The Third Prayer

Tomorrow is my mom’s 58th birthday.  Happy Birthday Mom!  I could say that I’ve always been close with my mom but I think that isn’t necessary true.  Becoming a mother myself has made me closer to her.  I’ve always loved my mom and had a great respect for what she did for us growing up.  But now, as a mother myself, that level of respect has only soared.  I realize now the daily sacrifice she made for us kids, sacrifices that were not spoken of but became a part of life.  Sacrifices that any good mom would do for her children.  But when you are a child, you can’t fully grasp it.  And then you become a parent yourself and you realize how selfish you had been all those years.

So thank you mom, for everything.  The many, many, sleepless nights.  The months of dealing with teething symptoms, with three kids.  The many times you probably gave us your dinner because we weren’t eating our own.  Diaper change after diaper change after diaper change.  Another diaper change.  Washing clothes over and over again.  Changing our clothes over and over again.  All the little things that seemed so mundane but were an important part of the day.

Last year my mom taught me how to sew and now I’m building sewing into a nice little hobby.  I’m so thankful for learning to sew because it gives me something to do while Mary Rene is sleeping besides watch tv or play on the computer.  I get to use my creative side and get something accomplished.  Sewing is great!

But I’ve learned so much more than sewing from my mom.  Without even trying, my mom has taught me a lot about marriage.

My mom and dad are ying and yang and they tell each other everything.  Sometimes I’ll tell her “don’t tell dad,” but she does anyway.  Because, you tell your spouse everything, no secrets.  I’ve implemented that into my own life and it has become very important in establishing trust.  She also taught me, “make your husband think that it was his idea” when you want something.  She is really good at this game and always finds a way to get her way without my dad realizing she is.  I’m still trying to learn how to do that and hopefully someday I will be as clever as her.

My mom loves being a grandma and looks forward to seeing her little pumpkin every chance she gets.  When I pull up in my parent’s driveway my mom usually comes out to greet us.  Mary Rene’s face lights up and she starts laughing and waving when she sees my mom.  My mom and her laugh really good together with their special little games they play.

Mary Rene is spoiled to say the least.  Even though my mom lost her jobs months ago she is still buying Mary Rene gifts like a working woman.  I keep telling her to save her money, but she insist, “it is my granddaughter and I want her to have it.”  Mary Rene is taking grandma’s side on that one.  She loves going to grandma’s house and seeing the new snack or toy that grandma and grandpa got her. 

But my mom doesn’t just shower Mary Rene with love and gifts.  She does the same to me…and others.  Every time I tell my mom that one of my friends is pregnant she whips up a baby afghan in a heartbeat.  When I mentioned that my friend wanted to learn to sew, she quickly offered to show her.  She always has Frank’s favorite soda and beer at the house when we come over.  She gives her heart to everyone.

I hope someday these are qualities that Mary Rene sees in her grandma and falls in love with as well.  And I hope someday these are qualities that I can take from my mom as well.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Weight: 131 (BUMP)

Signs of Pregnancy:Well, my growing belly has forced me to unseal the maternity clothes that were packed away so I could pull out my bella bands.  I found myself at work twice this week with my pants, not only unbuttoned but also unzipped all the way down.  Yeah, a good sign that it is time to stop wearing them.  Unfortunately, all my maternity pants are capri since the weather was much warmer when I needed them with Mary Rene.  So I’ll need to make due with my bella bands and ugly pants.  Oh, and I’m starting to become an outie again!

Baby Development:  Sweet Pea is now the size of a fig and approximately 1 1/2 inches long.  Tiny tooth buds are starting to appear under her/his gums (oh the start of teething!) and some of his/her bones are starting to harden.  Sweet Pea is already busy kicking and stretching and making him/herself at home!

Concerns/Thoughts: Tuesday I have my second appointment with Dr. Gosser.  I am praying to hear or see a heartbeat.  Please keep Sweet Pea and myself in your prayers!

After doing my internet research and reading, “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations,” by Stephanie Cave, M.D., F.A.A.F.P, I have a better understanding on why certain vaccines are on the mandatory list.  Most states require 10 vaccines but your pediatrician may give a few more.  By the time your child is five, your child may have had at least 33 doses for the 10 vaccines.  That does not include any additional shots your pediatrician decided to give. 

Below is a brief description of the illness, questions brought up regarding validity of vaccine, when the Center for Disease Control and Prevention wants your child vaccinated, and finally, when Dr. Cave recommends giving the vaccination.  Dr. Cave’s goal is to postpone vaccines as long as possible to reduce adverse reactions, while still following state law.

Please keep in mind, some of these vaccines can come in the form of  liquid instead of a shot.

Hepatitis B (HepB)

This is a disease which affects the liver. This disease mostly effects drug users and homosexual men.  So why are newborns given this shot when there is little risk of the disease as a child?  The CDC recommends that your child get this shot: at birth, one month later and then again at nine months.  Three doses are needed.  If the mother is negative for Hepatitis B, then it is not necessary for your child to get this vaccination at such an early age.  However, to meet state requirements, you will need this completed before your child goes to school.  Dr. Cave’s recommendation is to give the first shot the year before school starts, the second shot the following month and the final shot four months after the first dose.

