update: doc's thoughts, diet, sleep, and my thoughts... and of course some pics.

doctors thoughts....

We saw Dr. P for Norah's 4 month well visit yesterday.

• We did not retest her poop because he seems to think since the last test was negative and so recent, and there hasn't really been much change, if any in her behavior since then, that there is no reason to test it at this time.
• We are going to slowly start taking Norah off of the Ranitidine (1/5ml per day) so she should be off in a week or two. I am hoping that we see no change for the worse when we do this so we can keep her off of medicine! I am supposed to call and update Dr. P in a week with these results.
• Norah had to get her 4 month shots - 3 pokes, yikes! It was absolutely awful. I hated every second of it, as did she. She screamed worse and was upset for longer afterwards than last time :(. I know there is much controversy regarding vaccines these days. I don't know all of the details but I do know that I don't believe there is enough evidence that they do bad things to not vaccinate our children, and I believe God has given us the technology and wisdom to create vaccines and he can use them in a positive way to help protect our kiddos!
• I also talked to Dr. P about sleep, separation anxiety, stranger anxiety, and a few other behavioral issues that I was hoping were just that - behavioral, not that something was irritating her. He thinks that she is perfectly healthy and normal....with the exception of the dairy and soy issues. He did however remark that while she is healthy and normal, that doesn't translate to easy. She is a very, very, very active baby. We talked about numerous things, solutions, ideas, etc. He spent 45 mins with us; these days I think that is incredible to have a doctor devote that much time to you and really seem to try and do what's best for your child.
• Solid Foods: Once we get Norah off the ranitidine for a week or so, if there is no change in her demeanor, we will start to introduce very easily digestable solids slowly into her diet. This will be fun! He suggested we start with squash. So, I guess when she is about 5 months ( in 3 weeks) we will try this.

the dairy and soy diaries...

• I am still off of all soy and dairy. Dr. P did remark that I could probably add soy oil and soy lecithin into my diet because those things rarely have enough protein in them to disturb little tummies. I had already done some research regarding this and have already been eating some soy oil (well only in Chipotle's rice, because honestly a girl has to eat.) But I was glad to have his confirmation about this.
• Dr. P thinks I should keep my diet as is until Norah is 6 months. At that point we are going to work together to start slowly introducing bits and pieces of dairy and soy back into my diet.
• Dr. P mentioned that I might give him a list of foods I'm eating and how I am surviving on this diet because he has many patients that really struggle with it and maybe I could give them some tips! I'd love to!

the sleep saga.....

• 2 nights ago, Norah woke up 8 times in the night. seriously.
• last night, she slept from 8pm until 4am straight. better.
• hmmm. still trying to figure it all out.

some pictures for all of you norah junkies....

i love this wide mouth smile!

she is grabbing everything these days, including our faces!

...and her ears..

janae, do you see this sleeper, it says my auntie loves me! (from my aunt lynn, but hey, it applies to you all of her great aunts and aunt!)

she is sitting in the peanut shell differently now, but still loves it.

sitting up with the boppy and delighted about it.

getting a bit wobbly.

my heart....

To be honest, parenting has been difficult. I feel like my shoulders are heavy, my eyelids droopy, my mind over worked, and my spirit exhausted. This is partly due to my not sleeping a full night in 4 1/2 months....But also the extreme sense of responsibility I feel like I have for Norah's well being. I struggle with wanting to know I'm doing everything right, with wanting her to be protected and perfect. I realize I feel like I'm watching a Staples commercial, looking for the "easy" button.

I feel like God has told me, Bri, there is no easy button. But there is an easier way. I have read these verses many times, but I feel like this morning God really is saying them to me. Not just in the bible, but TO ME. I feel like they aren't just words on a page, but promises from my Heavenly Father, promises meant for me, today and always.

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 .

God I thank you for your comfort this morning. Thank You for your word. Thank You for your love, and that you know me. Thank You for my family. Thank You that you will give me rest. Thank you that you have given us grace and power in abundance. I love you. Amen