Injured Foot

Yesterday, Lexi hurt her foot in tumbling class. I noticed at the end of class that she was trying not to put her foot down while doing push-ups. That seemed odd to me, but she walked out of there pretty normal. As soon as we got out of the main door, she started complaining that her foot had been hurt really badly. She was faking that she was ok. She wanted me to take her to the emergency room. I figured that it wasn't broken if she could walk on it and fake that it was ok. She demanded though and I explained that I simply don't have the money for that. I honestly don't. She has insurance through her dad, but the deductibles are HUGE and he rarely helps me with it. I knew going to the emergency room would end up costing over $2,000. I just can't do that, especially when I was sure that it wasn't broken. She was crying and angry at me, but I took her home. I had her put oils on it and I offered her Tylenol, which we rarely if ever use. I told her we would deal with it tomorrow. I knew that would give us some time to see how bad it was.

By the next morning, she was still complaining and couldn't put pressure on it. It wasn't swollen or bruised though. Fortunately, we have a friend at church that is a podiatrist. I called his wife and got an appointment this morning. I also borrowed crutches from a friend. I took her in and his assistant did x-rays in the office. He told us that her foot was sprained and that it would take 2 - 5 weeks to heal. That was pretty sad news since it will ruin the rest of her volleyball season and possibly make her miss basketball try-out which are in exactly 2 weeks from today. Of course, cheer will be effected too. He was kind enough to give us a walking boot for her. Hopefully, that speeds up this process. 

Blood Work

We have had a bit of an ordeal with Lexi's bloodwork this year. I took her in for a well-visit at the end of February. It had been a few years since she had been, so they caught her up on her shots - just 2 from last year. Her pediatrician wanted her to get bloodwork too. I took Lexi to a clinic and had it done. A few days later, the doctor called and was VERY concerned about Lexi's low platelet count. It was 46,000. The normal count is 150,000 and 20,000 is a trip straight to the emergency room to be checked into the hospital. The doctor asked about unexplained bruising and nose bleeds, which Lexi has been having. She had us come back in the next day and told me that Lexi should not participate in combat sports (which she doesn't). 

The pediatrician did another check up and asked how long the bruising has been going on, which I was pretty sure about a month to 6 weeks. That was right after Lexi had the stomach flu. That is probably the cause. Once I knew it was probably a virus, I started giving her OnGuard and Melalueca oils (they are great for viruses). I also had her drink pomegranate juice, because I saw that it helps on the internet and why not? I took her back in for blood work that week and her platelet count had jumped up to 85,000. That is still low, so she referred us to a Hematologist at Texas Children's Hospital. 

That's where we went today. Dr Tran talked to us about a lot of family background issues and general health questions. She had Lexi do more bloodwork right there. She called me later to say that it was 102,000. It has improved, but is still low. We have to do this again in a month. Lexi is cleared for sports though, which is good because she just started volleyball at the YMCA with several church friends. We also found out that she is exactly 5'3".

Picture of Lexi - she isn't ill - just avoiding photos (not a fun stage)

Lexi's Blood Pressure

Dr Appointment

Lexi had a wellness exam this morning.  She is 55 lbs, which is in the 50th percentile.  She is 50.25", which is in the 60th percentile.  The doctor said that she has a very good BMI.  I had the doctor check out the awful mosquito bites all over her bottom & legs.  This is the first year that Lexi has had horrible reactions to their bites.  I've noticed lots of kids with them.  Jordan has had a few.  The doctor also said she has never had this many patients ask about them before.  Anyway, something crazy is happening here.

Sick Day

Yesterday, Lexi wasn't feeling very well.  She wanted to stay home, which surprised me since she spent most of last year mad at me because she had to take 1 sick day at the beginning of the year.  At the end of the year, they give out certificates to kids with perfect attendance.  Of course, she didn't get one.  

This time, Lexi was a little warm, but wasn't running a fever (only about 99.1).  I decided to send her to school and figured that I would have to pick her up early.  Texas is pretty strict about the number of days a child can miss, so we generally try to send them.  The day went by without any calls.  When Jordan and I picked her up, she was feeling even worse.  She said her teacher wouldn't let her go to the nurse.  After dinner, she was running a low grade fever.  

