Hodges Inc.: Catch up!

Preston went to the Dr last Wednesday for a check-up. We found out he is 24 in long and weighs 12.4lbs. We also found out that the reason he has been having extremely dry skin and breaking out around his face is because he is allergic to all scented body wash, shampoos, and laundry detergent (You think I would have thought about that before!) We have switched everything out and his skin is getting back to normal. The Dr was a little concerned about the back right side of Preston's head. She said that she would diagnose him with Positional Plagiocephaly (Flattened Head Syndrome) When I heard that word come out of her mouth I instantly started to freak out. While tears were in my eyes she explained to me that it was nothing serious, painful, or long term. She referred us to a physical therapist that we will be meeting with this week. She said that with the help of the therapist, changing the position he sleeps, and LOTS of tummy time should clear up the problem with in a few months. She said that if his head didn't start to round out then we would try a helmet. I'm praying he does well with the therapy, I can't imagine wearing a helmet all the time could be comfortable. But all in all, Preston is one very healthy baby boy. He laughed, smiled, kicked, and talked to the Dr the whole time... until it was time to get his shots. I have never heard him cry like that before. I know every different type of cry Preston has, and I know exactly how to respond to each one... but this one scared me so much. Knowing that your child is in pain is by far the worst experience in the world. Praying that Preston never brakes a bone has now been added into my daily prayers for him. I know him experiencing pain is just a part of life, but I so badly wish I could take any pain or discomfort away from him. Hearing that cry really made me think about how lucky I am to have such a happy and healthy baby. I read stories all the time about babies with diseases and babies who are injured, and my heart brakes not only for the children but for the parents as well. It really is true that you don't know what unconditional love is until you become a parent. Preston has to go back on his 4 month birthday and get the same 3 shots again... and I am definitely not looking forward to it.

On a happier note, Preston rolled over on his side by himself yesterday for the first time. I had put him down for a nap and he apparently was not tired because I watched him for about 20 minutes turning to his side, then on his back over and over and over again. He loved it, and so did I. I have also made the decision to put Preston on formula full time now. It was a very hard decision, but I just wasn't making enough to satisfy him. The nursing experience went from a calm and peaceful one to a very un enjoyable one for both of us. I tried for several weeks to keep nursing and was hoping my body would come through for him but it just didn't work out. He has adjusted to bottle feeding extremely well and feeding time has become pleasant again.

Preston, Chip and myself went to dinner with Aunt Kelly and Lexi Friday evening. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the beautiful weather (but not so much the birds in the trees above us) Lexi made us all laugh as usual. At one point during dinner I needed to go to the bathroom to change Preston. Preston literally had an explosion in his pants... and it wasn't the best surprise when I realized I left the wipes at home. Aunt Kelly and Lexi came into the bathroom while I was debating on what I should do. We decided to use some wet paper towels. When I took Preston's diaper off the first thing that came out of Lexi's mouth was "OH MY GOSH!!!" Kelly and I started dieing laughing. Chip and I can't get enough of that little girl.