built in storage (or hiding spots as the boys say) to top it all off. Technically they will not need any more furniture in their room, although I think we will get a student desk so they can both work at a desk at the same time.
Daddy will have fun putting it together, since it comes in four big boxes (although it says easy assembly - we will see).
Time Change
I do not like time change! The boys have this thought that if there is ANY light outside, it MUST be time to get up. So, the three older are all up by 6 now. I am up by then on most weekdays, but 6 on Sunday morning sucked. And I miss my hour of quiet in the morning after Daddy leaves for work and before the kids get up.
It also sucks that Daddy leaves for work in the dark and gets home from work in the dark.
I guess I will let the boys play outside and then do homework on school days now. Caleb might (will probably) take advantage of this and just not get to play outside on school days, but we will try!
I think they should stretch Daylight Savings time to forever!
It also sucks that Daddy leaves for work in the dark and gets home from work in the dark.
I guess I will let the boys play outside and then do homework on school days now. Caleb might (will probably) take advantage of this and just not get to play outside on school days, but we will try!
I think they should stretch Daylight Savings time to forever!
OH YEAH!
This was funny, and I forgot to post it. When the boys were trick-or-treating one of the guys at one of the houses was making the kids do something for a treat (like dance or do a trivia question, etc). They were on the porch with a bunch of other kids waiting for their turn and the guy asked who the 16th president was. The HIGH SCHOOL kids on the porch did not know the answer, but the fourth grader got his candy for answering correctly.
Isaac was asked 4+4. It took him a minute but he got it.
Bryce got candy with no question because he "had the coolest costume of the night, maybe ever."
Bryce got that a lot. Many of the houses had people sitting on the porch or driveway handing out the candy (which I like better than knocking on a strangers door - especially after hearing about the 12 year old that got shot and killed when he knocked on a lit up door Halloween night, trick-or-treating - the guy, on parole for attempted murder, thought he was being robbed and just started shooting through the door). As soon as they saw Bryce they commented on how he had the best costume of the night, and then they tried to figure out how to get the candy to him. He had a bag inside his trashcan (he has no hands with the trashcan) for people to throw candy in. He says he is going to be the trashcan every year - it worked this year because we were at a new place that last year!
Isaac was asked 4+4. It took him a minute but he got it.
Bryce got candy with no question because he "had the coolest costume of the night, maybe ever."
Bryce got that a lot. Many of the houses had people sitting on the porch or driveway handing out the candy (which I like better than knocking on a strangers door - especially after hearing about the 12 year old that got shot and killed when he knocked on a lit up door Halloween night, trick-or-treating - the guy, on parole for attempted murder, thought he was being robbed and just started shooting through the door). As soon as they saw Bryce they commented on how he had the best costume of the night, and then they tried to figure out how to get the candy to him. He had a bag inside his trashcan (he has no hands with the trashcan) for people to throw candy in. He says he is going to be the trashcan every year - it worked this year because we were at a new place that last year!
Monday, November 03, 2008
Heavy Uniforms
Caleb just came home from school. He changed his clothes and came out saying that "for some reason after wearing his school uniform all day, his shoulders hurt - like it weighs too much."
HMMM, could it MAYBE be his backpack? Do you think his uniform weighs that much more than his "play" clothes?
HMMM, could it MAYBE be his backpack? Do you think his uniform weighs that much more than his "play" clothes?
New Word
Andrew recognized monkeys in animal books about as quick as he did dog and cat. He has a monkey that he carries around and sleeps with. He has lately been trying to say monkey and has come really close to succeeding several times.
Last night, he was watching Dora while I was reading to the boys. The monkey came on the tv and Andrew starts squealing and pointing and clearly said Monkey.
He is also trying to say his brothers name, but they don't really come out anything like their names. He makes the same sounds at them all the time, but so far nothing has come close. :)
At least he is trying!!
Last night, he was watching Dora while I was reading to the boys. The monkey came on the tv and Andrew starts squealing and pointing and clearly said Monkey.
He is also trying to say his brothers name, but they don't really come out anything like their names. He makes the same sounds at them all the time, but so far nothing has come close. :)
At least he is trying!!
AJ to the Dr...AGAIN!!
Kinda a gross entry...
Last week I called the dr because AJ had had diarrhea for a couple of weeks. We were thinking he was having his typical GI-lactose-intolerance issues, and we tried to deal with it, but it was getting very abnormal. We were trying to find some enzyme or something to give Andrew to help with the lactose issues.
