Update on tummy issues and new pics....

Unfortunately, the meds have not had the effect on the tummy problems that we were hoping for. In fact, over the last few days, Caroline has just seemed to get worse. I took her back to the pediatrician's office this morning to get some advice for next steps, and they will be consulting with Dr. Prose at Duke today and call me when they decide what to do. Adding a medication that would "coat" her stomach is one option. We saw Dr. Prose this past Friday, and the steroid dose has been reduced by a bit. The plan would be to keep an eye on any growth/change in the hemangioma while trying to gradually taper the steroid over the next six weeks or so. We were hopeful that the decrease in the steroid may help the tummy problems too, but that just isn't the case. Hopefully the doctors can work together to find a plan to bring her some relief. Taking a bottle is supposed to be pleasurable for a baby, not a pain-filled experience! One thing the reflux isn't affecting is her weight. Today she weighed 10 pounds! She's gained 12 ounces in 9 days- whoa!! You can see a little bit of a double chin in the picture above (smile). I told Caroline to wear that double chin with pride- it's the only time in her life when that will be considered "cute!" Now for some good "normal" baby news and milestones... Caroline literally seems to change and develop everyday. She is now holding toys and rattles well and is really proud of this new skill. She has discovered her hands and how to use them- including pulling mommy's hair and any type of jewelry she is wearing! She is continuing to smile, and now coo, babble and squeal/scream (she really likes to hear herself make this noise!). She is really strong and loves to sit up with some assistance- we've tried her in her "bumbo" chair a few times and she seems to like it. She's very interested in our faces and reaches up to touch our nose, mouth, etc. She's at a really fun age right now! Here are some recent pictures: I love my leapfrog bouncy chair! My blankie and my paci are my two best friends! This is my friend, "bug." She plays music and lights up and has really fun "crinkle" wings. She's my favorite toy right now. Here I am in my "bumbo" seat. I think I like it.....maybe... So Sweet!!