Turns out Marleigh did NOT have mono. Thank the good Lord! Just some sort of viral infection. She seemed to be feeling better for a few days, but now has a stuffy nose. I guess it is always something.
However, Marleigh is still having a VERY hard time adjusting to having a little brother. She loves him so much. She gets him his bink, brings him his blankie, etc. If she can't see him, she is asking where he is. She just isn't handling having to share Mommy and Daddy very well. Not at all. I keep thinking it will get better. It has to, right? We have tried everything we know of to help her, but nothing seems to be working. Does anyone have any magic words of wisdom? We give her one on one time with each of us every day. We praise her continuously. We tell her what a big help and what an awesome big sister she is. It makes my heart hurt to see our sweet, little girl acting out. I know it is because she is unhappy or jealous, and I hate that. I am a "fixer". I want to make it all better and I can't. It weighs heavy. It feels like I am failing her in some way. The only silver lining is that she only acts out for Marc and I. She is still the well-behaved, good mannered little girl for everyone else.
Kade is finally back to being our happy little boy. After doing some research, and talking to another mom (thanks again, Erin), we thought Kade might be suffering from lactose overload (which is different than lactose intolerance). I started out trying just nursing one side per feeding. We saw some improvement, but he was still unhappy and uncomfortable. We then decided to try and supplement with a lactose free formula. Again, a little improvement. I finally had to do what is best for Kade and we have quit nursing all together. The change in him is remarkable. It was almost instant. He no longer has painful/forceful gas & bowel movements. He no longer draws his legs up and cries out. He is finally back to napping longer than 30 minutes, and he is sleeping back in his bed at night. He has not been colicky at all in the past 2 days. I am so very disappointed not to be nursing him, but it is obvious he wasn't handling breast milk well. I had thought about pumping for the next few months, in hopes of trying breast milk again, but have noticed a decreased supply already. Once again, I'm trying to find the silver lining. I was able to nurse him for 8 weeks and he is a healthy baby. That was 8 weeks longer than I nursed Marleigh. Granted, Marleigh got pumped breast milk for 9 months, but that just isn't the same as nursing a cuddly baby. I am just so thankful that we figured out what was going on with him!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Ryan and Michaela's visit
Ryan and Michaela made the LONG drive from Marionville, MO to spend the Labor Day weekend with us. They have two adorable girls. Reese is 5 and Keira is 2. Marleigh's personality and Reese's are very similar. They are both a little reserved, love reading and puzzles. Keira is a bit more outgoing than the other two girls. She is ALWAYS on the go! And, man, can that girl eat! She flat out puts away the food!
As soon as they arrived on Saturday, Ryan and Marc packed up and headed to Manhattan. It was the first football game of the season, so they HAD to go! ;) Thank goodness K-State pulled off the win, or I would have had one grumpy hubby for the rest of the weekend.
Michaela and I spent the day hanging out with the kids and just chatting. It was absolutely wonderful. We had nowhere to be or nothing really scheduled. Sometimes those are the best times with family!
Sunday was another lazy day. Marc, Ryan, and Michaela did take the older kids to the park to play. It was an absolute gorgeous day!
Reese was adorable with Kade. I kept telling her we were going to keep her, since she was such a good babysitter. She kept him entertained.
Keira was pretty funny with the cat. The cat kept her entertained! Ha! She kept running through the house saying, "Where the cat go?"
Here's a few pictures from our weekend. Marleigh, for some reason, didn't want her picture taken, so that is why there is none of her. :(
We are so glad they made the trek clear out here! Now we need to head to Missouri to see them! It has been far too long since we've visited them.
As soon as they arrived on Saturday, Ryan and Marc packed up and headed to Manhattan. It was the first football game of the season, so they HAD to go! ;) Thank goodness K-State pulled off the win, or I would have had one grumpy hubby for the rest of the weekend.
Michaela and I spent the day hanging out with the kids and just chatting. It was absolutely wonderful. We had nowhere to be or nothing really scheduled. Sometimes those are the best times with family!
Sunday was another lazy day. Marc, Ryan, and Michaela did take the older kids to the park to play. It was an absolute gorgeous day!
Reese was adorable with Kade. I kept telling her we were going to keep her, since she was such a good babysitter. She kept him entertained.
Keira was pretty funny with the cat. The cat kept her entertained! Ha! She kept running through the house saying, "Where the cat go?"
Here's a few pictures from our weekend. Marleigh, for some reason, didn't want her picture taken, so that is why there is none of her. :(
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| Reese playing with Kade |
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| Keira stopping long enough for a picture! |
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| Kade with Aunt Michaela, and the best 5 year old babysitter I know! :) |
Monday, September 5, 2011
Long 10 days at the Johnson house
Man, it has been a rough stretch.
