A month ago we had to take baby E to the doctor on a Sunday because he had a bump on his body that burst and was bleeding.  The doctor realized that he had a blood infection and needed antibiotics.  Because he was so little (not even 4 months old yet) the doctor wanted him to get IV antibiotics so off we went to the hospital.  They also took a sample of his blood to test to make sure the bacteria hadn’t entered the blood stream.

My brave little guy

Then Monday night we got a call from the hospital–there was a positive result.  There is bacteria in the blood.  However, the nurse is quick to tell me that it is likely a false positive but we needed to bring him back in for another blood draw just in case.  I asked if we should go to the ER first thing in the morning and she said yes to the ER … but we needed to come in right then.

We got there and checked in around 10/10:30pm.  It took them a while to call us back.  Then the hell started.

It took 6 nurses, one doctor, 10 needles including one to the head to draw enough blood for the sample.  We were exhausted and baby E was beyond miserable.  I hope I never hear cries like that again.  He was horrible.  So upset.  We didn’t leave until 3:30am.

Fast forward to this past week when the bills arrive from hospital.  We have a $75 copay for an emergency room visit–not great but not horrible.

But then I notice the bill is for $150 and realize they are charging us a fee for the day we went back because THEY messed up the sample!  I’m upset and don’t think I should have to pay.  So I call the insurance company to complain.

But as I am waiting to connect with someone I realize … they sent us another bill as well.  They are charging us $75 for Sunday’s visit (understandable), another $75 for Monday’s visit (not fair in my opinion) and yet another $75 because we stayed past midnight (absolutely ridiculous).

Unfortunately, our insurance company says there is nothing they can do but the woman on the phone did encourage me to call the hospital directly.

I’m pissed.  And planning to fight.

Wish us luck.

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Mastered Skills (most kids can do):

Can distinguish between bold colors: I have no idea how I would be able to know this or not.  I will say he is attracted to bold colors … but I don’t know that he can distinguish between them!

Can roll over: So if the question is “does baby E ever roll over or have the ability to roll over at all” then the answer is yes.  The detailed answer is he only rolls from his back to his tummy and toward the left.  (Maybe he’s a leftie like his mommy and daddy!)

Amuses himself by playing with hands and feet: Absolutely!  He loves playing with his feet and hands and everything else (but that’s discussed more below!)

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do):

Turns towards new sounds: Not 100% of the time but he will turn toward new sounds.  It happens for LOUD sounds and just normal level sounds.

Recognizes own name: There are times where it seems like he recognizes his name … and times when it doesn’t.  I’ll say maybe!

Advanced Skills (a few children can do):

May sit momentarily without support: Never for more than a few seconds.  But we can tell it is getting better.

Mouths objects: All. The. Time.  Like seriously.  All the time.  Fingers. Toys. Books. Paper. You let him hold it … it’s going into his mouth!

Stranger anxiety may begin: Not my little guy … at least not yet.  He loves being held.  When it is a “stranger” he usually just stares at them trying to figure out who they are.

May be ready for solids: He’s starting to show an interest so we’re encouraging it.  If we’re eating something and he’s looking at it we give him an age appropriate piece of our meal.

And some pictures of the cutest baby ever!

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Your daddy and I love you so much.  Whenever we go anywhere people always gush over you.  They are amazed at how well behaved you are, how cute you are and how alert you are.  Truth?  This isn’t an exaggeration.

We are so lucky to have such a wonderful baby.  You are growing each and every day.  We’ll see you getting close to learning something and then pick it up seemingly instantaneously.

You’ve started rolling over, but only from your back to your tummy.  This of course worries us when you wind up sleeping on your stomach.  We try to move you back but as soon as we are out of the room … it’s back to tummy for you!

We moved this month to a two bedroom apartment.  Mommy and daddy miss having you in our room but you haven’t seemed to mind.  You made the transition flawlessly.  Give you your crib and a swaddle blanket and you’re as happy as a clam!

Though you are starting to see the swaddle blanket as a game now.  You constantly try to get out of it, yet need the swaddle to take naps (it doesn’t seem to be a problem at night time for some reason!).

You are still sleeping through the night (yay!!) and twice have even let us sleep in!  I think you take after us in liking to sleep — I can only hope this continues!

