Thursday, October 5, 2006
3:38 PM
We got the results back from all of Grace's tests and nothing showed up. Her poop was good, and her upper GI was fine (although both the radiologist and our doctor said that she could have reflux and it not have shown up on that praticular day...). The blood tests got ruined- the phlebotomist wasn't exactly skilled with babies, and despite poking Gracie THREE times, the blood she collected couldn't be used for the tests. So we need to go back and get them re-done.
The doctor suspects she might have a protein allergy, so he switched her formula and ordered more blood tests, and we'll see what happens. When Grace does throw up it's always formula and never food, so it's related to that level of her nutrition, or so we've been told. I don't know...
The good news is that she's not losing weight, and is doing fairly well despite throwing up five or so times a week, so we have the opportunity to wait and see before we go to the next level. I'm sort of aggressive when it comes to my OWN medical care- I don't like to mess around- so it's hard to sit back and wait.
Besides running around to doctors, laboratories, and hospitals for tests, we've been sort of taking it easy. Tom has an intense load with work right now, and my own work is suddenly picking up. My parents were out of town for a month, and I am so glad they are back. They love Grace and take her for little trips to the store and for sleep overs, and everyone benefits. Grace doesn't get bored and restless from being stuck in the house, and Tom and I both get some sleep and get some work done.
Grace's birthday is coming up. She's in sort of a weird situation with that because although her birth certificate says October 20th, that was the day she was found outside the orphanage and not her birth date. They estimate her birthdate is actually October 5th, or thereabouts. So today is one birthday, and the 20th is another. We'll celebrate one as a family (today) and one as friends and family (the 20th). Tom and I already got her a few toys, and my parents got her some stuff. We were going to wait until the 20th to give her the things, but when the UPS man delivered the boxes, she was SO interested in them that we let her open them. She was so excited, and she actually pointed to the photos of the toys on the packages and eagerly pulled pieces out and waited patiently for us to put them together. I am SO psyched for Christmas now- I think she'll be able to comprehend a lot of it. She loves music, colors, lights, and opening things, so she's my ideal Christmas buddy!
I just wanted to thank my friends for sending her some goodies for her birthday- it was SO unnecessary, but the gifts were perfect. She got some wonderful art supplies and stickers and some Backyardigans books, which are the only books she'll sit with us and let us read to her without trying to take off with. I love both art and books with a passion, so the gifts were wonderful surprises for both Gracie *and* me!
Here's some photos of her, drinking her bottle in her chair. She loves her chair. Instead of crawling out of it, she basically rockets her body up and then tumbles out. She could easily crawl out, but she prefers some adventure in the everyday.
While the formula makes her sick, it's still her favorite thing...
I am happy to hear nothing came of the tests although I am sure you want some kind of answer! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ENJOY your special day! She is absolutely adorable! I love the pictures!
Posted by Nina/SOS @ October 5, 2006 04:47 PM
I am so glad that her tests came back okay! That is wonderful. I absolutely adore the picture of Grace with her leg kicked up on the chair. That is too cute. Happy Birthday Grace!!
Posted by Kelly @ October 5, 2006 05:10 PM
That's awesome that her tests came back okay! My absolute favorite gift for Chloe to receive from our family and friends are books. Everytime someone asks what to get her, I say books. They're a wonderful gift. And now she LOVES to read!
Posted by melinda @ October 5, 2006 07:23 PM
She is the cutest thing EVER! I can't believe she is ONE! Happy Birthday Gracie-girl!!!
Posted by Nicki @ October 6, 2006 09:45 AM
She's such a beauty! Happy Birthday Gracie!
Posted by heather @ October 6, 2006 10:09 AM
oh, i'm so glad the tests were okay! i didn't know she was left outside the orphanage. that is so sad. how could someone just leave her there? :( i'm glad you have her now. she's a very lucky girl. i already commented on your pix at flickr, but they're so cute!<3
Posted by Amy @ October 6, 2006 01:55 PM
Oh. My. Gawd. the cuteness is killing me. *love* the chair - but love that she is YOURS even more. *hugs*
Posted by erin @ October 6, 2006 05:15 PM
I LOVE the drunken baby photos! And I see you got the Super Yard XT. Nice choice!
I'm glad that things worked out with the medical stuff.Posted by Nicole @ October 10, 2006 11:25 AM
