marchtojune

March 4, 2001:Jason had another visit to the MD as the first shot at antibiotics didn't work. He has been up and down, though so far so good today. His upper gums are very swollen. He has been happy and playful and is getting very strong. He can't be trusted anymore. His winning personality continues to shine through as he had his first bad breathholding spell at home yesterday. Brother Zachary continues to be of interest. Zachary aka Mr. Conductor has "Thomas" identities for the whole family and we are rarely allowed out of character. This is not really a probllem; however Mr. C is very picky as to what clothes he will wear. They have to be blue or resemble conductor or work clothes and forget about pajamas.

March, 31,2001
Sorry, it's been awhile. We've been busy with appointments and taking care of the little bugger. A quick update. The developmental doctor at Strong is worried about Jason's behavior. We are not so wooried. He has been doing great again. He did have another ear infection which happened to be present during his visit with the dev doc, but was not as yet diagnosed. A new antibiotic and we seem to be on the right track again. jason is again sleeping through the night and getting better at being put down. he is becoming a generally happy baby and is quite a flirt. We had heart clinic on Friday and everyone was pleased with his development. He did however have an arrythmia which I have been assured is of no concern, but they would like him to have a 24-hour EKG. Feeding is still an issue of course and we are trying to maximize calories which isn't going very well because the little guy wants to be on a big boy schedule and eat only a few times a day.

April 8,2001 HAPPY PASSOVER /EASTER
Hello everyone. The ear infection appears gone, but the nose is stuffy. Jason continues to do well. Feeding slowly, but surely is improving. He wii take an ounce or so from a bottle when in the mood and we try a cup too. On Friday Jason absolutely loved fried rice. He really seems to take better to "real" food. Yesterday we had a great day. The family watched the launch of the Odyssey. then Zach and dad went to get hay and had some fun on Papa's and Maya's new 4 wheeler. Mom and Jason stayed home and played and played. After a morning nap, Jason was awake from 1:30 until after 8:00. He is really begin to use both hands well. He brings everything to his mouth and is starting to activate toys. His head control is now good and he is starting to try to sit by himself. Nanny and Papa will be here on Wednesday. Have a good holiday everyone.

MAY IS HERE
Hello everyone. Things are going pretty well here. Jason is just getting over another double ear infection and a pretty bad cold. The eating has slowed down, however just prior to all this, we left the tube out all day and he took 81/2 ounces. Yes that's the whole day, but for those of you who are forgetting, we were lucky to get 2-4 ounces in a whole day. Jason went to his GI appointment and the doc was very pleased with his oral motor progress. We are having a hard time keeping his hands out of his mouth. We are now adding a sugar powder to his breast milk also, to increase calories and help us build up to getting off the tube. Jason is doing well on all other fronts. He enjoyed his grandparents visit as long as they didn't try to hold him. He did though enjoy sitting on the Easter bunny's lap and we have pictures to prove it. He was in the exersaucer the other night for over 20 minutes. He is also rolling from side to side and gets onto his tummy once in awhile, much to his chagrin. If you come to visit, Jason would love to give you kisses. It's one of his favorite activities, along with patty cake and peek-a-boo. Last night, we took Zachary to preschool night over at the elementary school. He had fun, but was a little intimidated by the older kids. His favorite activity was paiinting and spraying the outside wall of the school with colored water. Jason enjoyed flirting with everyone and he kissed a large poster of kitties. Jason also had a ball going down the slide. Well, we are busy in birthday party season. Talk to you all soon.

May 22 - Jason was started on Prilosec last week and he seems much happier. Prilosec is a stronger acid blocker to help reduce the pain of his reflux. He now wants everything that Felice is eating. He has been nicknamed Mr. Grabby Hands. He has been chewing on rib bones and is very active. He does not want the bottle, but is eating lots of solid food. We met with the Psychologist last week and she was very helpful in teaching us how to deal with Jason and Zach. She also worked with us on how to get Jason adjusted to other people(The Holy Grail of the Smith house). Jason is at the Cardiologist today for a routine Echocardiogram. We will let every one know how things are going when we get the results..

JUNE UPDATE
We have been busy being a family and going on outings with our calm, happy baby. We got a good report at te cardiologist. GI was happy with us too. Jason now weighs16 lb.,9oz. He has 6 teeth. Feeding progress is steady, but slow. We rae mostly using a regular cup now. Jason also likes juice boxes and tries to use the straw. He loves chicken soup and Taco Bell beef. He really seems to enjoy feeding now, but does not take enough in on his own. Jason is much more active and a little more independent. He likes to be on his back chewing his feet. He also rolls to his stomach and tries to pick his head u[p. He is spending more time in the exersaucer. Jason is tolerating other people better, but still not giving mom too big a break. Big brother Zachary is enjoying being outside and continues to enjoy his favorite Disney movies at night, mostly Lion King and Aladdin. Zachary has learned how to identify a cherry tree, by the peeling skin (bark). And why does the skin peel?- because that's where the woodpecker pecks, of course. The boys' birthdays are fast approaching. We're not sure what we are going to do yet. we are still waiting to hear about Nanny;'s surgery.