Comments | ourlittlemonkey: **Taking a breath**

ourlittlemonkey

Taking a breath

Jun 15, 2011 16:05

Once again, I've been meaning to update since the last boo hoo post about Rylan's anemia, but I just haven't gotten it together. I have just been bumbling through my days lately, more so than ever before, accomplishing with struggle only the bare minimum of tasks. My children are fed, clothed, played with, loved on and happy, but pretty much ( Read more... )

Comments 7

dujour June 16 2011, 00:16:40 UTC

That rash business is weird! He's okay with the new type?

You've just had quite a shock - I think it's amazing you are keeping your feet on the ground. It sounds like things are looking better, and that is good news.

I think I told you before that my brother didn't talk until he was four, and he was the smartest person I have ever known. He just didn't need to talk - he had everything he wanted.

Now, here's a trick. Does Rylan show any interest in his sister's food?

My mother had a horrible time with my sister and eating. My brother was 18 months younger than my sister. When my brother would finish all he wanted, my mother realized my sister would snatch the bottle and hide to finish it. She started filling everything all the way just so my sister actually got food.

See if Rylan shows interest in his sister's "leftovers" - you might get some extra nutrition in him that way. Give her more than she will eat - and see if he takes the rest.

ourlittlemonkey June 16 2011, 02:45:30 UTC

The rash is weird-- and a bit worrisome. Huge history of allergies in my family (I have a severe allergy to brazil nuts, amongst other things), but this is the first time he's noticeably reacted. I'm wondering if it is the iron or the red dye or??? He's only had the new kind of iron supplement for 24 hours, so not sure... The last one took 7 full days before the rash appeared ( ... )

dujour June 16 2011, 12:09:23 UTC

Don't mention her food to him. Use reverse psychology on him. Act like maybe it isn't the thing to do, and you might encourage a little "ooo - I'm getting away with something" attitude in him. If he has the least bit of oppositional defiance, of course he's going to reject any overtures. But...if he thinks that you don't want him doing it...

That's what mom did with my sister. She'd say, "That's his" and walk away. She didn't say "don't", but she just let it go. And my sister wouldn't take it while mom was looking, but the minute she thought she was getting away with it, zoom, off in a corner with the leftovers.

heh heh heh

eekm June 16 2011, 01:29:52 UTC

You are such an awesome mother. Wow, I'm so inspired by reading this. I'll say it again, Rylan is so lucky to have you as a mom. You are incredible. You are so proactive (more proactive than the damn pediatrician!). I so hear you on all of this. We are just now releazing that Espen has probably had a lifelong cow milk allergy. We are just now realizing all the harm it has done to him and his body. Behaviorlly, he's a handful. I say this after spending the last hour with him screaming at the top of his lungs and fighting and flailing that he didn't want to go to sleep because he thought he heard more thunder. This is so typical for him, to be utterly unable to control himself at the slightest provocation. But, your post is so inspiring to read: I have to accept him for who he is and develop his stregths. And yes, his undiagnosed milk allgery/severe GI issues probably did contribute to his lack of behavioral control: he has probably spent his whole young life feeling awful. But I have to accept where we are now and move ( ... )

ourlittlemonkey June 16 2011, 06:07:29 UTC

Aw, thanks for your thoughts. I must admit that I'm still working on the acceptance piece. Life would just be so much easier if Rylan was just an average, typical boy without all the challenging quirks. But, this is our journey and we'll make the best of it, as will you :) SO very glad you've got Espen's cow milk allergy sorted... I wonder if you'll see changes in his behaviour as his diet is shifted and regulated again ( ... )

greyhowl June 16 2011, 12:45:39 UTC

You are an awesome mama <3 I am happy to have you in my life :)

and you know what...I think it's safe to say that our boys will never be "normal" boys and that's totally okay :)

(and if it makes you feel any better- Jack poops in his underwear daily. Sometimes twice. Even if I put him on the toilet when I know he needs to poop. It's so frustrating!)

<3 hug hug

lululily June 19 2011, 03:58:59 UTC

I'm glad to hear that the anemia isn't as bad as you originally feared. Dr. Google really isn't a friend to anyone (I was fairly convinced my second daughter had some form of dwarfism for awhile, and I make it a point to never google periventricular leukomalacia, which my youngest does have, but not the severe versions that can be found while googling ( ... )