Health/Doctor – Our Family Adventure

Ajax’s 6 year check up

Yesterday Noomi and I took Ajax into the Doctor’s office for his 6 year check up. He weighed in at 44 lbs and was 45 3/4 inches tall – placing him squarely in the 50th percentile for both height and weight. The doctor said he looked great and was in good health!

After the visit we did some running around and in the afternoon I took the kids to the park. I have this week off for spring break, but we don’t have any set plans, just hanging. We had an easy dinner of leftovers from Easter and had time to ride bikes afterwards. I’m glad we were outside a lot yesterday as the rest of the week is supposed to be cold and rainy.

Health updates!

On Monday I had the day off to let the kids rest and get the house in order after our camping trip. The day, however, ended up not being as relaxing as I’d thought as I also took the opportunity to stack up the doctor’s appointments for both kiddos.

In the morning I took Ajax to see the dermatologist about a small mole on his right leg which seemed to crop up a few months ago. The doctor said it wasn’t that unusual for that type of mole to occur with kids and that we could either remove it or watch it closely. I immediately said remove it! So we did, that day in the office. Ajax did great throughout the process and only got a little light headed during the stitches. I was not a big fan either and also had to look away. We need to go back in 10 days to have the stitches out. Till then, no swimming. Poor kid.

In the afternoon Noomi had her 2 year check up and the Doctor reported that she looked great! She weighed in at 28 lb 14 oz, which put her in the 75% and was 36.7 inches tall putting her in the 97% for height. The Doctor said that he was impressed with her speech, she also managed to get dressed by herself while we were there and was very pleasant with the Doctor and nurses. No shots this time around, but she has to go back at 2.5 for one or two.

Overall, our day was pretty hectic and everyone was pretty tired. That tired also stretched into Tuesday and Wednesday. Camping really takes it out of you!

These last pictures are from Ajax’s time upnorth!

Stats

Well yesterday I took both kids to the pediatricians office. Ajax for his five year appointment and Noomi for a late 18-month appointment. Both kids are doing well and developing on track. Ajax weighed in at 39.4 lbs and was 43 inches in height. He was below the 50% percentile for both height and weight, and below the average for BMI. He ended up needing one last vaccination, his last Hep A, which I didn’t realize he needed, so that was a fun surprise. The nurse said he’s now done until the age of 11. Noomi was supposed to receive three shots, but had a rash so we held off on the shots. She came in at 35 inches in height, putting he in the 95%, and was 24 lb 10 oz, putting her in the 25-50%. Her head circumference as 19 inches, which was 75-90%.

Today I ended up having to leave at noon to go pick up the kids. Specifically, Noomi, as her rash had gotten worse and spread over her face, arms, and leg. Yesterday the Doc advised me to keep an eye on it, but that most likely it was just the tail end of a virus, no fever, not much to do but wait and watch. When I got to the school I was shocked at how much the rash had spread, so I loaded up the kids and we headed back to the Doctors. The Doctor looked her over and confirmed it was hand, foot, and mouth disease. A seasonal virus that was currently going around, which produces a rash, fever, and overall unpleasantness. Luckily, Noomi doesn’t have the fever, but she definitely isn’t feeling well. She should be good to go by Monday, but until then she’s a bit temperamental. Ajax is doing a wonderful job humoring his sister and for that I have rewarded with him Popsicle and a piece of cake, lol.

Below- Noomi loves this silkie black/white of mine and will go into the closet, pull it out and carry it around the house. She’ll hold it and try to put it on.

One Year Check Up!

Today I picked up Noomi and Ajax from school early to take them to the Doctors. I must admit I chickened out and didn’t tell Ajax he was getting shots. I panicked.

The Doctor said that Noomi was developing wonderfully! She is right on track developmentally and is doing great physically. She weighed in at 21 lb 10 oz (55%) and was 31.13 inches in length (95%!!). Her head circumference was 17.75 inches (50%). She was a little weary of the Doctor, he wasn’t our normal pediatrician, but I could only get the kids in today in the late afternoon, so we rolled with it. Noomi ended up getting three shots and did ok. She was more upset watching Ajax get his three shots. As I was there solo, that meant I had to hold Noomi and try to hold Ajax’s hand while he got his shots. He did alright with the first one, but the second one he started yelling at the nurse – You’re so mean! I don’t like you! (poor nurse).