Today, she and Jordan got to enjoy a sick day.  They watched movies and chilled out.  About 3 pm, I took her to the doctor.  The doctor was sure she had strep throat, so we got a prescription.  It has been a long time since she has been to the doctor or been on antibiotics.  I also had them give her a flu shot.  

By the way, she weighs 47 lbs, which I think has been her weight for over a year.  She is in the 60th percentile for height & the 40th for weight.        

5 Year Check-Up

Lexi had her 5 year check-up today. She now weighs 40.5 lbs (50th percentile) and is 43.25" tall (75th percentile). She actually enjoyed the eye test this time and is seeing 20/30, which is the norm for her age. She passed the development test with flying colors (way too easy). They gave her one shot that she was supposed to get last year but they were out of. They also gave her the tb test, so we have to go back in on Friday for them to make sure she is ok. She didn't cry for either one, but she wasn't thrilled either. I guess she handled them with grace.

Four Year Doctor Appointment

Yesterday was Lexi's four year check-up. She was dreading it for a while because of the shots. First, they had me fill out a questionnaire about her development. There were various questions and tasks I had to see if she could do. They were all too easy. I think Jordan could have done at least half of them. After that, they weighed her. She is 36.5 lbs (50%). Then they measured her to see how tall she is and she is 40.25" (slightly above 50%). Next, they took her blood pressure, temperature & all that.

Then, they asked her to go down the hall with them for an eye test. She didn't want to hold the eye patch, but she did and answered the first two questions. When they pointed at the third thing (a cross), she didn't know what it was and immediately got frustrated. Apparently, my Mormon background has caused me to overlook teaching her that all too important shape. They asked her what it looked like and I know she could have answered but she was already flustered and didn't want to be there anyway, so she refused to continue the test. The doctor wasn't worried about it and said they would test her next time.

After that, they wanted her to pee in a cup. She fought me like crazy. She just couldn't see why she had to go in a cup. She wanted to use the toilet like normal. Finally, she gave in. She cooperated fairly well with the doctor, but was not happy when the nurses came back in with the shots. They gave her the nasal H1N1 first and then her two vaccinations in the arm. She didn't cry, but was NOT happy until she got her sugar-free sucker.

LONG Weekend

On Friday night, I asked Lexi if her ears were hurting because she seemed to be crying over every little thing. She said yes and proceeded to point to both ears. I knew that this Memorial Day Weekend was going to be a LONG one. I wouldn't say that it was completely torturous for me, but I made sure to call the pediatrician first thing on Tuesday morning. They confirmed it. She was developing an ear infection. The kids are back on antibiotics.

Three Year Doctor Appointment

Lexi had her annual check-up yesterday. In all honesty, it was a waste of money since we have seen them a lot in the last few months. I thought they might be giving her shots. Oh well...we know that she is healthy and that her blood pressure is good. We also know that she is 37" tall (50th percentile) and 33 lbs (47th percentile).

As I am typing this, I suddenly remembered something I was told over a month ago about Lexi. When I took her to the family clinic, the doctor told me that Lexi has THE SMALLEST tonsils that she has ever seen. She even had me look at them. When I took her back to her doctor, I mentioned it & she laughed and said that they are very small. So...there is a funny little tid-bit about Lexi. She has micro tonsils.

Ear Infection

For the past few days, Lexi has been quite difficult. Little things have made her lash out at us or burst into tears. I had a feeling that she had another ear infection, but she kept saying it didn't hurt. Of course, she finally admitted that it was hurting yesterday (Saturday). Her pediatrician is closed on Saturdays, but Steve & I go to a family clinic that is open for a few hours. We took her there. Her right ear is swollen and red. Her left is just swollen. She also weighs 33 lbs and is 37 inches tall.

Ear Infection

Yesterday, I planned to stay home all day with my sick kids. I asked Lexi several times if her ear was hurting and she said no. Around 2pm right as I was putting Jordan in the tub, she complained that her ear hurt. I called the doctor's office and was told I could "come in right now." I loaded up the car and headed over there quickly. Lexi's right ear is infected (same side as Jordan's).