The dr called and put AJ on a prescription and told us to give him Lactinex granules. One of the side effects of the prescription was diarrhea and after his got worse, I made the "Mom" decision to take him off of it.
Today, I called the dr back and took him in. He was still having frequent, very foul smelling diarrhea, but what had me even more concerned is that he has never digested vegetables (of any kind) great, but lately he does not appear to be digesting vegetables, as well as other foods, much at all. I also wanted to talk to the dr face to face about whether he should be taking some kind of enzyme to help process the lactose he DOES get.
We did not get to see the dr we saw before, he was out. But, the dr we saw seemed good too. He thinks Andrew probably has some kind of stomach or intestinal infection (something similar to giardia). We get to collect stool samples and take them to the hospital lab to find out exactly what is going on and how to go about treating him.
He acts fine, eats fine, plays fine, and is not losing weight. Just lots of almost explosive diapers that are the worst smelling thing ever (granted my sniffer is much more sensitive). I can't take the samples until Wednesday (I don't feel like taking all the kids to the hospital by myself tomorrow!), so we should no something by the end of the week or beginning of next week.
I did get some answers about what to give him to help with when he does eat things with lactose in it. The dr told us to give him Beano or Lactaid. The Beano is actually good for people with lactose and soy intolerance. In a lot of cases, people that have a lactose intolerance also have a soy intolerance (which he probably does - that is why he had to be on special, expensive formula as a baby). He also told us about something similar to the Lactinex granules that are not lactose based.
Seemed like a good, productive drs appt and hopefully we will have some answers soon!
Last week I called the dr because AJ had had diarrhea for a couple of weeks. We were thinking he was having his typical GI-lactose-intolerance issues, and we tried to deal with it, but it was getting very abnormal. We were trying to find some enzyme or something to give Andrew to help with the lactose issues.
The dr called and put AJ on a prescription and told us to give him Lactinex granules. One of the side effects of the prescription was diarrhea and after his got worse, I made the "Mom" decision to take him off of it.
Today, I called the dr back and took him in. He was still having frequent, very foul smelling diarrhea, but what had me even more concerned is that he has never digested vegetables (of any kind) great, but lately he does not appear to be digesting vegetables, as well as other foods, much at all. I also wanted to talk to the dr face to face about whether he should be taking some kind of enzyme to help process the lactose he DOES get.
We did not get to see the dr we saw before, he was out. But, the dr we saw seemed good too. He thinks Andrew probably has some kind of stomach or intestinal infection (something similar to giardia). We get to collect stool samples and take them to the hospital lab to find out exactly what is going on and how to go about treating him.
He acts fine, eats fine, plays fine, and is not losing weight. Just lots of almost explosive diapers that are the worst smelling thing ever (granted my sniffer is much more sensitive). I can't take the samples until Wednesday (I don't feel like taking all the kids to the hospital by myself tomorrow!), so we should no something by the end of the week or beginning of next week.
I did get some answers about what to give him to help with when he does eat things with lactose in it. The dr told us to give him Beano or Lactaid. The Beano is actually good for people with lactose and soy intolerance. In a lot of cases, people that have a lactose intolerance also have a soy intolerance (which he probably does - that is why he had to be on special, expensive formula as a baby). He also told us about something similar to the Lactinex granules that are not lactose based.
Seemed like a good, productive drs appt and hopefully we will have some answers soon!
Another BUSY Weekend
We have been having lots of busy weekends as we take care of little things around the house. We had a ceiling fan on the back porch that has been scaring us. We found out that if you flip the switch in the house the fan makes a clicking sound like it is trying to turn on, but doesn't turn. I had put a piece of tape over the switch because I was afraid the boys would flip the switch and leave it on and the fan would catch on fire.
This weekend, Daddy replaced the fan. Now we have one that works AND looks good!
We have been looking for rugs for our living room and dining room since we moved. We have seen some that were "okay" but nothing that really jumped out at us. It doesn't help that Paul tends to lean to the more traditional and I tend to lean toward the more contemporary. We were actually able to find two that we BOTH liked and agreed on this weekend. I guess we just had not been shopping at the right place! We got a more contemporary rug for the living room and we are getting (we did not get it because we had not measured the room yet) a more traditional rug for the dining room.
