Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Allergies

Sean had his 15 month check up yesterday.
19 lb. 6 oz., 29 inches
Sometimes both Thomas and I go but this time it was just me. Thomas is usually the one to ask questions and he thoroughly enjoys discussing things with the doctor. I simply answer the nurse's questions and go along with the routine of poking and squishing and looking in holes. Thomas texted me before Sean's appointment and reminded me to ask about allergies.
Back story: For Sean's first birthday my SIL made a wonderful cake, see....


Sean had a good ol time smashing into... er... well, poking at the cake.


Shortly after his eyes began to turn red and he was rubbing them. Isn't it the cutest thing when babies rub their eyes, and isn't it amazing that they know to use the backs of their hands to rub. Anyway, redness appeared around his mouth. We did wash his face and hands as soon as we finished with cake time.


A few moms and I discussed what it could be. My SIL said she used egg in the icing so we assumed that was what caused the rash.



    Then the day after his party I wanted to take a picture of Sean with the mini cupcakes that were for guests. So I set the mini cupcake in front of him and he barely touched it with his finger and the same thing happened, less severe redness though. But is egg in all icing? This cupcake was made by a bakery and not my SIL. He did rub his face some, I'm assuming because it was itchy? There was another occasion when we fed him scrambled eggs and he broke out also. That time we had benadryl on hand. But each time it went away fairly quickly (10-15min) and Sean never complained. I don't have any experience with allergies, nor does Thomas. So, this is all foreign to me.



Back to the doctor's appointment. I told the doc that Sean still seems to be allergic to eggs. So he decided it's best to get a prescription for an epinephrine pen. I would have been clueless as to what he was talking about if it weren't for Allison! (hi Allison!) She is crazy allergic, she's not crazy, her allergies are =) to seafood and other stuff, right? Well, I remember her telling us about how if she ever had a severe reaction that the epi pen must but thrust into her thigh, no need for de-pantsing, thank goodness, just jam the needle in her thigh. So, thankfully I felt semi informed about this whole epi pen thing and agreed with the doctor it would be best to have one on hand. Now onto the shots, well, minus the flu shot. I had no idea there were eggs in the flu vaccine! crazy. It is specifically asked on the sheet, you have to sign before receiving the shot, if the recipient is allergic to eggs. So he got two shots. Bragging Notice: He did not cry one tear. Yeah, he fussed and whined a bit, but no tears shed! Oh and while I'm at it...without fail, every time the doctor examines Sean on the table, poking and bending him to make sure his joints work well I guess, he mentions how strong his legs are, that they're solid muscle. The nurses that have given him shots over this past year also always say he has strong legs. =) I guess all those squats Thomas has him do are paying off. 

    Long story short (too late), we now have an epinephrine pen, actually 2, for Sean in case a severe reaction occurs. Both doctor and pharmacist told me to seek help right after administering the epidural. And of course that's what the pamphlet that comes with the pen says. And I know that all it does it buy time, open up airways, until professional medical attention can be initiated. They even include a training device. A pen with out the drug or needle. Which is such a great idea so we're not afraid to give the injection and we know exactly how it works. Thomas did training with emergency medical response, road in ambulances, back in the military days so he's not afraid of needles and all that emergency situation stuff. Bragging Notice: Thomas performed the Heimlich maneuver on a women at a previous job and was awarded a certificate! go Thomas, I'm in good hands!



While it is possible for Sean to outgrow the allergy we're avoiding eggs and egg products for the time being.



Saturday, November 13, 2010

Sean is 15 months old

Sean turned 15 months on Friday, November 12th!

November 12, 2010


Sean, what are you up to these days?!
  • You weigh:19.6 lbs (according to bathroom scale)
  • You move: a lot. You can crawl like a mad baby and can stand on your own for a few seconds. You like using your walker and can move fast! You've taken a few stumbling steps when we stand you up and let you go.
  • You have: an 1/8 of a tooth!! About 12 different people have told me that 'they've heard' it's better when teeth take longer to come in cause that means they have good roots! Well I hope so. Just the one had broken the skin and there are several ready to make an appearance soon I'm sure.
ah gee mom, leave me alone


  • You eat: baby jar food and table food. Not a fan of meat, except ham. Picky about textures of food. You heart cheerios.
  • You fuss: when I try to change your diaper, when I take something out of your hands.
  • You say: "dug"...can be translated to either dog or duck. You say this when looking out back window at dogs or when you point up at things. "bye-bye" and you give a little wave...you're getting better at saying this on cue."mamamama" but you've only said this when fussing or stressing, I like to think of it as you calling out to me for comfort, not you whining cause I just took the remote from you.
  • You feel: less squishy that other babies. you're pretty dense. guess you've inherited the 2% body fat thing from your dad. good luck treading water in swim class.
  • You sleep: awesome! so glad you love sleep as much as I do. You sleep in like a champ and nap well also. 
  • You like: story time before bed. We read your little picture bible and Dad asks you "where's Jesus?" and we smile when you point right to him, and laugh when you point to the bears.You also like climbing on anything. lower shelves, me, dad, laundry baskets, little scooter car.
  • You: amaze your father and I. You are so smart and it seems you know more than we think you do. You do things that we think would take training or time to learn. It makes me sad when I realize you are learning those things while at day care. I'm glad your learning, but I thought I'd be the one to teach you *tear*. But, God willing, that will change soon! 











Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Halloween 2010

The Friday before Halloween we were able to bring kids to work for trick-or-treating/show off your kid time. 



Saturday we helped a friend move.

Then Sunday night our friends had a hay ride for trick-or-treating! Growing up in suburbia we definitely didn't have hay rides! It was really fun and we hope to do it again next year!
 I'm Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter. I was a big fan in my high school years.







Monday, November 1, 2010

Painting a Turtle

Back in October we celebrated my friend Melissa's birthday at Practically Pikasso. We choose a turtle for Sean to paint and give to his Opa (grandpa in German), Thomas' dad.
Thomas and I painted the turtle then let Sean add his own creative touches. Basically, we let him jab the paint brush on the turtle.


 
oops, that's the table


 
Here he is before going into the kiln.

And after! Turned out great!