The doctor prescribed the exact same medicine that Jordan got on Monday. We headed to Super Target again to pick it up. Of course, the same people were behind the counter at the pharmacy. The lady smiled, so I said "We're back again. We live here."

Lexi decided to announce it louder as we were walking away. She practically yelled, "We live here." I had to laugh.

Two Sickies

Yesterday, I kept Lexi home from school because I had to take the kids to the doctor. Lexi has been congested for weeks (since she had strep throat) and she has a spider bite on the side of her face. I just wanted to get her checked out. The doctor prescribed a blueberry flavored decongestant and told me to put a humidifier in her room. For the spider bite, we'll just use neosporin.

Before going to the doctor, I took them to see Madagascar II. I wanted to get out of the house, but do something relaxing for them. Lexi liked the movie and I mostly liked it. However, I can't really give an honest oppinion since Jordan was fussy & wiggly the first half of the movie. As soon as he fell asleep, I started enjoying it.

Sad Cries from a Talker

Last night, Lexi started sounding hoarse. I figured that I would probably be keeping her home from school today, but I wanted to wait until morning to decide. This morning, she was clearly worse. She even started crying while she said “I can’t talk!” That was pretty much repeated over and over again all day. What a tough thing for a non-stop talker to have to deal with. The pediatrician confirmed that she has strep throat. Lexi has gotten lots of television time and rest today. Hopefully, the drugs start kicking in and she is much better tomorrow. By the way, she is now 31 lbs.

2.5 Year Old Doctor Appointment

Lexi had a doctor appointment today. I know that you are probably thinking that two and a half year olds don't need check-ups (they have one at 2 years & another one at 3). That is true, but I had to pick up her shot record for school so I signed her up for one anyways. Nothing much to say...She is 30 lbs and doing great. Besides the fact that she has a little summer cold. I only mentioned it to the doctor because she decided to tell her she wasn't feeling well. Her exact words, "I don't feel very much well."

2 Year Doctor Appt

Being a crazy mom that wants to get things over at once, I scheduled doctor appointments for Lexi and Jordan today knowing that they would both be getting shots. Needless to say, I wasn't really looking forward to this weekend.

Lexi weighed in at 28 lbs and is now 34" tall, which is in the 66th percentile for both. Her head measurement is actually in the 90th percentile. That made me laugh because she gets her big head from my side. My mom & brother both can't find hats that fit.

She easily performed all the tasks the doctor asked like jumping and touching her toes. Lexi even talked the doctors ear off so that when she got to the question about having a vocabulary of at least 50 words, there was no need to ask. Nobody could manage to talk non-stop with a small vocabulary. I doubt I could even count how many words she says.

When the appointment was winding down, I told her that the nurse was going to give her medicine in her leg and then it would be Jordan's turn. Lexi likes medicine for the most part, but she cried when they gave her the shot of course. She patted Jordan's head when he was getting his done. Then she cried with him until the nurse told her that she could have 2 stickers.

They both stopped crying rather quickly. That just reminded me that I am so glad to be away from the Miami doctors. They both did so well that we were even able to meet up with the Play Group at the new McDonalds. This story has a happy ending (so far).

18 Month Dr Appt (late)

Lexi was supposed to see the doctor at 18 months, which was days before we left Miami. I figured that Steve and Paige could take her, but things were so hectic the appointment fell through the cracks. Finding a pediatrician and getting Lexi's shots were on my priority list when we got here. Fortunately, one of my friends recommended hers. I took Lexi on Friday (& Paige tagged along).

I had almost forgotten what a normal doctor experience in America is like (yes this is definitely one of those things that is DIFFERENT in Miami). The ladies at the front desk were very nice (NEVER happens in Miami). They actually had a waiting room for sick kids and one for well kids that even had toys in them (what a concept). Lexi was called very quickly (shocking). She weighs 25.5 lbs and is 33" tall. That part was normal, but they actually told me how she compares to others her age!!! I haven't heard that once since she was born. A few times, I looked it up on the computer. She is in the 90% for her height, 90% for her head circumference, and 50% for her weight. Basically, she is tall & thin, but healthy. On top of that, the doctor actually asked me if she had reached different mile stones like does she sleep through the night, climb stairs, eat with a spoon, have a vocabulary of more than 100 words, etc. I was completely unprepared for those questions since I hadn’t been asked before. Of course, the answer was yes on all of them.

