Explosion

So this was a first for me. You had an absolute EXPLOSION at church today. I am talking serious, up-the-back, down-the-leg type of explosion. I was somewhat at a loss of what to do when you are at church and your clothes are covered in poop. So we headed out of the bathroom with just a diaper on since I took out the extra outfit from the diaper bag just before church. Those in the hallway thought that it was pretty funny that you didn't have clothes on, but hey at least you are still so little and cute. On top of all of that, I was supposed to be substituting for Brigham's sunbeam class so I handed the book to someone sitting on the couch and asked them to sub as we headed out the door for home. Hopefully this will be a one-timer.

First Meal!

We got the go ahead from the allergist today to start feeding you some real food. You have become so interested in whatever we are eating. You are constantly grabbing my plate when I am eating and are always wanting my water bottle. So the kids and I decided to give it a try feeding you some oatmeal tonight and you loved it! I remember feeding Brooklyn and Brigham for the first time and they just cried and spit it out, but you were really into it. You were grabbing the spoon and pulling it to your mouth. I was amazed that you knew exactly what to do. You had trouble swallowing it so most of it ended up on you, but that will come with a little practice. I was just happy that you were interested in the oatmeal. Hopefully this will help your reflux some and help you sleep through the night a little better. I would be ecstatic to get a full night sleep again :).

Brigham didn't like that you had to eat the oatmeal. He didn't think it looked very good so he was trying to break his chicken nuggets apart to feed you instead. He knew that you would like that better and couldn't understand why I wouldn't let him feed it to you. I guess he doesn't quite get that you don't have any teeth yet to chew the chicken. He is a good big brother to you and is always looking out for you :).

Allergy Update

Well, I took you back to the allergist today and we got some great news...no allergies or immune disorders. Yeah! He really thinks that all of your problems stem from your reflux so we will see what we can do to get that cleared up. You are scheduled for tests in a few weeks so we should know more after that.

5 months

It is amazing to me how fast time goes by. I mean you are already 5 months old. Where did the time go? Talmage, you are such a sweet boy and I just can't get enough cuddles from you and apparently you can't either because you never want down. You are by far my cuddliest baby. It can be frustrating some days since I never get anything done, but I wouldn't have it any other way. You have helped me to realize the important things in life.

Another thing that I just cannot get enough of is your smile. I love your smile! It is definitely contagious and makes everyone around you smile no matter what once they get one look at you. Now if I could just get you to smile for the camera that would be great. Little stinker :).

Your favorite things to do are being held, of course, but when I do put you down for a few minutes you have really started to enjoy playing in your toy saucer. You jump up and down and hit the toys and smile. You also learned to sit up this past month which is so surprising to me. You just don't seem old enough to be sitting by yourself for 5-10 minutes. After a while you get tired and topple over which is cute as well. And then you sit and grab your feet and, as Brooklyn always says, you like to talk to your feet which never gets old to you. And don't let me forget you are absolutely in love with your brother and sister. You get so excited to see them and smile from ear to ear when they talk to you. You melt all of our hearts for sure.

I am absolutely loving this age and watching you learn about the world. I love you, Talmage!

Mom

4 month stats:
height--23 1/4 inches (10th percentile)
weight--13 lbs 12 oz (20th percentile)

CF Update

Well we got the results back for the Cystic Fibrosis testing and all is well, which is a huge relief. Now to figure out what else is causing you to be sick all the time. I am very hopeful that you will continue to feel better and outgrow the reflux and everything else. I love you Talmage!

Testing

We were at the gastroenterologist today to try and figure out why you are spitting up so much and even more importantly why you have now had a cough for over 3 months. I don't know what I was expecting, but I definitely wasn't expecting the doctor to send us over for cystic fibrosis testing. I am sure it is just a precaution to explain the cough, but for some reason I am more nervous than I have been for the other tests that we have been sent to in the past. This condition would be a very tough one for all of us and I can't imagine you having to go through all that it entails. And while I will be praying that this isn't what is wrong, I also know that no matter what the Lord is by our side. He knows each of us individually. He knows you, Talmage, and he knows what you can handle in this life. We all have trials that we can learn from. None of us is exempt. This is His plan for us to learn and grow here on earth so that we can live with Him again. The upcoming weeks may be difficult, the not knowing is worse the knowing one way or the other. Once we know then we can figure out what steps we need to take. Just know that your mom and dad love you very much. We will always be here for you, always.

Sick

I feel so bad for you little man. You are sick once again. I don't know how much more one little body can take. You are only 4 months old and I think you have been sick for the past 3 months straight. You have had bronchiolitis twice, pneumonia twice and croup multiple times. Something about being outside at night and breathing in cold air for even a few minutes causes you to have a horrible croupy cough within hours. Not only that, but you cry the entire time we are outside. I am not sure if it is hurting your lungs or what but we are trying to figure it out. You have already seen a hemotologist and now you are scheduled to go to the asthma/allergy specialist, the gastroenterologist and to cranial technologies. Between you and Brigham I feel like I live at the doctor's office. It is a good thing I love your pediatrician. They feel like family since we are there so often.

I would do anything for you, Talmage. I just want you to feel better because I know that it doesn't feel good to be coughing all the time to the point that your little body shakes. It is the saddest thing I have ever seen. We are going to figure out what is going on so that you can be happy and healthy.

Despite the sickness and cough you are a smiley little guy. You love to look at people and have them talk to you, especially your family. You grin from ear to ear whenever we talk to you. It melts mommy's heart let me tell you, which is why you are completely spoiled rotten. Yes, you think you need to be held ALL THE TIME. I held you most of the day today even when you were sleeping because every time I put you down you woke up crying. I enjoyed watching you sleep. You smile a lot in your sleep and I always wonder what you are dreaming about. If only I could see in your little head because I am sure you are remembering heaven and wonderful things.

You have a very special spirit, Talmage and I just can't get enough of you. You have brought a special feeling to our home. I am so thankful to our Heavenly Father for helping you find your way home. We all love you Talmage!