Little Ballerina !

Last week... or two weeks ago, Layna had two appointments: 1) her 15-month-old well-baby checkup. Layna is 24 pounds and .... 30 3/4" tall, and 2) the follow up to her ultrasound with Dr. Ellsworth. She said everything looks great and now we have to do the VCUG or whatever it is to make sure she has no reflux. Mommy cannot wait until these trips to Hasbro are done !

Mommy can't think of anything that has happened for those two weeks in between but....

this morning, Mommy stood Layna on the floor and took her hands and danced with her. And now, Layna will start going in circles laughing and saying "daaa...da..daaaaa" (as if it were music) ! Mommy will try to get a video of this along with her animal noises/recognitions, and cheerleading skills. When Mommy says "heel stretch" to Layna, she stands on one leg and puts it behind her. She doesn't know the difference between "heel stretch", "aerobasque", or "scale" yet... but she is learning ! She is learning that when something smells it is called "stinky" which is when she pinches her nose ! hahaha Layna has started to say "oink oink" for pig while scrunching her nose also along with scrunching her nose and moving her mouth open for "rabbit". hahaha

Oh! Dr.  Reynold's (Layna's pediatrician) said "no more bottle". It's hard because Layna never got the bottle to fall asleep and Mommy gave in when they moved into Grandma and Grandpa Robidoux's house. However, Layna has been doing pretty well with this sleep training and getting rid of the bottle. She has finally slept through the night, and if not sleep, soothed herself back to sleep without the bottle. She has only needed the bottle a few times. However, when we go to visit Daddy, Layna's sleep gets all messed up, but once we our back home, she knows the drill now. Since, the midnight snacks are gone along with 2 bottles of Layna's - Mommy threw them out: "out of sight, out of mind" - it is time to start getting rid of the "go to sleep" bottle. She has only been getting about 4-5 ounces (which she technically doesn't need... she wants. Mommy has to teach her the difference. haha), and then she plays or relaxes in the crib until she falls asleep. Mommy will try to put her down with probably half of that this coming week. Grandma Robidoux has been doing a little bedtime routine/sleep training when she watches Layna when Mommy is at work, which has helped the whole process :)

Layna has been eating a lot better. Mommy realizes snacks fill her little belly up quickly ! A couple of crackers and some juice or water pretty much replaces lunch. When Mommy isn't giving out crackers like they are going out of style and doesn't let Layna's sippy cup chill around the house, Layna eats better when it is meal time. She  does get a little snack sometimes around 3 if she seems hungry. Her favorite snack is a banana, which she doesn't like to share with Grandma Robidoux anymore and prefers to hold the banana...also, she won't eat a banana if it isn't in its peel. In addition, she is doing better sitting in her high chair...specially when she is fastened in. Who would've thought ?!

The weather has been nice lately, so Mommy has gone for some walks and let Layna play outside. However, it IS snowing right now in the beginning of April. (just had to record this unusualness for Layna).

Just a little update :-)

Layna has been growing so quickly ! Every day it seems like she is learning new things quicker and quicker. She plays on the stairs and goes up them when she wants attention. Also, she is learning to sleep in her crib wonderfully (tonight Mommy is going to attempt to put Layna back into her crib when she wakes up). She is starting to feed herself more and more with a spoon and fork. She definitely knows the difference. She stabs her food with the fork and tries to scoop with the spoon. She is walking more and more instead of crawling. Grandma Robidoux and Mommy took Layna to the mall where she could practice walking in her new beginning walker shoes.

Today Layna had her post-op appointment with the urologist. Every one in the office was at awe with Layna and her outfit ! Her big, cream sweater with black leggings and her "cute" had. She was ready for the slopes ! The urologist said that the incision healed beautifully. We go back to get the stint out (a little piece of something that is put in the ureter so the scar tissue doesn't close up the hole to the bladder) .. we go back January 14, and she has an ultrasound February 9th to see how the kidney is functioning.

Layna LOOOVES chocolate just like her Momma ! Every time Mommy would open her little piece of chocolate, Layna would come running to her, making her "Hum..." sound, which mean "share?" or "more". She is definitely communicating with sounds and pointing. We are just waiting for her to start saying some words instead of sounds. She is babbling a lot though with different sounds.