About 10 days ago, Kade all of the sudden one night developed colic like behavior. From around 9:00-1:00am he was crying, drawing up his legs, and just generally a bear. It went on for 5 nights in a row. He also turned into a grumpy baby during the day, which was odd. He has always been such a happy baby. I finally did some research online and thought perhaps it was a combination of breastfeeding issues. I have an oversupply, and had an imbalance in foremilk/hindmilk. We implemented a few different techniques, which seemed to somewhat help. I also took him to the pediatrician. She agreed that it was some breastfeeding problems, and also prescribed some levsin drops that help relax the gut/intestines. We have seen some improvements in him, but he still won't really sleep from about 9-1 every night. He is back to being happy during the day, so that helps a bunch.
At the same time as Kade started all his fun, new behavior, Marleigh started being very cranky, got dark circles, began not eating, and didn't have much energy. I thought maybe it was just still adjusting to baby brother, but decided to take her to the doctor. I thought maybe she was anemic, since she hadn't been wanting to eat much. Well, she was diagnosed with allergies, and they decided to do a complete CBC. Bloodwork came back that she is fighting some sort of viral infection (they think mono). We were supposed to hear test results Friday, but never got the phone call. Hopefully, we hear soon.
In the meantime, please keep my babies in your thoughts and prayers! Thanks!
Oh... and we had a great visit over the long weekend from Marc's sister and her family. I'll post about that and some pictures, soon!
About 10 days ago, Kade all of the sudden one night developed colic like behavior. From around 9:00-1:00am he was crying, drawing up his legs, and just generally a bear. It went on for 5 nights in a row. He also turned into a grumpy baby during the day, which was odd. He has always been such a happy baby. I finally did some research online and thought perhaps it was a combination of breastfeeding issues. I have an oversupply, and had an imbalance in foremilk/hindmilk. We implemented a few different techniques, which seemed to somewhat help. I also took him to the pediatrician. She agreed that it was some breastfeeding problems, and also prescribed some levsin drops that help relax the gut/intestines. We have seen some improvements in him, but he still won't really sleep from about 9-1 every night. He is back to being happy during the day, so that helps a bunch.
At the same time as Kade started all his fun, new behavior, Marleigh started being very cranky, got dark circles, began not eating, and didn't have much energy. I thought maybe it was just still adjusting to baby brother, but decided to take her to the doctor. I thought maybe she was anemic, since she hadn't been wanting to eat much. Well, she was diagnosed with allergies, and they decided to do a complete CBC. Bloodwork came back that she is fighting some sort of viral infection (they think mono). We were supposed to hear test results Friday, but never got the phone call. Hopefully, we hear soon.
In the meantime, please keep my babies in your thoughts and prayers! Thanks!
Oh... and we had a great visit over the long weekend from Marc's sister and her family. I'll post about that and some pictures, soon!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
"I pooped on Aunt Myra!!!"
Last night, Aunt Myra came over to visit. We love that Aunt Myra lives here in town! She is a lifesaver. (Especially lately since Kade has been colicky and Marleigh is fighting some sort of viral infection. But that is another post.)
I was in Kade's room and when I came back into the living room, Marleigh proudly proclaims, "I pooped on Aunt Myra!!!" Both Marc and Myra were laughing so hard they were crying. I'm not sure exactly how it all transpired, but apparently Marleigh had a very full dirty diaper and it some how landed on Myra's leg. Thank goodness Myra is a nurse and is not totally disgusted by #2!
Then today, Marleigh came out of her room saying, "I pooped on Aunt Myra yesterday. It was so silly!" I had to explain to her that it really isn't funny and we don't go around announcing it. Marleigh kept laughing about it. I could just see her trying to do it on purpose because it was "funny". She has been all about good manners (she saw something on Disney Channel about it). I finally told her it wasn't good manners to poo on someone. This seemed to suffice, and we decided it wasn't funny at all. Although years from now, we'll all look back and laugh together, I'm sure.
I was in Kade's room and when I came back into the living room, Marleigh proudly proclaims, "I pooped on Aunt Myra!!!" Both Marc and Myra were laughing so hard they were crying. I'm not sure exactly how it all transpired, but apparently Marleigh had a very full dirty diaper and it some how landed on Myra's leg. Thank goodness Myra is a nurse and is not totally disgusted by #2!
Then today, Marleigh came out of her room saying, "I pooped on Aunt Myra yesterday. It was so silly!" I had to explain to her that it really isn't funny and we don't go around announcing it. Marleigh kept laughing about it. I could just see her trying to do it on purpose because it was "funny". She has been all about good manners (she saw something on Disney Channel about it). I finally told her it wasn't good manners to poo on someone. This seemed to suffice, and we decided it wasn't funny at all. Although years from now, we'll all look back and laugh together, I'm sure.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
6 weeks old!
I can't believe its almost been 2 weeks since a blog post! I am a slacker!!! It seems like we have been so busy the past couple of weeks, but when I stop to think exactly what we have been busy doing, I can't come up with much.
