Reflux?

Please say an extra prayer for Olivia. She has just not been herself the last couple of weeks and we are concerned that she has developed (or had all along) reflux. One of her biological brothers (also mixed race, as she is) was born with severe reflux. He is three now and still suffers from it.

She is still drinking her formula and her bowel movements have normalized, but now she is spitting up and/or vomiting sometimes as much as 4-6 times a day. She makes faces and fusses when she eats, she arches her back, has the hiccups once a day, and is even spitting up in her sleep--all symptoms of reflux. We had to see the doctor this week to complete a medical form for her first monthly visit from the Methodist Mission Home, so we had an opportunity to talk to the doctor about it. The Pedi has ordered an upper GI, to be done in the morning, to rule out any blockages.

We have lifted on side of Olivia's mattress, are feeding her sitting up, keeping her sitting for 20-30 minutes after eating, putting her to sleep on her stomach (to aid in digestion), and even giving her cereal in her formula once a day (it helps keeps the milk in her stomach). She seemed a little improved yesterday and this morning. She has only spit up once in 24 hours, but she was very fussy last night.

Please say a little prayer for Olivia that we can sort out these digestive troubles and that she will get through the upper GI in the morning without any trouble or discomfort. We'll let you know what happens.

Daddy has some fast moves!

We have some new pictures to post. There are several good shots--one is almost a smile. We promise that Olivia does smile. We just can't seem to get it on camera. One picture is very special, it exhibits the special talent Olivia has developed. It is called projectile poop. Daddy was changing a diaper today and had to do a special (Matrix) move to get out of the way as the poop shot about 3.5 feet from the changing table and hit the rocker and the car seat.

It's almost a smile!

What a sweet baby!

Olivia wants to sit up sooooooo bad!

Honey is not the least bit jealous!

From the changing table to the rocker and car seat!

The joys of parenthood!

"Mummy took lots of silly pictures!"

We can't believe that Olivia will be six weeks old on Friday. Time is going by too fast. She is already laying on her tummy, holding her head up, smiling, and trying to roll over. She stays awake for several hours a day and on most nights will sleep from midnight to 6 am (if she wakes up in the middle she lays there nicely and goes back to sleep!).

You'll notice from some of her comments that she is already developing a mixed accent of Kiwi and American. There is even a little Texan thrown in for good measure!

We are all doing well. Both Andy and I are completely swamped in school, but Andy loves every minute of his studies! The youth group is going well and keeps growing. He had five new kids come on Sunday night, friends of youth members and some said they would like to join the church. That makes his Sunday night group consistent between 45 and 50. He has about 20 middle school kids who come to "Merge" on Wednesday nights and two Senior High small groups that meet on Wednesday nights. All and all things are going really well here. The church wants Andy to preach every quarter or so. And there will be youth led worship on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

I completed my first newsletter this week, after lots of tears. I am thinking about not attempting to do it, but am really praying about it. The pastor has been so sweet and helpful (imagine that). He has made every possible concession, because he really wants to get us the extra income, encourage my creative side, and have a great product! He has offered to let me do just the two newsletters from home and the secretary will do all the printing and bulletins in the office. It is a sweet deal if I think I can handle it without going crazy. This morning I was ready to quit all together. We'll see!

Enjoy the pictures and know that we love and miss you all!

Daddy does the easy shots of her sleeping!

After hours of trying to get a picture of her holding her head up--
she finally did it! Now we just to need to get one of her smiling!

"Ya'll, someone should really tell her that she can't sing,
but I love her anyway!"

"Mum wants me to hold my head up for a picture...nah."

Olivia loves her froggy mat! "Hey, wow, there's my hand! Sweet as!"

"Did that binky fall out again?"

Olivia loves tummy time!

She's working on it--she's lifting her head up!

See-she can hold her head up for a few seconds!
Daddy thinks she is THE most advanced baby, isn't that sweet!

Olivia loves church!

Olivia is all dressed up for church!
This was her "coming home" outfit and it finally fits!

Olivia and Katherine

Last Sunday we spent the whole Sunday at church since Daddy was preaching at all three services. Olivia was so good. She did not cry once and really loves the music. The church was packed and everyone wanted to meet her, rub her head, etc. She handled it all and even made a new friend, Katherine, whose birthday is August 6 (she just turned 6). This Sunday was just as good--Olivia was awake through most of it, but very happy and good!

Daddy had his birthday on Friday and we had a little party at Granny's house. It was so nice to see our cousins again. But, sadly, school has started for both of us and it was a short trip. We are back home, back to work, and school!

Enjoy the pictures!