You are still exclusively breast fed and still HATE. THE. BOTTLE!  Almost all the time.  Hate it.  Daddy is the only one you will take a bottle from and even that’s a fight.  You eat before mommy goes to work, when mommy gets home and before bed.  I still worry you aren’t gaining enough weight but when we go back to the doctor’s this week she’ll tell us for sure.

You are such a happy baby.  So long as you aren’t lonely, over tired or hungry, you’re content.  You love to laugh and smile.  If daddy gives you a wide mouth grin you give him a smile back.  Aunt D seems to be the best at getting the giggles out of you next to mommy and daddy.

Mommy still has to go to work and you get to stay home with daddy.  This is really hard on me but if I have to leave you at home, I’m glad it’s with daddy.  He takes you out almost every day and you’re really starting to like the outdoors.  (I just hope you aren’t scared of bugs like mommy so you can protect me when you’re older!)

You love seeing Savta and Pop-Pop and Skyping every week with Bubbie and Zayde.  Next to mommy and daddy, you probably see Savta the most.  Your grandparents love you so much.  They love hugging you and kissing you.  When it comes to buying you things Pop-Pop is the craziest!  He can hardly pass a store without buying something for you.  Thanks to Pop-Pop you have clothes for the Orioles, Ravens and Maryland Terps.  He also bought you a lamp when he heard you would need one!

I always knew I would love my baby but I never knew I’d love you so much.  Or that it was possible to love someone so much.  You are by far the very best thing that has ever happened to me or daddy.  We love you so much.  When you cry, when you laugh, when you try to sneak watching tv.  Always.

<3,

Mommy

And because I had two favorites this month…

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Moving: D, baby E and I recently moved to a bigger apartment.  One where baby E now has his own room.  The move and change was hardest on me and D.  Baby E?  He’s fine!  He doesn’t know the difference.  We received a monitor as a gift and immediately hooked that up.  I also bought a video monitor that I can access from my smart phone.  I like being able to check in on him during the day when I’m not around.

Pumping at work: Ask almost any BF and working mom and she’ll say pumping is her least favorite thing.  Mine too!  I wouldn’t say I hate it … but I definitely don’t like it.  I try to pump three times a day.  And on those days when I can only fit in two sessions?  I can feel it.  The two times I had to pump out of the office I was pleasantly surprised by the accommodations offered to me. This week I have an all day out of office thing and I think my good luck is finally going to run out.  I’ll be using the restroom or my car.  I can (unfortunately) guarantee it.

Going back to work: I’ve been back to work for almost 2 months now.  I love my job and can actually say I make a difference in people’s lives.  For that I’m very fortunate.  But I miss baby E all the time.  Constantly.  Unfortunately, working part time isn’t in the (financial) cards for us right now or I would do that in a heart beat.  He’s by far the most important thing in my life (D is a close second!) and I hate all that I’m missing when I’m not with him.  D does a great job keeping me up to date and alerting me to what’s going on.  Baby E has also cooperated a bit.  He rolled over for the first time on a day I happened to be at home which was nice.

E: Baby E is just perfect.  Well … close to perfect.  He still hates the bottle.

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6am: Wake up and shower

7am: Wake baby E up and change him; give him his lotion treatment

7:30am-8:30am: Feed baby E

8:30am: Leave for work

9am: Get to work

10am: Pump #1

1pm: Pump #2

4pm: Pump #3

5pm/5:30pm: Leave work

5:30pm/6pm: Arrive home

6pm-7pm (or longer): Feed baby E

7pm: Feed ourselves

8:30pm/9pm-9:30pm/10pm (estimated!): Feed baby E

10pm: Bathe baby E and do nighttime lotion routine

10:30pm: Put baby E to bed

12am: Put myself to bed

Repeat

Not much sleep … but this little guy is definitely worth it!

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Mastered Skills (most kids can do):

Hold head up steady: E has been able to hold his head steady for a few months.  We’ve started “flying” him around and he either keeps his head steady or lifts it up!

Can bear weight on legs: He’s been able to do this almost from the beginning!

Coos when you talk to him: He’s definitely started doing this.  We have conversations back and forth when I repeat what he’s said.  I absolutely love it!

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do):

Can grasp a toy: He’s just started doing this the past few weeks and it is so cool to see.  He has a ball with cut outs and he’ll grab it in his hands and bring it to his mouth.  But he’ll keep it in his hands.  It used to be you gave him a toy and if he looked at it there was no interest in it.  Now there is!