Puff Balls !

Apparently Layna always knew how to climb up stairs. She doesn't just do a couple at a time ... she flies up them like it's an old habit, especially when she knows someone is up there.

This morning, Layna was sleeping in bed with Mommy. Mommy was awake and watching Layna for a few minutes and Layna kept smiling non stop.... and her eyes would open with her eyeballs rolled back kind of freaky.... but the smiling part was SO adorable ! Mommy wish she had a camera to record it!

Layna has been eating these little veggie and fruit puff ball snacks that melt in her mouth along with some "table food" or food off of Mommy's and Daddy's plates. She doesn't know what to make of the puff balls. The have flavor but it's not strong (Mommy tried one). Also, we give her these little yogurt melts also unlike the veggie and fruit puffs, the yogurt ones have a lot of flavor. She eats them which makes Mommy happy, and instead of sticking the whole puff in her mouth, Layna usually takes a little bite - she is using those teeth !!

Layna is starting to learn how to clap. She will fling her toys (or whatever object she is holding) around with her right arm, and sometimes just swings her arm. When Daddy and Mommy clap, Layna will try mimmicking them, but with just the right arm. Also, Layna does this thing now where she will throw her head back with a mouth-wide-open smile. It's so funny and cute !

Layna is learning how to drink out of a "cup". We use the cap to the bottle which is the perfect size. She does fairly well, and improves everytime ! She does still manage to get water everywhere though.

Early tomorrow morning, Layna has an appointment with Dr Ellsworth, the urologist. She had the scan done last week, and now we will find out if we are keeping the right kidney or getting rid of it. Goodluck, Layna Bayna !

...and lastly, the family is going to Syracuse this weekend ! Layna finally gets to meet her Grandpa Chamberlain and that side of Mommy's family. Uncle Andre and Nicole will be visiting that weekend too, so Layna will get to see them again along with Auntie Rose, Cousin Connor, and Mommy's Aunt Slavka and whoever else from Grandma Robidoux's family.

Layna has taken a long car trip before, and she requires a lot of necessary "stuff". Mommy is sure the car will be packed with 75% of Layna's belongings. We are staying in an hotel, and hoping that Layna will get some swim time in the pool !

watching Grandma and Grandpa leave

"Rock Star" tank

(she wasn't feeling this photo shoot)

ribbon!

Naptime.

haha sitting on a ball

trying on a few of her new fall clothes (somebody needs a nap)

learning to drink from a cup

such a big girl !

help, Maaa!

baby in the diaper box

Layna's 6 Months Old

Layna is 6 months old! Mommy and Daddy can't believe how fast half a year went by. Layna had her 6 months photos taken today by Heidi Hope Photography - the same photographer who did her newborn photos. She did very well except she didn't smile her big smiles that much. Whenever a camera is put in front of her she just stares at it. Hopefully Heidi got some photos of her smiling. Also, Layna was a little tired. She woke up at 7, had a bottle, but didn't go back to bed. She slept on the way there, but not enough; just enough to keep her happy and not break down and cry. It was a beautiful day out, so we got some studio photos along with some at the park. At the park, Heidi took some photos of Mommy and Daddy with Layna. Of course, Mommy had her own little photo shoot of Layna when they got home.

Layna's food palette has been expanding. She has tried carrots, which she didn't enjoy... sweet potatoes, which were a hit along with pears and applesauce.

Layna is slowly learning how to sit up by herself, she still needs someone to hold her legs while she does a sit up - literally. When Mommy sits Layna in her crib to play quietly, Layna pulls herself on to her knees and looks over the rail to see what Mommy and Daddy are doing. Instead of crawling forwards, she goes backwards or turns or rolls. The only way she knows how to move forwards is with her butt in the air and her head/face on the floor. Mommy is surprised she has gotten rug burns all on her face yet; her nose just gets a little pink.

Layna had her second ultrasound and follow up with the urologist last week, who had good news: Layna's ureter is back to normal size and the right kidney is not swollen anymore from backed-up urine - it appears to be working. Layna's renal scan is in August, which we will find out the function of the kidney, and when Layna's second surgery is.

