Saturday, January 17, 2009

Every Ounce Counts!

It is hard to believe that yesterday it was Lainey's 8 month checkup at the Cystic Fibrosis Center. Sid and I feel like it was just yesterday when we found out Lainey's diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis. We thank God everyday for all of the knowledge and hope Dr. Caplan has given us. Lainey absolutely loves him and with all of his kisses, she can tell he loves her too! With his age, it is our concern each month that our next visit to the center may not involve Dr. Caplan.


Lainey and Dr. Caplan


On another note, Lainey was up 14 oz. from our last visit in December, weighing in at 16 lbs. 1.5 oz.! It was not what the dietitian had hoped for, but at least she gained weight even with her eating strike! She also grew another inch longer! She is now 27 3/8 inches long. Her weight is in the 25th percentile and her height is in the 50th percentile. Hopefully at our next visit Lainey's weight will catch up with her height!



Lainey and Gigi playing while we waited for Dr. Caplan.


As always, it was great to hear those four little words, "Her lungs sound clear." Dr. Caplan was happy to know we did not have a stool sample for him today....although, we had a bunch after we left the center. Not too much was changed with her medications or her diet. She will continue to take Ultrase Enzymes with each meal. Instead of taking four standard Utrase capsules, Dr. Caplan changed her to a higher dosage of Ultrase, Ultrase MT18. Now she will just need to take one capsule with each meal. She will also continue drinking 30 calorie Alimentum. She must drink 30 oz. per day, then she can have solid foods. She would rather have rice cereal and baby food, but we will listen to the docs!





"What? No solid foods until I drink all of my liquid mashed potatoes??!!"


We are totally thrilled with Lainey's appointment at the CF center. God is truly Good! Thank you to everyone who has prayed and continues to pray for our family. Lainey's diagnosis has been a life altering experience for everyone in our family. Through all of this I have learned that life isn't fair, things don't always turn out the way you planned, things can and will change even if it messes up your schedule, a "To do" list is never completed before another has begun, knowledge is power, laundry is never-ending, kids grow up too fast, and God has a plan for each of us; he knows what he is doing. Thank you for helping us to live God's plan.

With Gratitude,

The Smithsons


PS. Maybe I am crazy, but I am totally concerned about Lainey's teeth! Dr. Caplan warned me that some of her medications could damage her teeth. Yesterday he looked at her tooth, and said it was fine. After our visit, my mom and I took Lainey to Target and that is where it was very noticeable. Under the bright lights, all I could see in my precious baby's mouth was a black tooth! I know it is better to have a black tooth than have lung issues, breathing treatments, and being hospitalized. I think I wasn't prepared for what Dr. Caplan meant by medication "damaging" her teeth. I have begun brushing her teeth and hopefully this will prevent more black teeth. Sorry for being so vain, I just know how rude people can be about appearances, especially with girls. :(


6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great to hear such good news! She is adorable!
Have a great weekend!
Angela

Unknown said...

She is so cute no matter what....glad to hear she has gained weight. I know the relief it is to hear they have gained!
Carrie

Aspiemom said...

She is so pretty! I'm glad to hear that she had a good appt and how happy you are with her dr.

Christy said...

Lainey is so precious!

I ran across another CF family’s blog yesterday and it’s brought me to an entire world of CF blogs! I have an eleven year old daughter with CF (and an 8 year old daughter w/o). I hope you don’t mind if I start following yours!

Christy

Lil' Chris' Mom said...

I just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for a blog award on my blog:)

Check it out at
acure4lilchris.blogspot.com

I was glad to hear about the clinic visit! She is doing great and so are you!!

I never knew that about the teeth. My dr's never said anything about that. Thanks for telling me:)
M

Heath, Leanne, McKenzie and Alexis said...

Lainey is so adorable! I love seeing all of her hairbows. Where did you get the headband? I would love to have one for my youngest daughter, Alexis who was born 6 days after Lainey. I work at NEGMC with Sid.