Kevin's mother is visiting us this week to get to know Hannah Claire and celebrate her first birthday. She turns one on Thursday, and her party with our family is on Saturday. Every day, every hour, every minute is precious.
We're trying to figure out if we can go from two naps to one nap. She's never ready to go down for a morning nap. When she does we're lucky if it's for an hour.
Our appointment at the Riley Children's Hospital International Adoption Clinic is Wednesday. I filled out all of their intake forms today but still need to make photocopies of Hannah's medical info for them. She has some health issues, some stemming from being a preemie born at 28 weeks. I'm really interested in hearing about where they think we should be at with feeding and sleep schedule. Because she's so little, she was a preemie, and she was institutionalized, I feel like the normal rules just don't apply and I don't know if we're on track or not. I feel like she's grown a whole bunch just since we've been home. Her little body has filled out more. There's a little belly now where she used to look kinda skinny. Her cheeks are fuller and pinker and her arms and legs have more baby fat. She's much more stable sitting, she goes down from standing to her knees much more easily, and she enjoys stands supported by one hand all of the time now. When she first came home she's only take half a container of baby food before she's refuse more. Now she'll routinely take a whole container twice a day, and just yesterday grunted for more when a small jar was empty. I feel like she's gaining more weight at home because she has someone with patience who's encouraging every bite, and always willing to try to get her to take one more bite when she starts to refuse.
We stopped the 1/2 teaspoonful of Miralax in a bottle once daily because we had some horribly messy diapers, but the constipation came right back yesterday. She grunted painfully through a clay like turd last night until I slipped her some liquid glycerine to help the rest of the poo slide on out. We started back on the Miralax just using a 1/4 teaspoonful daily, and we'll see if that's a happy medium. Prunes just don't cut it with this girl, and she won't take juice straight up or diulted with water.
Oh, I am crying again after that video! Hannah has so much love and what precious memories she will have in these pictures and videos someday! Constipation is no fun. I will be praying. I guess the old saying, "This too shall pass", would not be appropriate here huh?, ; ) I look forward to hearing about the Dr visit.
ReplyDeleteBe sure to talk to Dr. Kech (if she's still there). She offered great advise on feeding issues we had with Braylen. We had the SAME constipation issues with Alea. We did not go to Riley with her and I wished we had! It was a constant battle with her and still is occassionaly even now at 32 months!! Most of Alea's issues were with the Iron in the formula. She wouldn't take juice either and prunes didn't work. We relied on Miralax, dealing with explosions occassionaly! I feel for ya--been there, done that!! I hope you get some answers.
ReplyDeleteHappy Grandmas are so much fun! I hope you have a wonderful week and look forward to hearing all about Hannah's Birthday. Happy Birthday little one and enjoy your visit with Grandma everybody.
ReplyDeleteSweet Sweet!
ReplyDeleteShe'll get better. Once she starts eating more fruit and veggies.
She doesn't like juice now..but at some point it will be ALL SHE ASKS FOR.:)
I had to give my kids soy formula because they would get consipated with the milk formulas.
She looks so good . Precious thing.
You guys sound like you are doing a wonderful job.
Kevin- all if the physical play that you do with her is wonderful for her.
Studies have shown that that kind of play with "Dad" is wonderful for the relationship and any relationship that she will have in the future.
Love ya'll,
Andrea
It would seem your little girl brings out such strong reactions of delight in everyone.
ReplyDeleteEither Grandma Adrienne is really tiny or Hannah Claire has really grown quite a bit from what I can tell through pictures and video. It's a real testament to what a difference love and direct nurture can make.
Can't wait to read about Hannah's birthday celebration! We've had the same experience with Miralax, and have found that we have to keep Gracyn on it (small dose) to help her along. . .Maybe try every other day? Daily if the fiber intake is low? And yes, SHE IS LOVELY and boy is she growing!!!
ReplyDeleteHi,We do not know each other, but I look at your site from a friend's site because we are adopting as well. Our biological son was born premature at 32 weeks and has been through a lot, but he is 6 years old know and growing strong. Our son was born with a hole in his heart and went through open heart surgery at the age of three. From the time he was born, he was not able to eat well and would spit up quite often. We learned to feed him a little at a time and several small meals a day, maybe 6 - 8 times a day. Our son also had issues with his bowel movements and was on Miralax for a short time. Telling you all this, I just wanted to let you know that everything works out in the end. No doctor could tell us what to do for our son, it became more of a trial and error about what allowed him to gain weight. Your daughter is beautiful and we were praising God the day you had her in your arms. We are still waiting for our daughter, but in the mean time we live through your blog. God bless!!!
ReplyDeleteGod is in control!!!
Christina
www.hannahkatechung.blogspot.com
My Pipsqueak had constipation issues as well when she arrived home from India at 17 months.
ReplyDeleteMiralax was used on a regular basis until she was about 3- then as needed.
I did find that if I cut out the dairy- she was much better.
She still can't tolerate milk w/out a lactaid pill- and then just about 4 oz. And NEVER 2 days in a row!
Good luck!
I LOVED seeing your MIL with her for the first time...how special!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the doctors!
OH~ This video is so precious! making me tears~ Happy birthday Hannah!
ReplyDeleteThat is the sweetest video!! Hannah Claire has the sweetest Grandma. Lucky little girl. :)
ReplyDeleteHolli