Once the shots were done and we were walking out, both kids were fine and by the time we got home Noomi was asleep and Ajax was excited about the Popsicle I promised him.

Success!

First trip to the ER

On Sunday morning Ajax woke up at 7 am and we noticed he had a few red blotches/hives on his face. He said they didn’t hurt, but as the morning went on we noticed a prickly rash break out over his chest, stomach, back and arms (with large red spots on his forearms). We then watched as he ears began to swell and his face became redder. Dave and I got dressed and by 10 am we were out the door for the Urgent Care. Luckily Dara had stayed the night and was able to stay home with Noomi. We went to the Urgent Care in Okemos because it was the closest to our home.

Ajax now weighs in at a whopping 34.2 lbs. The PA checked his air passage and lungs and Ajax said he wasn’t in any pain. They did a swab of his throat which came back negative for strep. The PA then said it was most likely measles. Dave and I both did a double take and said, WHAT? Yes, the PA said, measles, nothing to be worried about etc. The PA recommended blood work to confirm the diagnosis. Neither Dave nor I wanted that, but we had just had a birthday party the day before with a bunch of little kids and if it was measles we had a lot of phone calls to make. So we reluctantly agreed. This was of course the wrong decision as the nurse had clearly never drawn blood from a child and the whole incident left Ajax, myself, and the nurse in tears. To top it they didn’t get enough blood and gave us a script for blood work.

We left the Urgent Care and went straight to Sparrow Hospital for a second opinion (our level of concern at this point being fairly high). We met with a wonderful Peds Doctor who said, no not measles, and most likely not an allergy. Most likely a viral rash, and virus symptoms would probably follow (runny nose, sore throat, etc). They then gave us referrals to Urgent Cares in the area that specialized in peds. Overall, this was our entire day as we did not get home until 3 pm. Ajax was exhausted and irritable and annoyed and just wanted to ride his new bike and play with his new toys. Dave and I were cursing the PA and the poor diagnosis (when we were at the Urgent Care, Dave texted Dara who immediately said, he does not have measles).

We picked up a late lunch on the way home and after eating took Ajax on a bike ride around the neighborhood. Which he loved. He ended his day after I tucked him in, saying he had a great day. I did not argue with him, but it didn’t look so great from my end. Poor little guy.

Recent News Update

Today Dave and I went to the hospital for our anatomy ultrasound. The technician was very nice and said that everything looked good and that the baby was measuring as it should for 19 weeks (so it seems were still on target for late July). The baby also had all its hands, fingers, feet and toes, so that is always a relief. We listened to the heartbeat and all sounded well ( at least to our untrained ears).

The technician also asked what our child was at home and we answered we had a son. She said, oh good, so now you also have a daughter, congratulations! Dave and I looked at each other and gave a high five as we had both been betting on a girl, lol. We are both very excited. Ajax, however, seems stuck on the idea of a brother and wasn’t too happy with the notion of a sister and kept saying, no I’m going to have a brother. Oh well, he’ll come around I’m sure.

We have also picked out a name- Noomi Elizabeth (good thing because Dave kept pushing for Ulysses for a boy).

Doctors and kids

Today when I picked up Ajax from the babysitter’s she said that he was very good, but extremely hyper all day, bouncing off the walls. It took me all of two seconds to take this in as Ajax proceeded to repeat lines from Toy Story. His favorite one of the moment: “You are a TOY! … A child’s play thing!” He repeats it with hand gestures and all. He continued this all throughout dinner, which was actually quite comical.

I also had my 18 week check up today. The doctor reported that all was well. I’ve gained 6 lbs so far and we also listened to the baby’s heart beat. The littlest nino is much more active than Ajax and seems to be bouncing off the walls in there. On Monday, Dave and I go in for the full anatomy ultrasound where we find out if it’s a boy or a girl! So, just for fun –

[polldaddy poll=5969900]

The baby needs cool ranch Doritos

While I was grocery shopping this past weekend I splurged on a bag of cool ranch Doritos. I didn’t have a coupon, I didn’t look at the price, I just didn’t care. I needed them. I generally don’t keep many snacky items in the house because – 1. I’m cheap and 2. we just don’t need that junk around. But I felt that the baby really really needed those Doritos. Dave has attempted to eat a few and I have angrily demanded he put down the bag and back away. Ajax doesn’t even realize its in the house, which is good because that boy loves chips. I have also been craving tuna fish, but I don’t have to worry that anyone else in my home would even dream of touching that. On a side note, I’m 13 weeks along and just had my second doctor’s appointment yesterday. I listened to the baby’s heartbeat and all appears ok.