CDC:birth, 1 month, 9 month (Mary Rene has already completed this series of shots.)

Cave: Approximately 3 years, one month later, three months later

Huge difference.  I will definately do this shot different with Sweet Pea.

Rotavirus

This is a strain of diarrhea causing virus that mostly effects infants. It is a contagious and highly infective virus. However, this virus mostly effects formula fed babies and those in daycare.  I just read an interesting article on Peaceful Parenting (thanks Jamie!) how exclusively breastfeeding reduced rotavirus 90% in Brazil over the vaccine at only 40%.  This particular vaccine has been recalled on and off again and was only recently, 2009, added to the mandatory list.  It has been recalled, on and off again, because there have been so many side effects to this vaccine.  Currently the CDC recommends your child getting this vaccine at two months, four months, and six months.  The maximum age to get this vaccine is 14 weeks.  Per the CDC, vaccination should not be initiated for infants aged 15 weeks or older.  So if you delay this one, well you delay this one. Dr. Cave does not mention this vaccination in her recommendation list since it was not mandatory at the time.  Which leads me to believe that she wouldn’t have had it on her “extra” list.

 (Mary Rene has already completed this series of shots.)

I really don’t know what to do with this shot.  Since it has been recalled so many times I am wondering what the chances of it happening again will be.  But then again, this mostly effects infants which concerns me.  I plan on breastfeeding Sweet Pea, but there always is that chance and I would hate for her/him to get a diarrhea type virus.  So I might consider sticking to the CDC schedule on this one.  Or at least postponing the first shot until the three month visit instead of at two months.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP or DTP)

The DTP vaccine is a three in one shot. It protects the child against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. Diphtheria (effects ages 2-5) is a disease affecting the throat,  Tetanus (effects people in their 50s and older)  is related to painful muscle spasms and Pertussis (effects all ages but worse in infants) is the formal name for whooping cough.  The CDC recommends giving this vaccine at two months, four months, six months and 15-18 months.  A booster shot is given again around the age of four or five.  Dr. Cave recommends getting these shots separate if possible.  She gives these shots at seven months, nine months, 18 months and the booster and four or five months.

CDC: 2 months, 6 months, 15-18 months  (Mary Rene has already completed this series of shots.)

Cave:  7 months, 9 months, 18 months.

Again a difference but not as much.  I would like to delay this shot a few months and maybe wait until Sweet Pea is closer to five or six months.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

The Hib vaccine can protect the child from the flu like symptoms that can eventually lead to meningitis and pneumonia. It is also possible for the child to choke due to the severe throat infection that this organism can cause.  This is contagious and you can get this more than once.  This is most common in young child.  There have not been many reported side effects on this vaccine.  The CDC recommends giving this vaccine at two months, four months, six months and the final dose at 15-18 months.  Dr. Cave recommends four months, six months, eight months and 17 months.  Since this one didn’t have many side effects it was given earlier and with another vaccine, Polio, and the same appointments.

CDC: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months (Mary Rene has already completed this series of shots.)

Cave: 4 months, 6 months, 8 months, 17 months

Since there are little side effects I am comfortable giving this shot.  But I would like to delay the first shot until at least four months with Sweet Pea.

Pneumococcal

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine fights against a bacteria which tends to cause ear infections in children.  The CDC recommends giving this vaccine at two months, four months, six months and again at one year.  Dr. Cave recommends waiting until your child is two and only getting one dose. 

CDC: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 1 year  (Mary Rene has already completed this series of shots.)

Cave: 2 years (one dose)

Big difference.  I still don’t understand exactly why she postponed this one so long but allowed other shots so early.  I’ll have to do further research on this one for Sweet Pea.

Polio

Polio is a viral illness, that in 95% of cases produces no symptoms at all.  More serious forms of polio can cause muscle paralysis.  Polio was virtually eliminated from the US in the 20th century.  (There has not been a reported case since 1991.)  The CDC recommends giving this vaccine at two months, four months, six months and a booster at four or five years.  Since this vaccine had little side effects or concerns, Dr. Cave recommended giving this at four months, six months, 17 months and the booster at four or five years.

CDC: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months  (Mary Rene has already completed this series of shots.)

Cave: 4 months, 6 months, 17 months

Not much a difference.  I honestly think I will postpone this one further than Cave proposed.  Since there hasn’t been a case of Polio in the US since 1991, I don’t see this one as a life threatening disease.  I need to do furthe research before I decide when I will get this done for Sweet Pea.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

The MMR vaccine is a three in one protector against three different diseases.

Measles can start as a bad cold with a rash and then become far more serious if not immediately treated. It is highly contagious but nearly gone in the US.  Unfortunately, this vaccine is starting to develop resistance and not working as effectively as it used to.  (Why is it given then?)

