Thursday, April 30, 2009

Decisions, Decisions

This week has been eventful for the Chandlers -- especially the youngest. Poor Hankers has gotten progressively more congested again. And (sorry for tmi) with runnier and more explosive poos. Even more, he's had tiny bits of blood in his poo again.

So, Monday I took him back to the pediatrician. Pause here to wonder at his fatness. This baby is now 15 weeks and 21 pounds, 1/2 ounce. Yes, I said 21 POUNDS. Back to business. Due to the blood and his congestion, the doctor and I both suspected another food sensitivity or allergy (I'm still off dairy) and/or that Hank was reacting to the cats at the sitter's house. So, he suggested we take Hank to see an allergist, but warned us that this is prime season for allergies, so it would be a while before we could get in.

On the way home, I called three allergists that our doc had suggested. The first didn't answer. The second said there were 5 people in the phone cue ahead of me; could I call back tomorrow. And the last...well, they had a cancellation and could get us in Tuesday (the next day!!!) at 3:30pm. Miraculous!

To the allergist we went, and although skeptical of a food allergy because Hank has no skin issues (like eczema) that typically go along with it, he tested Hank for reactions to milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanut, and cat. Not that Hank or I eat cat, but that was a bonus test just to make sure it wasn't an environmental reaction. ;) And the result? Negative. Totally negative to all of it.

So, while certainly a praise that the Baby Boy has no allergies right now (not that they couldn't develop down the line), we still don't really have an answer. The next step would be to take him to a pediatric GI -- not a pleasant trip by any means, as it would either involve drinking something for upper GI or a barium enema for lower GI. Yikes.

So, on the recommendation of our pediatrician, we're waiting to see what happens and if it will improve on its own. In the meantime, though, they suggested we go ahead and call GI to make an appointment, as it normally takes a couple of months to get in. I called yesterday, and guess when they could get Hank in? Yup. Today. (I swear, this child is luckier with appointments than I don't know what!) However, I passed on that one and got the next available -- July 27.

And, although I hate to admit it, my mom just may be right. She'd done some research online and found this site -- which, for the record, I have looked at umpteen times, but not paid much attention to: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/oversupply.html Of the 13 symptoms listed, Hank fits the bill on at least 7 of them. Not to mention that babies tend to gain weight very quickly with this issue (21 pounds, anyone?). The best part? The "cure" is mostly just to nurse only on one side (instead of both) at a feeding. I swear, if I've given up cheese for 9 weeks for nothing....but we'll see.

As for Milo, he's good. We're struggling with preschool decisions for next year. Our choices are to leave him at the preschool he's in now (2 half-days each week), or to go to a neighboring school district's Early Childhood Education program (up to 4 full days each week). The latter is, of course, more expensive, but we're wondering if he'd actually benefit from more structure. But he will only be 3-1/2, so we have 2 more years of preschool before Kindergarten. Do we keep with Preschool-Lite, or do we dive in to Early Childhood Ed? Any educators or childhood experts out there have any advice?

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Ker-POW!

Boy, Milo has had one banner weekend. It started when Gramme took he and Milo (HANK, this should be Hank. sigh.) to the library Friday morning, and discovered that Milo's new "favorites" were going to be there that same afternoon....Super Heroes. Yes, a real live Spiderman, Bat Man, and Wonder Woman.

Although he wasn't quite sure what to think when they first got there, Milo warmed up quickly (as you can see below). And the rest of the weekend was filled with "Pow! Pow-POW! I shoot you with my web!" And "Spiderman. Spiderman. Do whatever a spider can." (remember that song?)

And today, Milo and I went to Thomas & Friends LIVE! Even then, though, his love of trains was superceded by Super Heroes when he had to wear his new Spiderman shirt. And then used the Thomas flashlight he got to "pow" the cars around us as we drove home. Oy.

I haven't had time to download the Thomas photos, but will soon. Have a great week, and enjoy the pics of Milo Man. :)






Friday, April 24, 2009

Milo or Hank? Hank or Milo?

Holy guacamole -- it just hit me how much these boys are looking alike! Both are the boys' first Cardinals games -- one is Hank at 3 months, one is Milo at 7 months. Can you tell which is which?

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Go Cards!


Yesterday was a momentous occasion. Not only the Chandler family's innaugural Cardinal game of the season, but also Baby Hank's very first game. Mark it on your calendar, folks! ;)




A good time was had by all -- including Gramme and Papa, who came with us -- courtesy of one of the local TV stations and their fabulous suite. Milo even seems to have conquered his fear of large stuffed mascots. Or, at least his fear of Fredbird (aka, "Fwedbird"). I have a feeling we'll wind up at that Build-A-Bear Fredbird shop they have at the stadium before the season is through. Although now that I say that, maybe we can finally ditch the paci habit by putting them in a stuffed Fredbird...or we'll just end up with a decapitated Fredbird when Milo frantically digs for the paci back. But I digress.



One hopeful thing -- Milo asked to go on the potty at the stadium, and the bathroom in the suite was occupied. But that boy stood there patiently and calmly, then waltzed right in and peed. Woohoo!!!! I know. I shouldn't be nearly that excited about bodily functions. But I am.