Reaches out for objects: I think so.  But it might also be that he just happens to move his hand at that moment.  If he doesn’t yet he’s getting closer.

Rolls Over: No he doesn’t, but he’s trying.  He’ll get half way and then get frustrated.  His shoulder gets stuck and he doesn’t quite know what to do.  The pediatrician mentioned today that he’s trying so it will be a matter of time.

According to Baby Center a 4 months old can:

Mastered Skills (most kids can do):

Hold head up steady: E has been able to hold his head steady for a few months.  We’ve started “flying” him around and he either keeps his head steady or lifts it up!

Can bear weight on legs: He’s been able to do this almost from the beginning!

Coos when you talk to him: He’s definitely started doing this.  We have conversations back and forth when I repeat what he’s said.  I absolutely love it!

Advanced Skills (a few children can do):

Imitates speech sounds (baba/dada): I can’t say for sure. We can have imitation conversations where we make similar sounds back and forth.  But I don’t know that’s exactly what they mean.

May cut first tooth: I’m not sure why this counts as a skill!  Baby E has not cut any teeth yet … and as a nursing mom sometimes used a chew toy that is fine with me!

Now … the obligatory pictures

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So four months have already gone by.  The changes from when you were first born are amazing.  And I don’t just mean the physical ones.  Though now you do look like a little man.

When you were first born you would only open one eye at a time and even then only a little to look around.  Now you open both eyes wide and want to take in everything that is happening around you.

The night before you turned 4 months old you started laughing.  I was changing you and daddy was in the other room and could hear you laughing.  It was the most amazing sound. You’ve laughed/giggled a few times since then.  I’m really excited for you to do it even more!

In the last month you’ve really gotten good at sleeping through the night!!!!  Most nights you don’t even need to be reswaddled.  I wake up around 6 to get ready for work and around 7 turn on the lights waking you up.  That first smile in the morning is still one of the highlights of my day.

At first I was trying to sneak out super early so I could get home early meaning you were still asleep when I left.  You hated it and were upset the entire day.  It became clear this wasn’t going to work so now I feed you and we get to spend some time together first thing in the morning.  This has worked out really well for both of us!

This last month I also went back to work.  I miss you so much each and every day.  I want to hold and hug you and wish I could stay home with you.  Daddy sends me texts and photos throughout the day.

Although you love spending time with daddy and he loves spending time with you, there is one thing that he doesn’t love … feeding time.  You and the bottle are not exactly friends.  In fact, you almost always hate it.  We bought you a new bottle that while you still hate, daddy has a slightly easier time feeding you with.

Bubbie and Zayde came in to visit you for a week and you fell in love with them all over again.  Bubbie loved sitting and talking to you while Zayde loved walking you around and seeing the fun tricks you can do.

This last month you really became fascinated with your hands often putting them, and anything else (like mommy’s finger) into your mouth.  You also started grabbing your feet! You still can’t quite roll over but you are trying.  You’re also getting better about lifting up your neck, though you hate “official” tummy time.

There was a big health scare this month (mommy is behind on blogging!) but we’re so glad it is completely ok!  As your pediatrician said you are a very healthy boy just with bad luck.    Know what?  If you are going to have bad luck I hope this is the kind!  Where the doctors think something serious is the matter but they turn out to be wrong!

You’re also getting really interested in sitting up.  You started pulling yourself up from your car seat (as in trying to sit up) and love sitting up on mommy or daddy’s lap.  You love looking around and figuring out this strange world.  If you are sitting on one of our laps you almost for sure won’t look us in the eye–you’re too concerned with what’s happening around you.

You also started being able to actually play with your ball.  You can grab it with both hands though you often try putting it in your mouth!  It’s so cool to see you actually interacting with a toy.  Pop-Pop also bought you some toys to hang from your car seat and you are starting to really notice them.

When you really like something and are really excited you have a strut dance that you do.  It is jerky movements with a big smile on your face–absolutely adorable!  You also started liking the bath recently which is good since in order to treat your eczema we have to give you reuglar baths!  You love to strut in the bathtub and splash mommy.

We love you more than we could possibly say.  You are a very happy baby and that makes us very happy.  You have your moments (usually when daddy is trying to feed you or mommy hasn’t started feeding you soon enough).  But overall you are wonderful.

You are a perfect addition to our family–we cannot remember life before you!