Mumps is a viral infection which is very contagious.  This vaccine was developed for males but is also given to females. (Why do females get this vaccination then?)

Rubella results in high fever, swollen glands and even rashes.  This is common in preschool children.  This vaccine was originally made to protect unborn children.  (Why do children get this vaccination then?)

This is one of the most debated vaccinations and has been linked to autism, other neurological problems and Crohn’s disease.  The reason it is so debated is because of the trio vaccine and so many children having negative side effects around the time the shot was given.

The CDC recommends giving this trio shot at 12 months, no earlier, and a second shot at age four.  Dr. Cave recommends separate shots: Measles at 15 months, Rubella 12 months after the Measles shot, Mumps 12 months after the Rubella shot.  Then giving the preschool booster at age four or five.  However, it was recently reported that Merck, the main vaccine manufacturer for the MMR will no longer be working on making separate vaccines.  Of course, this can eventually change.

CDC: 12 months, 4 years   (Mary Rene got the first dose.  I can’t postpone the second because she will need it in order to get into school.)

Cave: separate shots.  Measles: 15 months, Rubella; 12 months later, Mumps: 12 months later

Since there is not a separate vaccination at this time, and not sure when there will be, I’m not sure how I will handle this.  Regardless, I will be delaying this with Sweet Pea until before school.

Varicella (chickenpox)

Need I say more?  Chickenpox.  Did you get it as a kid?  I didn’t and I never got the vaccine either.  This is not a life threatening disease but only an inconvenience that last approximately 10 to 20 days.  The vaccine may wear off as time goes on and it may not be effective when your child reaches adulthood.  Getting chickenpox as an adult is a million times worse then getting it as a child.  The funny thing is, this vaccine was developed to help the economy back in the early 1990s.  Many mothers had to take off work for an extended amount of time until their child got over chickenpox.  Employers were losing money because of mothers being at home for such a long time.  This is when the government stepped in and a vaccine was created.  Chickenpox mostly effects school-aged children.  The CDC recommends giving this vaccine at one year and then again around four.  Dr. Cave recommends waiting until your child is ready to enter school and doing a ‘titer” to see if your child is immune.

CDC: 1 year, 4 years  (Mary Rene got the first dose.  I can’t postpone the second because she will need it in order to get into school.)

Cave: Wait until ready for school

I have to side completely with Cave on this one.  I don’t see the necessity in getting the shot until it is needed.  Plus, if they think it is going to wear off anyways, it seems kind of pointless.  But, I have to follow state law to get Sweet Pea into school.

Hepatitis A (HepA)

This is a liver infection that is common in children but more serious in adults.  In mostly effects people in western states.  The CDC recommends giving this at 15 months and again at four years.  Dr. Cave does not have this on her list as recommended vaccines.

CDC: 15 months, 4 years   (Mary Rene got the first dose.  I can’t postpone the second because she will need it in order to get into school.)

This is a shot I will delay for Sweet Pea.  There doesn’t seem to be a huge concern or chance of her/him getting this so I think it will be safe to postpone.  I’m not sure exactly when though.

***

Regarding the booster shot, you can have the pediatrician check your child’s ‘titer’ to measure the amount in child’s blood to see if a further dose is needed or not.  You might be able to opt out of the booster later in life.

***

I still don’t know exactly what vaccination schedule I will follow with Sweet Pea.  One thing is for sure, I will not be following the 2010 CDC guidelines completely.  I also don’t think I will follow Dr. Cave’s schedule either.  She has some vaccinations listed early and I’m not certain if they need to be that early.  I still want to read Dr. Sears’ “The Vaccine Book” before I make any final determination. 

***

WOOH!  That was a mouth full.  And that was only the current nine recommended vaccinations (really 13 when you break the trio shots up.)  There are also shots for the flu, H1N1, Lyme Disease, Menningococcal, etc.  But as the book pointed out, what does the future hold for vaccinations?  Will there be shots for STDS (some are already in the works,) what about shots for HIV/AIDS?  Reproductive vaccine?  What else will we allow the government to MAKE our children get vaccinated against?  

What I found most interesting was that many of these illness are for diseases that effect older children and adults.  But why are we giving these to babies?  Is it really true that we are giving these to babies because the government has the best chance of making sure children are vaccinate due to the many wellness visits?  If that is the case, then can’t we be given the responsibility to make sure our child gets vaccinated before school, when they are older?

Okay, this is not the last post on vaccines.  I still have another post about the different ingredients they use (very disturbing) and some other side issues.  I haven’t started constructing those post, and well, I’m busy this week, so they might not be until the following week.  Stay posted and thanks for reading!

Since I brush my teeth before Mary Rene wakes up, she is now under the impression that she is the only one brushing her teeth and does not need to do it anymore.  I was having the hardest time getting her to brush until I came up with a new plan.  Now, I brush Sophie’s teeth, stop, brush Mary Rene’s teeth, stop, brush Sophie’s teeth some more, stop, brush Mary Rene’s teeth some more, give Mary Rene her tooth brush so she can finish the job while I finish Sophie’s teeth.

