Eat This, U of M

Finally, fresh new pix. We have tentatively started Bo on solids these last 2 weeks. UMich docs threatened us with increased diarrhea to the point of dehydration. No such thing has occurred. In fact, ever since we left their care in September, I have been regularly breastfeeding him, albeit in much smaller volumes than his peer group eats, but breastfeeding, nonetheless.

And, his WBCs were in the normal range today (16.7). Though his bilirubin was up slightly, 0.1 is still awesome, and pretty darn close to last week's 0.0. Another great day with our new best friend, Bo. We are so lucky.

All Text Update

Apologies to all Bo fans everywhere, but I haven't had a chance to upload new pix, so you just get text today. All the drs visits went well and without incident, thank goodness. Bo was showing off for Dr. Page (pediatrician), and sitting up like a big boy. Then with Dr. Cloney (GI) he was talking and talking with his new favorite words, "dadadadada, brrrrrrrrr (big saliva-y raspberry), dadadananana, yeeeeeeeee!" Since we got approved for 180 hrs of respite care through the end of August, we are going on our first nurse-supported date tonight! Thank you, State of Michigan, Department of Community Health!

Aloha!

WBC's are dropping (21.1) much closer to normal levels (19 is the high end of normal). Tomorrow is our well-baby visit, and Friday is our monthly check-up with the GI specialist. Not only has Bo been doing great with the rice cereal; no adverse events, but he really wants to start drinking out of a cup! And, drum-roll please, his direct bilirubin was 0.0 today!

Why Elevated White Blood Count?

Again, he has elevated WBC, but no other physical or clinical signs of infection. My guess is that he either has or is fighting off one or both of Jose and my colds. We are both, thankfully on the mend, but pretty wiped out.

And if you're sending us good vibes, please send some to our friends in Maine. Mallory has an infection. And my friend (and mother of 4 in Atlanta- the baby was just born in November); she is fighting stage 4 colon cancer.

Looks Like Jose Here!

Bo finally has a picture where he looks like Jose. He also had rice cereal for the second day in a row. He is a good eater! Ooooh, good boy!

Rave Till Dusk(?)

Bo spun himself 180' around in his exercauser for the first time yesterday. His head is getting too big for most of the hats he has, which I've noticed only really go up to 6 months at the baby clothing stores anyway. As you can see here, this hat is on its way to being a skullcap and strangulating his giant egg.

Are You Talkin' ta Me?

Rinse, lather, repeat. The fever has not returned from Saturday, but due to what doctor and I believe was a contaminated blood sample of Bo's from Saturday, they insisted on another blood culture today. And since I am working and Jose is sick, we really needed help to get him to the doctor's and the hospital. Thank god for Jose's family. His mom came this morning to pinch hit for us and it has made all the difference. This is what family is for: to shower us with their grace and presence, to alleviate the fear and anger, and to make us feel as if all these impossible things we are so in need of are a pleasure for them to give.

And, hopefully, next time one of us gets sick, we'll have our respite care in place, especially since it was dumb luck that his mom had the time off.

PS all the labwork from today looked good, as I had guessed.