I love you so much and am so glad to be able to call you my son!

love,

Mommy & Daddy

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Then a few days before his appointment during a changing I called D over and pointed out that his chest looked all red.  Because of the issues with jaundice [you can read that here] baby E’s eczema actually got worse but calmed down when that whole experience was over.

So per the pediatrician, we were to give E a bath twice a week (this was ridiculously harder to do that it should have been) and lather him in Vaseline (about as gross as it sounds) with the occasional steroid cream for acute areas.  We had to use Dove body wash for sensitive skin, Aveeno shampoo and All Free & Clear for his laundry.  The Vasline aspect of this regimen was a horrible thing and we all hated it.  It ruined clothes and didn’t seem to accomplish anything.  His pediatrician also told me if it didn’t go away to cut milk out of my diet as that wouldn’t probably clear it up.

So he’s completely adorable but you can see some of the eczema on his left leg.

Since it hadn’t gone away I scheduled an appointment with an allergist to figure out what is going on.  A friend of ours recommended an allergist office that she uses for her infant son so I called.  The main doctor just happened to have an opening this week.  The secretary commented that never happens (and my friend confirmed it usually takes months to get in to see this doctor).  I was also really happy to see on the website that his specialty is pediatric eczema and he has specialized training in pediatrics.

Today was our appointment.  Aside from everyone fawning over him (because he really is just too adorable!) including one gentleman in the waiting room telling us “he’s cute as shit” (direct quote) we had a very long conversation with the allergist.  After taking the history he said his guess would be that he’s allergic to milk so we tested to see if he was allergic to milk or to soy — he’s not.  Yet.  Apparently his allergy simply may not have manifested yet so we have to go back in a few months for more testing.  In the meantime I’m supposed to eat as much dairy, soy, eggs and nuts as possible to expose him.

And in case someone else is having trouble with their baby’s eczema, here is the treatment our doctor prescribes (including for cradle cap): (FYI–this is not intended as medical advice.  I am simply repeating what the doctor told us.  Take your son/daughter to the allergist to make sure this treatment would work for you.  There are some things that don’t apply to baby E because his eczema isn’t “bad enough.”)

1. 30 minute bath in lukewarm water using Dove bar soap (if my mother-in-law is reading this let me go on record as saying you were right!  The specialist agrees )
2. Pat dry out of the bath.
3. Put the steroid cream directly on the acute areas (he gave us a prescriptions for a stronger steroid to use) 2x/day.
4. Apply hydrocortisone 1% to areas on the face 2x/day.
5. Then immediately apply Vanicream all over.
6. Control itch (not currently an issue but will be as his “itch” reflex gets stronger) 1/2t of liquid Zyrtec. and
7. Sebulex shampoo 2-3 times per week

The doctor was quick to point out this is all just to treat eczema … not to cure it.  Meaning if in a few weeks (here’s hoping!!) his skin gets all better we still have to continue with the treatment.

He did say most babies will grow out of it — here’s hoping!

Did your baby have eczema?  What did you do to treat it?

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For the last two weeks I’ve rushed out of the house as soon as possible so I could leave work at a reasonable time and get home to baby E.  After the first day when I left and he was still asleep, he seems to have readjusted his schedule.  He now wakes up around the time I’m getting out of the shower.  Since D is the one who has to deal with him when he’s in a bad mood, I was especially grateful when he said I could say goodbye to baby E knowing how much it meant to me even though it might make his job harder.

So I said goodbye to him … but then he’s miserable all day.  And D has a really hard day (harder than just a regular “I had to take care of a baby and barely had a moment to myself” kind of hard day) and no one is happy.  So I thought well … maybe I should try feeding him in the morning before I leave.  D agreed figuring it couldn’t get any worse.

So this morning I got up even earlier hoping to still leave early enough to get home at a reasonable time to feed and change baby E.

For me it was easier leaving getting to spend that time feeding him.  For D it was easier because baby E was happy for most of the day.  He took him out to lunch and for a long walk.  He went into a store and baby E get flirting (i.e., smiling) every time the saleslady said anything.

So it looks like we all win.  I get to spend a little time with my guy (though I’m going to attempt getting up even earlier tomorrow so I can still leave early) making it easier to get through the day.  D gets to spend time with a relatively happy baby (he got upset around 3pm) allowing him to do fun things like play and take E for walks.  And E is in a generally better mood.

Here’s hoping it still works tomorrow…

He looks so innocent!

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