Gramme seems to have survived her week with the Chandler boys (our sitter was on vacation this past week). And Aaron is on his way to Jazzfest in New Orleans. (Lucky.)


I think that's about it from us. Go Cards!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Milo-isms Round 3

- Mama, can you sing that song at me? "He's Down On His Hands"? (meaning "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands")


- In a gas station parking lot -- Aaron was holding onto Milo's hood instead of his hand: Daddy, get your hand offa me! (Hmmmm...maybe this one shouldn't be funny.)


- I Mama's butt (meaning "buddy")


- Milo wasn't listening, so Aaron picked him up and put him on the couch to get dressed:
Milo -- You hurt me.
Aaron -- No I didn't, Milo. I just picked you up and set you down.
Milo -- Yeah...I gonna tell Mama 'bout this.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Hank's Three Month Portraits

With special appearance by big brother Milo. Kind of an effort in futility, but there are a couple cute ones of the both of them. But I am partial. :)









Monday, April 13, 2009

Easter and Everything

Happy Belated Easter to all! But the good news in me posting after the fact is that I have photos of all our Easter fun!

My favorites? The dreaded baby bunny outfit. Aaron absolutely HATES that I do this (as, I'm sure, both boys will also someday), but I can't help it. It's just so darn cute! Here's Hank's turn:


And, for good measure, here was Milo's turn. Notice how much looser it was on him -- and he was a full month older than Hank when this was taken:


Milo LOVED Easter this year! He had a great time at our church's egg hunt, and we hid eggs probably a good 8-10 times for him yesterday so he could keep finding them. The Bunny brought him a fireman raincoat and boots, as well as assorted candy and books. And Hankers got this big penguin that he can kick and bat around and some books, too.





To balance the sugary goodness of the Easter Bunny and eggs and the commercial meaning of the Easter holiday, Aaron and I have been attempting to talk about Jesus and the Ressurection with Milo. (I know he's also been hearing about it at preschool and Sunday School, too.) So one night last week, I was laying with Milo at bedtime and we were talking about his day. I asked if they talked about Jesus at preschool (it's a church-run school), and he said yes. I asked if they talked about how Jesus kung-fu'd the big rock and got out (this is how Aaron puts it). He said yes. And then all the "But, why"s began. Oy. Have you ever tried to explain the Easter Story to a 3 year old? It's quite difficult. And in our case, ended with me saying that Jesus had a daddy just like Milo had a daddy, and Jesus's daddy was God. To which Milo replies: "Yeah!" (And I start to pat myself on the back.) And then: "Daddy just like Jesus!" Close enough.


What else? Oh! We all survived my first week back to work. I feel a bit like I'm burning the candle at both ends, but hopefully it'll get better. (Even though I know it'll probably get worse first THEN better.) And both boys have colds, but nothing major. We had Hank's 3 month portraits done on Saturday, this time with both he and Milo for the first time. Kind of an effort in futility, but I'll post them once I have them.

In the meantime, here are a couple bonus shots of Hankers. In the first, notice, if you will, that the poor baby no longer has knees. Only fat rolls where his knees should be. And we won't talk about how he's getting double rolls on his cankles (you know, where the calf meets the feet but where ankles should be). :) But, he's a happy boy, so that's all that matters!

And for the French family, a funny Milo story. Jeanie watches both boys now on Fridays, and this past one, Hank had the hiccups. So, she says, "Hey Milo, poor Hank has the hiccups." Now, if you know anything about my mom, it's that she has this great Bootheel accent. So, Milo responds disdainfully, "No, Gramme. He doesn't got HEE-cups. He got HIH-cups." Awesome. She got schooled on pronunciation by a 3 year old. ;)

Love to all!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Month Three Update

Well, here we are. We have survived my first full day back at work with both boys at the sitter. And I am more than elated to report that Baby Hank is NOT his brother. I only made it about half of my first day back before having to go feed Milo because he refused to take a bottle. Not so with Hankers. This is a cakewalk compared to that!

What else? Hank is babbling and cooing and gooing, and loves to play Pattycake. Milo has actually asked us to go on the potty 4 or 5 times now -- and gone. (Don't get me wrong -- he's nowhere NEAR ready for big boy underwear, but this is progress.) And Aaron and I are just trying to get a routine going in the mornings since Aaron takes them to the sitter while I go to work early.

I'd forgotten just how much I did NOT miss my old Frenemy (aka, The Pump). However, we're friendly right now and Hank will have plenty to eat for a while anyway. ;) My crazy coworkers decorated my office and posted these signs everywhere:
This is what happens when you work with creative theater-types.

Poor Aaron is looking at getting his wisdom teeth removed in the next couple of weeks. But it's a good time, as he (shockingly) has very few gigs this month. Although it just so happens that one he does have is on Easter. At 4pm. Right when we *should* be eating dinner with family. But whatever. I'm not bitter. (Much.)

I'll quit rambling. But we really appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we transition to a family of two working parents again. And, even more, if you could pray for a shortened work schedule for me by this summer (it's *hopefully* in the works).

And I'll leave you with some favorite recent pictures of all:

First Zoo Trip of the Year:

Hank's Dedication at Church: