My sweet Colter

I cannot believe that Colter is four and a half months.  Time is flying.  It was this time last year that we were just truly wrapping our brains around the fact that we were having a baby.  After being diagnosed with infertility we were unsure it would happen but a successful IVF created this perfect little baby.  As most of you probably know the pregnancy was full of lots of craziness.  Most of it spend on bedrest and fearing the worst.  We were so happy we made it to 38 weeks and had a healthy little man. Praise God!!

Unfortunately Colter had jaundice and had to be re hospitalized the day after he was sent home.  The drama started then.  He was a very slow eater and fought his bottles.  We tried different formulas and when he finally started eating he struggled with lots of gas.  When he was only about 4-5 weeks old we found blood in his stool.  Not something any mommy or daddy want to see.  After much stress, switching formulas back and forth and a pediatrician change we were pretty certain Colter had a milk protein allergy.  He was tried on an over the counter hypoallergenic formula but had terrible pooping issues with it and still had blood in stool.  His bottom was literally burned from the acid in his stool...terrible.  So we had to switch him to a prescription formula called Elecare.  He took to this well and the gas pains subsided and diaper burn disappeared.  We fought a battle to get insurance to cover it(will talk about that in another post)  He continued to thrive and we had no issues till a fwe weeks ago when we noticed mucous in his stools again and he stated pooping more and fighting his bottle at times.   The pediatrician thought maybe a bug but we saw an allergist this morning and she is concerned he is reacting to the small amount of corn in Elecare and wants us to try another formula in the same class called Neocate.   UGH poor kiddo on his 8th formula...praying he takes to this with no issue.  If he still has issues at his followup in 3 weeks we will have to have him seen by pediatric GI for a scope...praying it doesnt get to that.  We also will have to be followed closely as Colter tries solid foods as it is possible he has other allergies. 

On a good note Colter is such a pleasant child.  He is happy (except when needs to poo).  He is laughing, smiling, and so interactive.  He loves his mommy and daddy and shows us with lots of smiles and cuddles.  He is a bit of a mommys boy only wanting me when he is really upset.  He is starting to stand and loves his exersaucer. He rolls from belly to back and is almost rolling from back to belly.  He sleeps through the night only occasionally waking up needing a diaper change or his pacifier.  We are going to stop swaddling him soon which should be an adjustment!!

We are just sooo blessed by our sweet boy and thank God for him daily.  He is such a joy and I feel blessed that I get to stay home with him (will be returning to work one day a week next week...that will be another post too )