We also flagged out the yard for the fence and storage shed/doghouse. We should be getting these within the next couple of weeks and get the dogs off the patio. YAY!!! We moved the kennel off the patio this weekend to hose it down. I forget how big the patio is until the kennel is gone! I think this may be one of the most exciting home improvements we have done. Keep the neighborhood out of our garage, the dogs off the patio and the junk out of the garage!
There will be a cross-fence down the length of the backyard to keep the dogs on one side. Since there will be a gate across the driveway, we don't need dogs running away when we go to pull in. Poor Jake is so old, he gets to sniffing and walking and can't hear. If he does not stay in a fence or on a leash, he runs off and we have to chase him. He used to be GREAT off a leash, but he is just too old and deaf now! The cross-fence will also be great because the boys can go and play in the back without having to worry about stepping in anything (although, much to Caleb's dismay - he will still have to pick up dog "stuff") or having dogs jump on them.
I am just looking forward to not feeling so "exposed", not having garage doors OR fencing. I will feel much better when Paul is out of town after that is up!
Eventually we will get around to doing things like PAINTING!!
This weekend, Daddy replaced the fan. Now we have one that works AND looks good!
We have been looking for rugs for our living room and dining room since we moved. We have seen some that were "okay" but nothing that really jumped out at us. It doesn't help that Paul tends to lean to the more traditional and I tend to lean toward the more contemporary. We were actually able to find two that we BOTH liked and agreed on this weekend. I guess we just had not been shopping at the right place! We got a more contemporary rug for the living room and we are getting (we did not get it because we had not measured the room yet) a more traditional rug for the dining room.
We also flagged out the yard for the fence and storage shed/doghouse. We should be getting these within the next couple of weeks and get the dogs off the patio. YAY!!! We moved the kennel off the patio this weekend to hose it down. I forget how big the patio is until the kennel is gone! I think this may be one of the most exciting home improvements we have done. Keep the neighborhood out of our garage, the dogs off the patio and the junk out of the garage!
There will be a cross-fence down the length of the backyard to keep the dogs on one side. Since there will be a gate across the driveway, we don't need dogs running away when we go to pull in. Poor Jake is so old, he gets to sniffing and walking and can't hear. If he does not stay in a fence or on a leash, he runs off and we have to chase him. He used to be GREAT off a leash, but he is just too old and deaf now! The cross-fence will also be great because the boys can go and play in the back without having to worry about stepping in anything (although, much to Caleb's dismay - he will still have to pick up dog "stuff") or having dogs jump on them.
I am just looking forward to not feeling so "exposed", not having garage doors OR fencing. I will feel much better when Paul is out of town after that is up!
Eventually we will get around to doing things like PAINTING!!
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Halloween
Since we trick-or-treated Thursday night, Halloween night was "free" for us. We let the boys stay up late and watch Monster House.
They got all kinds of treats at school yesterday and had a short day. They got out of school at one yesterday so everyone could go to the homecoming parade. The boys were disappointed that we did not get to go, but the parade started at 3, we were given a 2:30 to 4:30 appointment time for our refrigerator to be delivered (and it was actually closer to 5 when they got here).
They got home and tore into snacks and candy from school, until Mommy put a stop to it! As we do EVERY YEAR, Daddy has a big bowl of candy to take to work Monday. Between the four boys, we got back as much as we gave out! There is no way that much candy is staying in a house full of boys. We have already found little boys with handfuls of candy trash they were trying to stash in their room (they think they are sneaky little things). We kept a big bowl and Daddy will take a bigger bowl to work. That is how our Halloweens go!
They got all kinds of treats at school yesterday and had a short day. They got out of school at one yesterday so everyone could go to the homecoming parade. The boys were disappointed that we did not get to go, but the parade started at 3, we were given a 2:30 to 4:30 appointment time for our refrigerator to be delivered (and it was actually closer to 5 when they got here).
They got home and tore into snacks and candy from school, until Mommy put a stop to it! As we do EVERY YEAR, Daddy has a big bowl of candy to take to work Monday. Between the four boys, we got back as much as we gave out! There is no way that much candy is staying in a house full of boys. We have already found little boys with handfuls of candy trash they were trying to stash in their room (they think they are sneaky little things). We kept a big bowl and Daddy will take a bigger bowl to work. That is how our Halloweens go!
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