I feel it is now safe to say that Ajax is potty trained and I am simply amazed. We got him a step stool and seat that goes on the big toilet and he feels pretty confident using them. I think as a little boy he views pooing in the potty as a competition and brags constantly regarding how much/often he goes. He is also doing well off the dairy, though I haven’t noticed any major changes. He seems congested, but again, we’re all sick over here, so that’s not a good indicator. He hasn’t been pulling on his ear, so at least I know he doesn’t have an infection. I think after 30 days, I’ll introduce milk back into his diet and see if I notice any changes. I should point out, that as an attorney one of my top annoyances are people who google various legal questions and then spout off incorrect jargon that they picked up. Dave has pointed this out to me and that he is SURE doctors hate these same type of people who think they know more because webMD told them so. lol. The irony here is not lost on me.

Ajax asked me to take his picture while in the bath tonight-

Weekends

It’s Sunday night, another weekend come and gone.

Saturday I had a baby shower for my friend, Mary, as no other kids were going to be there I left Ajax home with Dave. I doubt Ajax would have had much fun, but I had a very good time. While I was gone Dave and Ajax ran to the store and then played outside as it was in the high 40s, low 50s. What odd weather. After I got home we did a quick dinner and then Dave left to go watch the Lions game at his cousin’s house with the rest of the guys. That left Ajax and I alone for the night, which was fine. I laid on the couch and watch a silly movie.

We also put a responsibility chart up on the refrigerator for Ajax. He loves stickers and his babysitter has a potty chart that he’s very proud of. I put things on it that I know he does (or can do) – like getting dressed, brushing his teeth, and picking up his toys. I also put things on it that we need to be mindful of – like using nice words (he’s developed a small habit of swearing), gentle hands, and an inside voice. He’s done well with the chart and likes the positive reward of putting a sticker up. He has done tremendously well with the potty this weekend and this morning came to me to actually poo in the potty (I hope this doesn’t embarrass him too much when he’s older).

Today was busy doing wrap-up weekend activities – grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning the bathroom. I actually had energy this afternoon and made yogurt, granola bars, and dinner for Monday night. As Ajax did so well with the potty this weekend we let him pick out a new book when we were out and about today. He picked out a Thomas the Train book that’s actually pretty cute. Lately he’s been asking us to read the same 2 – 3 books at bedtime and I must admit I don’t think I could have taken it much longer.

I have also decided to remove dairy from Ajax’s diet for 30 days. My mom has suggested this in the past and I began doing some research on the connection between diet (specifically, food allergies) and recurrent ear infections. Last night I put together a complete timeline of all of Ajax’s ear infections/aches/etc. and prescribed treatment and was shocked to realize how many successive rounds of antibiotics he’d been on, to no effect, and am concerned regarding the current nasal spray situation. Based on my research – dairy – is the most common food allergy of small children, so that is what we’re starting with.

DSCN9450 — Ajax and his new book at bedtime.

Potty Update: 2

Just wanted to give another quick potty update.

It is way way to soon to say that Ajax is potty trained, but we are staying the course, lol. Tuesday he did wonderful at the babysitters and then at home with no accidents. Today was a bit rougher, but overall still very good. He had one real accident and one small one. The small one was while we were at the ear specialist. Ajax and I were in the waiting room and he told me he had to pee, but we just didn’t make it there in time and he had a very small accident. Tonight he asked to wear his big boy underwear to bed and because he’s been waking up dry we said ok. We’ll see how he does. He still isn’t pooing in the potty… we have to think of something really awesome to bribe him with, lol. Yes, we are those parents.

As for the ear doctor, he put Ajax on an antihistamine as he feels the fluid buildup is due to allergies (which he said could be anything… dirt, carpet, hair, lol), our pediatrician said the same thing on Saturday, so now Ajax is on two nasal sprays. I’m not terribly happy about this, but at this point we’ll do almost anything.

[sorry for no pictures]