Kade is still growing like crazy. He has gotten into the habit of wanting to be wide awake from about 9:00pm-12:00am. Not so much fun. He still gets up to eat 2-3 times a night, but every now and again will let his Mama sleep for about a 3 hour stretch. He is starting to smile quite a bit and I just love it, although with his ginormous cheeks, I'm not sure he can see when he is smiling! Ha! I have also been slacking on taking pictures, but I promise to do better and upload some soon.
Marleigh has her good days and her rough days. I can't imagine what she must be feeling. I hope she realizes how much we still love her and that her little brother is not a threat to her. I took her shopping a couple of weeks ago just the two of us. She had a ball. It is so funny to watch her in stores. She really does LOVE to shop! I see MANY shopping trips in our future. Marleigh is a great helper with Kade. It is obvious she loves him very much.
Daddy has been busy working, yet he still finds time to help out with the kids and cooking. We are so lucky that he also helps out around the house. It makes it so much easier on me. Thanks for all you do, Marc.
As for me... I've been taking care of the kiddos and working a little here and there. I plan on going back to work after Labor Day. That will be quite an adjustment for all of us. The kids will start going to a friend's house while I am at work. I am so very excited that they will be at Ashley's and not at a daycare. Ashley and Jason's youngest child, Jadyn is just about 6 weeks younger than Marleigh, so it will work out great! Hopefully Marleigh and Jadyn will grow to be good friends.
Okay....not really much of a post, but that's it for tonight. Kade is asleep, so I'm headed there myself!
Kade is still growing like crazy. He has gotten into the habit of wanting to be wide awake from about 9:00pm-12:00am. Not so much fun. He still gets up to eat 2-3 times a night, but every now and again will let his Mama sleep for about a 3 hour stretch. He is starting to smile quite a bit and I just love it, although with his ginormous cheeks, I'm not sure he can see when he is smiling! Ha! I have also been slacking on taking pictures, but I promise to do better and upload some soon.
Marleigh has her good days and her rough days. I can't imagine what she must be feeling. I hope she realizes how much we still love her and that her little brother is not a threat to her. I took her shopping a couple of weeks ago just the two of us. She had a ball. It is so funny to watch her in stores. She really does LOVE to shop! I see MANY shopping trips in our future. Marleigh is a great helper with Kade. It is obvious she loves him very much.
Daddy has been busy working, yet he still finds time to help out with the kids and cooking. We are so lucky that he also helps out around the house. It makes it so much easier on me. Thanks for all you do, Marc.
As for me... I've been taking care of the kiddos and working a little here and there. I plan on going back to work after Labor Day. That will be quite an adjustment for all of us. The kids will start going to a friend's house while I am at work. I am so very excited that they will be at Ashley's and not at a daycare. Ashley and Jason's youngest child, Jadyn is just about 6 weeks younger than Marleigh, so it will work out great! Hopefully Marleigh and Jadyn will grow to be good friends.
Okay....not really much of a post, but that's it for tonight. Kade is asleep, so I'm headed there myself!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Chunky Monkey!
Little man isn't so little! I think he is going to catch big sister pretty quickly. Marleigh is only 27lbs. Today at his check up, Kade weighed a whopping 11lbs, which is in the 95th percentile! He was 22.5 inches long, which is in the 90th percentile. His head (which I knew was huge. My family has some big ol' melons!) was 39.5cm, which is in the 98th percentile. So happy to have a large baby!!!
Kade gained 31 ounces (basically 2lbs) in 2 weeks! That is just crazy! I guess there's a reason that he is ALWAYS eating. I'm just thrilled that so far I have been able to keep up with him. Woo hoo for a chubby baby!!!!
Kade gained 31 ounces (basically 2lbs) in 2 weeks! That is just crazy! I guess there's a reason that he is ALWAYS eating. I'm just thrilled that so far I have been able to keep up with him. Woo hoo for a chubby baby!!!!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Pictures.... and a little randomness
Brooke Jantz took Kade's newborn pictures a few weeks ago. She emailed me a few images so I could order birth announcements. These are 3 of my favorites. After I get the CD of all the pictures, I'll share more. Thanks, Brooke, you did an amazing job!!!
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| This may be my favorite! |
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| Love the look on big sister's face! :) |
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| So sweet! |
Last night eating dinner, Marleigh looks at me and out of the blue says, "Momma says knock you out!" Hmmmm.... nice, Daddy. Ha ha! We both about choked on our dinner laughing. He said that he told her that once. Proof that you have to watch what you say around Marleigh!
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Tomorrow Kade will be 4 weeks old. Where does time go? He have his checkup in the morning. I'm anxious to see what he weighs. He eats ALL the time and looks huge to me.
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Aunt Marinda and Uncle Dave came for a visit this past weekend. It was so good to see them. We hadn't seen them since their wedding back in May. Marleigh got some much craved attention from Aunt Marinda. Marleigh had a ball with them playing and going to the splash pad. Somehow, I didn't manage to get any pictures of them holding Kade. :( Bad, Mommy!!! They also brought us some home grown veggies from Dave's Dad's prize winning garden. Home grown veggies are the best! Thank you!
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