And it is working brilliantly.  Now Mary Rene will brush away and smile while I brush Sophie’s teeth.  Every time she stops, I quickly say, “keep brushing” and she’ll start brushing again.  When she is done, I let her brush Sophie’s teeth too.  She is having a lot of fun with this new “game.”

I decided to get some real Vitamin D so we bundled up and went outside for about 10 minutes the other day.

Will winter end soon?  I miss the sun.  I miss playing in the backyard.  I miss our stroller walks.  I’m getting a little depressed here.  And so is Mary Rene.

Have you ever seen a kid in a sandbox wearing a snowsuit?

Now you have.  And yes, we had to wear our necklace outside.

Unfortunately, later that night Mary Rene got a running nose.  I honestly don’t think it was from our trip to the sandbox because we were out there less than 10 minutes.  And as you can see, she is bundled up pretty darn good.  Plus all those kids at daycare are outside so I figured it couldn’t hurt to get outside for a bit.  I am once again going to associate the runny nose with teething.  There are two teeth about to pop through and nearly every time that happens she gets a runny nose.  Plus, when your daughter wakes up screaming two to four times in the middle of the night, I highly doubt it is because she has snot in her throat.  Sounds like pain to me!

I still got milk!  Wooh!  I don’t know how much but Mary Rene hasn’t slowed down.  She is double nursing more but she seems satisfied.  Plus, she is still nursing to sleep for her afternoon nap so there must be something there that helps her get into dream land so quickly.

Mary Rene has added a few more words to her list: milk, night and thanks.  Her thanks is so freakin’ cute because she says it every time she hands me something.  Since she was born, every time I handed her something, I would always say “thank you.”  I figured it was never to early to teach manners.  It is finally catching on and she likes to say “thanks” every time she gives me something.  I guess I should have been saying “your welcome” instead but “thank you” seemed like an easier word to learn.

I’ve been working a lot more lately and I feel like I am always standing by my laptop during the day.  A part of me feels like I am neglecting her and I feel like this horrible mother.  I still have a hard time focusing 100% of my attention at the given task and I need to do a better job of it.  After working throughout the morning, during her nap, conference call for 58 minutes after her nap, I decided to shut my computer and play with her.  I mean, that’s why I’m part-time right?  I just need to remember that more often.  She is growing up so fast and I need to enjoy this playtime while I can.  Soon I won’t be any fun to play with and she’ll want to play with Sweet Pea instead!

Reading “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations,” by Stephanie Cave, M.D., F.A.A.F.P not only helped me realize that I want to delay vaccinations but it also helped me understand more fully why vaccinations are necessary. 

Frank’s first question to me was, “see what the other side has to say.”  The book explained the history of vaccinations and why a vaccine was created for each different illness.  In the early 19th century there were outbreaks of diseases that caused hundreds of thousands of deaths.  A lot of these deaths were children, because naturally, they are weaker than adults.  The government wanted this problem fixed immediately and doctors started working on vaccines.  Slowly vaccines were created to help with different illnesses.  But over time, some of these vaccines provided to be harmful so they were pulled off the shelves.  The team of doctors would start over again until they could find a better combination of ingredients to (a) make a vaccine and (b) make it healthy.  The combinations of ingredients have been changed over and over again to make the vaccines healthy and more effective.  For the most part, the vaccines have worked because there haven’t been anymore outbreaks of these illnesses.

However, did the vaccines really help stop the outbreaks or would it have solved itself?  For instance, when you get chickenpox you become immune to it and you usually don’t develop the illness again.  Could this have been the case with these illnesses as well?  They really don’t know since vaccines were created, which actually saved many lives.  But now, many studies are showing that our bodies are becoming immune to the vaccines and they are not as effective as they used to be.  Eventually if we keep vaccinating for these illnesses, the effectiveness can wear down and we can have another outbreak in our country.  This is all theory though and can’t be proven.  But it is a thought.  One point to back this up is that as time goes by, doctors are noticing that one dose is not enough of a certain vaccine.  In most cases, you need to have two to four different doses administered for the vaccinations to take effect.  And after that, the effectiveness is still not 100%. 

To answer Frank’s second question, “there must be a reason they do it.”  He was referring to giving infants shots.  Even as I got Mary Rene vaccinated I had trouble wrapping my head around this.  Here was my helpless little baby girl, and I had to help the doctor hold down her legs so they could give her shots.  She had no way to communicate but cry so as soon as they were done I would quickly scoop her in my arms and nurse her.  I always left the office puzzled but thought it was supposed to be done.  But after reading the book it makes sense why they do it as infants.  The first year of development is very crucial and parents are supposed to take their children for wellness visits approximately five to six times in the first year.  At these visits, the doctors check to make sure your baby is gaining weight and height.  If your baby is not gaining weight, this is a clue to the doctor to talk to you about breastfeeding or formula issues.  The doctor also checks your baby’s eyes, ears, mouth, hips, and genitals to make sure your baby is developing healthy.  These visits are very important and it really helps to have a professional examine your baby to make sure your baby is on track.  For me, it was always a relief to know she was growing in weight and her hips were in proper order.  I always felt like a better parent when I left the visit and heard the doctor say, “keep up the good work.”