The best part about the doctor’s visit was that the nurses here actually know how to give shots. In Miami, they literally stabbed the needle in and then slowly pushed out the medicine while Lexi screamed her head off. Then, the nurse would lift up the next needle high enough for Lexi to see it was going to happen again. It wasn't the same nurse either. She was given shots by three or four different nurses. I always felt I could do it better. Fortunately, that is not the case here. Both of the shots were done before we knew it. Lexi only cried a little. Instead of pouting, she pointed out her “booboos” and blew kisses to them the whole way home.

Now, I am glad she missed her appointment in Miami. Having normal doctor experiences is just one more reason that we are glad we moved.

12 Month Dr Appt

Lexi had her 12 month check-up and shots yesterday. She is now 31.5" and 22 lbs 4 oz. I really noticed a big change in Lexi during this doctor's appointment. It is the first one that she wanted to walk around and play with everything. She entertained herself and wanted to show me everything. All of the previous visits, she was content being held and looking around.

The bad thing about this one was that she watched the nurse do the first shot and was well aware what was going to happen with the next 3. She howled and let the big alligator tears roll down her face. I think it was better when she was crying because of the pain rather than the anticipation of the pain. She is also a lot stronger, so holding her down was tough.

Expressions

A few weeks ago, someone I work with asked me how you can tell what your baby is feeling. I just laughed and said babies are very expressive. In fact, these photos were taken in a matter of 5 minutes. She lets me know exactly how she feels.

I haven't had time to write all the changes that have taken place in the last month. I usually try to do that on each month birthday. She turned 9 months on Oct 26th, a week ago. I guess I'll just note a few things. She started doing kisses (she photo #2), standing without holding on (lasts a few seconds), trying to stand up with out pulling herself up (sometimes makes it up for a few seconds), saying duck (a lot & for everything), and doing probably a few things I am leaving out.

I also discovered something that she does not like to eat, which is a big deal for her. Let me just say that the daycare ladies are all very impressed by her eating skills and lack of pickiness (I think she gets it from my brother/dad). Since we started grocery shopping on the Beach, I have discovered a few tropical flavored baby foods. So far, she likes mango, but guava is a definite no (despite the pink color). When I fed it to her, she kept opening her mouth, but would shudder with every spoonful. Finally, she started turning her head and would not eat another bite. It was pretty funny to see her act like that.

**Adding On** - When I took Lexi to the doctor today (ear infection), she weighed in just 2 oz shy of 20 lbs.

Another Doctor Appt

Lexi had to get her last hepatitis shot today. She is now 18 lbs & 12 oz. Last week, when she saw the doctor for her cold, she weighed 18 lbs. I knew she had gotten bigger quickly, but that was quite a jump.

At the end of her visit, while we were waiting to schedule the next appointment, Lexi enjoyed trying to grab their Halloween decorations. They had them hanging from the ceiling, so wherever I stood she was grabbing. Then, the nurse came out and put an "I was brave sticker" on her. She also handed Lexi 4 other stickers. Why did she do that? Doesn't she know at Lexi's age she only sees them as something to put in her mouth? When waitresses & waiters give her crayons, I figure that they just don't know anything about babies, but the nurse?

Shot in the Dark

Lexi had her 6 month check-up yesterday, a bit late, but I didn't want her to be suffering from the shots on our trip. Her new stats are ~ weight 16 lbs, 6 oz and height 26 & 1/4".

Unfortunately, the nurse on duty was the one that was there for the 2 month check-up. She really needs to work on giving shots because she just jams them in. I doubt a shot can be anymore painful than the way she gives them. Lexi suffered for more than a week the first time. She had five jammed into her yesterday and it is going to be a rough recovery. For the first time last night, Lexi didn't move around in bed. Normally, her legs are in constant motion, but she is trying to avoid using them. I tried to help her kick them hoping it would get some of the knots out, but she just stares at me with a sad look. She is a tough little trouper though. Next time, I am going to call and make sure the other nurse is on duty or reschedule.