Lowry Family Reunion 2011

With their sons scattered across the country, Janet and Keith planned a family reunion.  They rented a cabin in Heber, Utah where the family reunited for a whole week of celebrations.  We celebrated Isabelle's 1st birthday, the 4th of July, Keith's 58th birthday, and Brandi & John's 10th anniversary.  You could say the party never stopped!  A long the way we had a few unplanned surprises... leaking from the walls and windows during a rainstorm, no A/C, and many creepy crawly things.  It was our version of "The Great Outdoors."  We ended the trip with a extended family gathering.  If anyone has some photos of the event, please share. 

"Bloom where you’re planted"

Last night I found myself sitting beside Eliza's bed reading this article while I fed her a 2:30 am bottle. I naturally thought about my situation. I am adding this article to my blog so I can look back and read it, when I need it.

The Prison and the Dandelion - By Andrew D. Olsen

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http://lds.org/ensign/2011/06/the-prison-and-the-dandelion?lang=eng

Looks like Bambam

 Having a little fun with Eliza's hair.  Fist time in a piggy-tale.  Please don't judge, I know I need to work on my styling skills.

Like Daddy Like Ellie

I can not get over how much Ellie loves to dance/wiggle.  I had to snap some photos of her watching SO You Think You Can Dance.  I see dance class in her future.  Just like mommy :-)

Mmm... peaches!!!

First thing this morning we took Eliza to the doctor's office to discuss going back on prilosec.  She has had a lot of reflux and I can tell that it burns her throat coming up because she cries when it happens.  So she is back on the medication for now.  The doctor didn't want to adjust her dose higher for her weight.  She wants to keep it the same and see if we can slowly whine her off of it in the next few months.  We will reassess if the dosage is okay at her 9 month appointment.  If we have problems before then, we can always come in sooner.

Since Eliza has been doing well with her baby oatmeal, I decided to add a little flavor.  The peaches looked great at the store so I added a little peach puree to her oatmeal cereal.  She loved it.  She didn't care for the peaches by themselves, but the peach oatmeal was a hit.  Will continue it for the next week or two. 

Did I mention that I gave her a little apple juice last night.  It was only an ounce (no sugar added, Mott's brand).  She wasn't sure about the flavor but sucked it down.  It really helped with her constipation.  She pooped twice in one day.  Unheard of for our little gal.

6 Month Check-Up

Eliza had her 6 month check-up on Tuesday.  We went to a new practice that one of the mom's at my church recommended.  They were fabulous!!! They gave us a huge book for free "Caring for Your Baby & Young Child, Birth to Age 5."  They said that it cuts down on hospital visit if parents can refer to the book first before thinking they have a crisis. 

After going through all of Eliza's medical information, the pediatrician told us we could take her off prilosec.  If we see an increase in her reflux we can go back on, but she seems to be spiting up no more than some babies her age.  So we will monitor that.   She also went through information on sleeping and eating with us.  Eliza can start solid foods.  Since she only poops every couple of days, the doctor recommended avoiding rice cereal and bananas (they can be constipating).  So we will probably start with baby oatmeal cereal.  If Eliza does get a little constipated in the future we can give her a little apple or pear juice.

The pediatrician had so much advice and input.  It was a welcome change.  I am always open to advice since I have never done this before and sometimes it takes trying a few different things before something sticks.

There has been a few changes in Eliza's growth since her 4 month check-up.
Height: 25 1/4 inches (25%) - this is an increase from the 10%
Weight: 14 lbs 6 oz (10%) - still in the 10%
Head Circumference: 17 inches (35%) - she was in the 50% so her body is evening out

The highchair is HERE

 I am so excited that our highchair is here.  I did a lot of research before choosing the Graco 4-in-1 Seating System.  Thank you grandma!!
http://blog.gracobaby.com/2009/03/13/the-new-graco-blossom-4-in-1-seating-system

 I'm sure she was thinking, "Mommy don't make me eat that.  It smells worse than my bottle. Got anything in a berry flavor?"

 I think Eliza was more excited about posing for the camera than trying baby oatmeal cereal for the first time.  We started with oatmeal instead or rice because the doctor said rice cereal can be constipating and Eliza already has problems with that.

She played with the spoon for a while.  I am not convinced that any of it actually went done.  At least she got used to the texture (super watery since I mixed it with her formula) and sitting in a highchair.