As long as you have a healthy child, these wellness visits in the first year will be the most you will see your child’s doctor.  After a year, you might go in for a 15th month, 18 month, then 2 year check-up.  After that, you might only need to go in once a year for a wellness visit.  With a healthy child, this can continue until your child graduates high school and is ready for an adult doctor!

So doesn’t it make sense to get the required vaccinations during the time frame when the doctors have the best opportunity?  It has been mentioned that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention first established the shot recommendation list because of low income families.  Since families of low income were less likely to continue taking their children to the doctor for wellness visits, it was thought to get the children vaccinated while they had the chance.  That way when these children reached school-age, they would be vaccinated by state law and be able to attend school.  In addition, by giving multiple vaccines at the same visit, the parents were able to save money on doctor visits.  (Depending on your state, there are laws in effect about a child’s ability to attend daycare and schools regarding vaccinations.  You need to know your state’s law before you decide how to handle vaccinations.  There are always exceptions but getting by on an exception is getting harder and harder.  The three main exceptions are medical, philosophical and religious.  In the state of Missouri, you cannot use philosophical as an exception.  For Missouri law, you can check out this link.)  So the vaccine recommendation list was established and it went in effect for all children. 

If you decide to get your child vaccinated below are some helpful questions to ask yourself and the doctor.

Before Getting the Vaccine

1. Make sure your child does not have a fever.  A fever can cause a very bad reaction to the medication.
2. Request a copy of the Vaccine Information Statement from your child’s pediatrician.  This will explain the benefits and risk of the vaccine.
3. Tell the pediatrican if anyone in your family has been sick recently.  Your child may have picked up the illness and hasn’t shown signs yet.  A weaker immune system will cause side effects to the vaccine.
4. Ask to see the package of the vaccine before it is administered to make sure it is correct.
5. Ask for the Lot Number of the vaccine just in case your child has a reaction. 
6. Ask about giving your child Vitamin C before the shot to help protect your child from getting a reaction.
7. Ask if your child can get a single dose over a multiple dose.
8. If the only option is a multiple dose, make sure the doctor shakes the bottle first so the vaccines are more evenly distributed (DID NOT KNOW THIS!!!)

Specific Questions to Ask The Doctor Before Getting a Particular Vaccine

1. What are the symptoms of a reaction to this vaccine?
2. How long does it take for symptoms to appear?
3. Can I get mercury-free vaccines?
4. Can I get thimerosal-free vaccines? (Just as important as mercury free.)
5. Which polio vaccine are you using? 
6. Will my child get the new DTaP vaccine?  (This vaccination has been changed so many times that the word “new” is really not relevant.  But it is still good to ask since there have been so many different modifications.  You want to make sure your child is getting the latest version.)

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Is my child feeling well today?  If your child is having an off day, do not get the vaccinations.  
2. Does my child have any allergies to medicines or foods? 
3. Has my child ever had a reaction to a vaccine before? 
4. Has my child taken cortisone, prednisone, or other steroids, or anticancer drugs or undergone X-Ray treatments in the last three months?
5. Has anyone who has taken care of my child had any of the above symptoms or taken the above medication?
6. Does my child or any other person who lives or takes care of my child have cancer, AIDS, leukemia or other immune system disorders?
7. Has my child ever had  seizure or brain problem?
8. Has my child received blood or plasma transfusion, or given globulin in the past year?

If you answer yes to any of the above questions then you should not have your child vaccinated at that time.  Your child is at a higher risk for getting a reaction from the vaccine.

So get all the shots the first year while you are at wellness visits anyways, right?  Not so fast.  In the next post, I will talk about the different types of vaccines, what age group that particular illness effects and when the vaccine is supposed to be given.

Weight: 130  (Time to bring up those maternity clothes.  Momma is getting a bump!)

Signs of pregnancy:  This is going to sound so crazy but I feel Sweet Pea moving already.  Seriously, I do.  It isn’t gas or a hungry stomach.  I thought I felt moving last week but attributed it to gas.  When I got my weekly email this week it mentioned that second time moms can start feeling their baby move this early!  There was a whole message board of women who were nine weeks pregnant and feeling their babies move already.  Friday night I was burning the midnight oil on a work project.  I had just gotten done eating dinner and while I was reading a legal document I had my hand on my belly.  Sweet Pea kept moving around on my right side!  I completely lost concentration and probably wrote the wrong legal verbiage to my client!  Feeling a baby move inside of you is out of this world.

