Isabella is now 5 months old. Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday we were finding out we were having her. She went for her check up and shots on Thursday. She weighed 15lbs 3oz and was 25in long. She is perfect!

I discussed the problems we've been having with her skin with her doctor. His thoughts were that she may have an allergy to food, most likely milk products. When I'm at work she has been getting formula mixed with breast milk. After this appointment I had my mom start her on formula only and immediately her skin seemed better. So my choices are these: start a lactose free diet for myself or give her formula only that is lactose free. I had originally planned to nurse for 6 months since work will start getting busy as summer starts and I won't have the time to pump, but it seems my decision may be made for me earlier than I had planned. This morning Isabella had a horrible rash after nursing and threw a huge fit. The only thing I can think is that I had quesadilla's at dinner last night that were loaded down with cheese. I have to consider that my daughter's comfort comes before anything else. As much as I'm going to miss nursing, I think I'm going formula only.

I was the most concerned that she will not take a bottle from me since we have had problems with it in the past. Today we all went to a cookout with some of Brian's co-workers and instead of leaving to find a place to nurse, I took a bottle. Thank God she didn't have a melt down like she did last time!! I think I can get thru this as long as Isabella doesn't have complete come aparts! I am going to miss this terribly. It has been the most wonderful experience bonding with my daughter!!

This is for you Amy!!

Ok, so Amy told me that I am definately a mom now since I keep up a blog talking about my child's rahes and skin problems. So Amy, this is for you!

What a wonderful weekend! Saturday was spent playing with Isabella while Brian was at work, and trying to catch up on chores around the house while she was sleeping. Amy came over with her mom and stayed all afternoon. The boys got off of work and we actually had adult company and conversations!! (some of which I'm still trying to forget!) I can't wait for them to live closer so we can do that more often!

Today was perfect weather! Brian had football practice so Isabella and I went and walked around the track. God bess her sweet heart because it was right in the middle of her nap. She was so tired but wouldn't sleep! She finally fell asleep literally 2 minutes after we got in the car and slept for 3 hours! We may have a late night tonight!

I finally gave into exhaustion and my mom came over last night to get up with Isabella. She pitched a royal fit the night before when I tried to give her a formula bottle to help her sleep longer. I really have never heard her cry like that or kick and hit! She is usuall a very sweet natured baby so it came as a suprise. Mom gave her the last bottle around 11:30 and wouldn't you know that stinker slept all night!! No fits like the night before, no waking up every 2 hours. Hopefully, since she didn't get a good nap today, she'll sleep all night again.

SNOW

I am so excited that Isabella got to see her 1st snow today. We got about 3 inches total. She wasn't sure what to think at first but I think she liked it. Melody couldn't get enough. She would go out and stay until she got cold and came back inside until she ot warm enough to go out again.

Sucking her thumb!

I think we may have hit a growth spurt. Isabella is hungry all the time now! She has started taking an extra ounce in her bottle. Unfortunately, she is waking up more at night hungry. I haven't been up this many times at night since she was sick! We may start getting cereal in our bottle soon!

On a skin note, we are singing praises to the Head and Shoulders makers. It has helped Isabella's head so much! She hasn't scratched as much and It doesn't have all the scratch marks any more!!

Tonight we are going to Brian's parents for Brian's B'day dinner. He has a suprise that I have been trying not to spill. I think he will be so excited!

Well I have made a mixture that will hopefully help my sweet baby girls skin. I've tried it for two nights now and already some of the redness is better. It's a mixture of original Desitin (it has 40% zinc) and coconut oil. I can't put it where she can reach like where she needs it the most, her head, but her other areas seem to have improved. I'm giving it 2 weeks. After that I'm all out of ideas! Lets pray that it works!!

Skin problems

So yesterday Isabella had another rash. It started when we went to Brookwood and went all over her body. It is so pitiful when this happens! She starts to scratch and feels miserable! I haven't found a cause for this yet but it is another problem for her skin. She already has dry skin that I keep covered in the mildest lotions and oils. I really hope she grows out of this! On a brighter note, she is "talking" all the time now. I think she'll speak full sentences by 6 months ;0)

Cheryl