In addition, I also realized I have signs of pregnancy but I wasn’t attributing them to pregnancy.  Polite way to say it: I am releasing hot air.  Honest way to say it: Momma has some serious gas.  WOOH!  This gas is silent, but deadly.  It is so bad sometimes that it wakes me up in the middle of the night.  I’m so glad that Mary Rene doesn’t have a super sniffer like me or else she would wake up crying.  Sometimes I smell it, but dont’ feel it, so I can’t tell if it was me or if Mary Rene pooped.  Frank has even walked in the room and made a comment about the smell.  When I told him that I didn’t know if it was me or Mary Rene pooping, he just doesn’t get it.

Baby Developments:  Sweet Pea is over an inch long and now the size of a kumquat.  Sweet Pea is busy building his/her tissues and organs and working hard to grown into a full-size baby.  What has he/she built?  His/her kidneys, intestines, brain and liver, just to name a few.

Just for grins, here is what Sweet Pea might look like right now.

Looks like a baby to me!

Thoughts: Sweet Pea is starting to mess up my good sleep.  We finally got Mary Rene to sleep through the night…and now I am peeing in the night.  Every night I have woken up to pee, and on two occasions, it happened to be while Mary Rene was stirring.  I tried, tried, tried, my hardest to hold my bladder until she settled back down but I just couldn’t.  So on two occasions, she woke up crying when she heard me thumping out of bed.  Sweet Pea, be a sweetie and let me sleep.

Concerns:  No concerns this week since I feel little Sweet Pea moving around!

As I mentioned awhile back, I had a bad experience with Mary Rene’s former pediatrician regarding her shots.   The doctor was doing his job but the tone of voice and attitude were not necessary.  Looking back, I realize that a lot of it stems to my parenting skills.  If I would have been a better advocate for my daughter from day one then we never would have gotten to that point.  A friend of mine uses the same doctor and has been very successful with delaying vaccinations.  From the start, my friend gave a firm no.  I didn’t do that which allowed them to bully me around easier.

When I was pregnant with Mary Rene, I was in baby land.  All I thought about was what baby stroller to buy, what car seat was the safest, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, cloth diapers over disposable, and on and on and on.  Vaccinations didn’t cross my mind.  It wasn’t until a month before Mary Rene was born that I had the pre-interview with her pediatrician and vaccinations came up.  I was given a pamphlet on why vaccinations were important and that was the end of it.  I don’t even remember reading the pamphlet.  Why?  Because she was the doctor and I was paying her to make the medical decisions.  I figured she went to school all those years and knew what was best.

Now I realize how naive I was as a new mother.  There are two important things I have learned as an adult and I should have applied these to parenting as well.

1. Always Question Authority.  Professionals make mistakes because…they are human.  Haven’t you heard all the stories about doctor’s amputating the wrong leg?  Mistakes happen.  It is unfortunately apart of life.  Never trust what you are told just because the person who is saying it appears to have more knowledge in that field then you do.  Ask questions and expect an answer.  If you are given an answer that doesn’t add up, then do your research and become the professional. 
2. Knowledge is Power.  Trusting someone else to make crucial decisions for your child’s well-being is just ludicrous.  I realize that now but I didn’t before.  I gave them the power because they had the knowledge.  I realize though that seeking out the knowledge is much easier than going to eight years of medical school.  Don’t get me wrong, I am not discrediting all the years of hard work they put into medical school.  I applaud the doctors for doing that.  But what they know is also something we can know.  And once we know it, we have more power.  In order to stand firm in your beliefs on a matter, you need to have knowledge in that area.

I questioned the fire department when they said it was safest to put Mary Rene’s infant car seat behind the driver seat instead of the passenger seat.  When he explained why, I agreed and her car seat was put behind me.  I questioned the lady at Babies “R” Us when she claimed one stroller was better than the other.  I question people all the time but I wasn’t questioning the doctor because of the M.D. behind the name.

But now I am learning more, through web research and books, and I feel like I have the Knowledge to Question all Authorities.  So I am now, hence a new doctor.  I know I could have stayed with the same doctor because she would have allowed me to delay vaccinations.  It would be easier to do this then get the record’s transferred and start fresh.  But I know that even though I say I have the Knowledge and I say I will Question her Authority next time, I probably won’t.  I am not as tough when I am in person and since I couldn’t do it from the beginning with Mary Rene it will be hard to start fresh.  So I decided I had to switch pediatricians in order to make sure that I get started on the right foot with Sweet Pea.  I looked over Mary Rene’s vaccination chart and it honestly is too late to do anything different for her.  But Sweet Pea, I am changing it up a bit a lot.

When it comes down to it though, Mary Rene and Sweet Pea have two parents.  As much as I want to have my way all the time, I can’t.  And I don’t.  But I am thankful to have a supportive husband that believes I am making good choices for our children.  He works at a hospital and believes in vaccinations and thinks they are important.  When I told him what I learned in my research, he quickly added, “look at the other side,” and “there must be a reason they do it.”  So I researched and found answered to both of his questions.  As an adult working in a hospital around sick patients all day, it makes sense that he needs to keep up with certain vaccinations.  I don’t question that all.  But I question why an infant, just out of the womb, needs these same powerful vaccinations?  If my children were in daycare, then yes, I could understand the need.  Besides the fact that in most states it is required by law, there also is a bigger risk with all the children in close quarters.  When my children reach school age, then yes, they do need to be vaccinated.  Besides the obvious fact again that it is state law, they are in close quarters with other children.  So I believe that there is a time and place for certain vaccinations but I don’t believe it is the first year of life.

Frank was slightly on board with my new approach and as he always does he  casually mentioned to his mother what we were thinking of doing.  He says it in a way that he almost is trying to get her feelings on the matter.  At the very moment he told her, a nurse walked by (he was at the nursing home visiting his grandma.)  The nurse kindly butt in the conversation and told him it was a good thing to do that.  She went on to tell him that she lost a five month old patient because of vaccinations.

Clearly that is the worst case scenario and that doesn’t happen often.  I don’t tell you that conversation to scare you but only to show you that mistakes can happen.  Sure it could have been the vaccine itself that caused a negetive reaction.  Or maybe the baby was supposed to get the polio vaccinations but by mistake the doctor picked up the vaccinations for pneumonia.  Maybe the polio vaccinations is supposed to be 10 mil-liters but the flu is only supposed to be .10 mil-liters.  That baby just got 10 mil-liters of the wrong vaccinations.  This is all  hypothetical and I’m not certain what happened in that situation.  But it does happen. 

Which brings me to this point, if you do decide to get your child vaccinated, ask to see the bottle they are administering and the amount. Remember, everyone makes mistakes.  And as a parent, it is your right to see what they are injecting in your child.  Also it is good to write down the Lot Number on the side of the bottle.  That way if your child does have a reaction you can report the Lot Number to the National Vaccine Information Center.  They will make sure other children who got that same bottle will be closely monitored.

***

I have a lot to say regarding this topic (can you tell?) and there is no way I can fit this all into one post so I will be breaking it up into several post over the course of the next few days or week.  Next post will start discussing the book, “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations,” by Stephanie Cave, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.  I was concerned about vaccinations before I read her book and started my research online.  A few people suggested that I read this book and I am so glad I did.  If you are an expecting mother, I highly recommend this book.

-1-

Today is my dad’s last day of work at Chrysler.  With the failing economy, the St. Louis plant was closed a few months ago (maybe close to six months ago?)  He was lucky enough to hold on to his job a few months longer since he worked in the water treatment plant for Chrysler.  But starting today he starts his forced retirement.  Remember how he was excited to start watching Mary Rene and he wanted to take her up and down the street in a wagon? My mom, Frank and myself went in together and got him a wagon as a retirement gift.

The moment I took it out of the box to assemble, nosey Mary Rene came over to help.

She found the wheels and decided to put them in the wagon.

Once it was finally assembled, she jumped right in and has enjoyed being pushed around the front room throughout the day.

But what fun is a wagon without your friends, Baby Jesus

and Violet.

Isn’t that wagon great?  It has two seats with seat belts.  Plenty of room for Sweet Pea someday!

Seriously, everyday she has been playing in the wagon, see the new outfit-different day.

She likes to take her blanket and pillow inside so she can lay down for a cat nap.

Mary Rene and my dad are going to have so much fun with that wagon.

-2-

Month one down with the new budget and I am proud to say that I stayed on budget for groceries!  I really did not think it was possible to do it but I did with $4 remaining.  The key was staying away from Target.  Target has such good deals but whoever goes there and buys only want they need?  I only allowed myself to go in there once because with a coupon and the sale, I got regularly $4.99 soda for $2.  Unfortunately we didn’t stay on budget with our utilities (colder weather spiked our gas bill,) medical bills (yeah, I think I have talked about this enough,) dentist (we both went the same month,) and charity (Haiti pushed us over, but completely worth it!)  So on to next month!

-3-

Speaking of budgets, we met with a new financial advisor on Tuesday night.  He is the son of a friend from church.  If anyone in the St. Louis area is looking for a financial advisor call Michael Disalvo at 314-932-4300.  Frank and I feel much better about our pending deductible because now we see we have other resources for money, if needed.  We are still praying that we won’t need it but it is nice to have a safety net.

-4-

I finished “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations” by Stephanie Cave, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.  I will be writing a cliff note’s version of the book on a post next week.  When I say cliff note’s version, it will be long.  It is a very informative book, eye opening that is for sure.  I highly recommend expecting mothers to read this book.  The only issue with the book is that is was last updated in 2000.  Ten years have gone by and there have been many changes to vaccines.  One change includes the rotavirus.  It is back in the line of shots and it wasn’t at the time of publication.  When I finished the book I was absolutely disgusted to look back at Mary Rene’s vaccination chart and see what was given to her.  I am so blessed that the only reaction she has had were two minor ear infections.  I say, “has had” because I learned from the book that side effects can appear years later, in the form of learning disabilities.  I am praying that other side effects don’t come up later though.  So many people talk about the autism debate with vaccinations but it is more than just autism.  Shooting your baby’s, already weak, immune system, with so many different viruses at the same time can cause strokes, seizures, learning disabilities and even death.  Okay, I’ll stop now.  I will be writing more about this next week.  The post is taking me awhile to construct properly but look for it next week.

-5-

I have two new projects at work and have been, and will be, working my little tail off.  Working part-time can be hard when most of your hours are done at home.  Which means, you stay up late.  Lack of sleep means…lack of sleep.

-6-

Two days after they decided to stop searching for survivors, more survivors are still being found.  I get goose bumps every time I hear another story about someone surviving.  The latest, a 16 year old girl was rescued 15 days after the earthquake.  Amazing.  I told Frank that I wanted to fly down there and nurse those poor babies.  Well, I also told him if I wasn’t pregnant then I would be convincing him to foster a child.  He really didn’t respond to that statement.

-7-

I’ve been doing these Quick Takes for over a year now, hence the #54.  Has a year really gone by that fast?

I got this pamphlet in the mail and would like to share some interesting facts:

Number of Days/Weeks After Conception

18 Days: A baby’s heart begins to beat

43 Days: Brain coordinates movement

8 Weeks: All organs are functioning

9 Weeks: Has permanent, individual fingerprints

10 Weeks: Sense of touch (comfort/pain)

12 Weeks: A baby can smile, suck his/her thumb, and make a fist

So right now, my little Sweet Pea has his/her own unique fingerprints!  WOW!  Already, and only the size of a blueberry.  Right now, my little Sweet Pea, can feel my love and can feel pain. 

If it is legal to abort a baby, and a woman aborts a baby at 10 weeks or later, that little baby can feel it happen.  That little baby can feel the pain that is inflicted on him or her.  The baby can feel.

But that is only believed if you believe it is a baby.  So when do you believe that life begins?

Ignorance is bliss.  I know there are many women who opt for an abortion who don’t have the knowledge that it is a baby, and not “fatty tissue.”  It would be so nice if we could arm every woman with this incredible truth before they make such a life changing decision.

Yes, necklaces are a necessity and must now be worn in the bath.  I can’t get her to take them off.  This morning, she hid two necklaces under her shirt so I didn’t realize she still had them on until I dropped her off at grandma’s house.  She is a sneaky little girl.

Mary Rene has added four new words to her list: Boo, night, my sister’s name, Tara and my brother’s name, Joe.  Tara sounds more like ‘ter’ and Joe sounds more like “doe.”  We practice all family member’s names and she is starting to try and verbalize them more.  Tara and Joe have the easiest names so I figured those would be coming first.

Mary Rene has decided that she likes when daddy puts her to bed and now as soon as she is done nursing, she sits up, picks up her blanket up and stares at the door.  She knows that I start off putting her to sleep and then daddy comes in about 20 minutes later.  So now she will just sit and wait for him.  He can put her to bed in 15 minutes easily so now we have decided to switch it up and let him come in sooner.  That’s what she wants after all!  Every night this past week, except last night because she is teething again, Frank has put her to bed.  She really enjoys her daddy time.  Do I mind?  Are my feelings hurt?  Not at all!  This is a much welcomed break and couldn’t come at a better time.  When bedtime arrives I am beat myself and sometimes wrangling her to bed can be tiresome.  Now I’m given the opportunity to relax on the couch while daddy wrangles.  Works for me!  Plus, I can start attending both La Leche League meetings each month because I don’t have to worry about her not going to bed for daddy.  I used to only attend one meeting and lately it has been hard to get to those on time because I was working to get her to bed.  Now, daddy does such a good job that I can leave!  A little bit of freedom for me.

Do you like Mary Rene’s new pillow?

I bought this material nearly a year ago and never used it.  When she was an infant, Frank used to talk to Mary Rene in his “Kermit the Frog” voice so I thought it would be cute to make her an outfit out of it.  But a dress?  I thought that would be too loud.  I still might make her a pair of pjs out of the rest but for now I made two pillows for her.  She loves her little pillow.  She was carrying it around the house and kept putting it on the ground and setting her head on it.  She then would give the pillow to Sophie B and tried getting Sophie to sleep on it.  She knows the pillow belongs to her and she kept hugging her pillow and carrying it around the house.  I could eat her up.

Regarding the nursing, I’m not sure how much milk I am producing anymore.  Mary Rene is still nursing about five to six times a day but I don’t hear her swallow at each session.  I was making her laugh during one of the sessions and I saw some milk dribble from her mouth so I know there is milk.  Regardless of the amount there is, Mary Rene hasn’t slowed down and stopped asking for it.  I think for her, it is not about the milk.  She seems to enjoy being in my arms and me talking to her and playing with her while she nurses.  So who knows, maybe there isn’t much there but she seems happy still.