Pre-6 Months Photo Shoot by Mommy

L is for Layna

Baby Girl loves to stand

Post - 6 Months Photos by Mommy

super happy baby !!

Relaxing outside with Daddy and Sammy

always wanting to stand

Recovering SO Good !

Layna is recovering wonderfully and quickly from her surgery ! She has been a little fussy up to Wednesday. The incision healed perfect and the little whole where the urine drains out, isn't has big as the doctor said; It is more of a half-inch opening at the end of the incision. Mommy and Daddy are now trying to figure out a way to keep the urine in the diaper. It isn't low enough to go directly into her diaper even though it gets covered by it, the urine still leaks out the side if the diaper isn't on perfectly. The other day Mommy put a maxi pad around Layna's right side under the diaper and it collected all the urine from the hole. Mommy thinks that is what they are going to have to do. 

Yesterday Layna had a little photo shoot with one of Mommy's friends (Jackie) who does photography. They are Layna's Easter and 3 month-old photos. Mommy will be getting them in a few days and can't wait to share ! 

Also, Mommy thinks Layna is teething. She is nawing on everything, not sucking... gets suddenly fussy... puts her hand to her ear ... and drools .. a lot.... and sometimes she doesn't want to eat even though she hasn't eaten for awhile. Some babies start teething early and some late, and well, Layna must be an early teether. Time to get some teething rings. Mommy tried giving Layna a cold, damp wash cloth which she seemed to like. 

Baby Girl is now 15 pounds and is fitting into 3-6 month clothing and by the time summer comes she will probably be in 9 month clothing. Boy, is she growing ! 

Daddy, Mommy, and Baby are going to visit Grandma and Grandpa Robidoux for Easter weekend. Aunt Rose, cousin Connor and Slavka (great aunt) are coming to visit for the weekend, too.

Mommy and Layna Bayna lounging and playing

she didn't tell Mommy we were doing *kissy face*

Layna's Surgery

Layna Bayna had her surgery yesterday afternoon (Friday March 26). It went very well. They took her "away" from us around 2 but didn't start until 3 and came out around 4 30. She was a little sleepy baby when we saw her in the recovery room. After an hour in the recovery, we headed up to her room. She ate 8-10 ounces of Pedialyte and finally fell asleep. A little later she had some formula finally. 

Layna was a trooper. She only fussed a tiny bit. During the night after the surgery Layna got pain medicine and when the morning came, she just got Infant Tylonel and did great on that. It seems like it doesn't even phase her. Throughout the day she was smiling and awake. Layna's incision it below her "bikini" line and the whole where the urine leaks out (where the ureter was implanted to the skin) is at the end of the incision. Hopefully she will heal quickly and be pain-free in a few days. 

Layna's baby hospital gown

fell asleep while the doctor was finishing up with another surgery

after the surgery ... sleepy baby

Daddy comforting his Baby Girl

recovering

Mommy had to hold her Baby

(the balloon is from the balloon lady at the hospital)

the next day - doesn't even phase her

playing the balloon game while waiting to go home

(tie it to her ankle and she watches it bounce every where)

The news about Layna's "kidney problem"

After tests after tests to figure out what the problem is with her urinary track, Dr Ellsworth has come up with a temporary solution. There are a few characteristics of the right kidney's ureter: 1) the obstruction of the ureter is close to the bladder, 2) the ureter connects low to the bladder and 3) the ureter is swollen and really thick, which the doctor describes as a sausage. First thing that could be done is to replant the sausage-sized ureter into the bladder, but because it's so big and Layna (and her kidney) is so small  the operation is high-risk. The doctor would have to make the ureter smaller and then replant it into the kidney, which would have a lot of scar tissue and effect the way it heals and probably prohibit the kidney from working. So, the second choice is to get rid of the kidney and ureter because it only is working 16%. However, the doctor met with her colleague, who suggested doing a ureterostomy, which is an opening from the ureter to the skin allowing urine to pass. Usually they put a bag on the opening, but the doctor said she'll do it low enough so it will empty right into her diaper. In doing this, we will see if the kidney will work more. We will repeat the scan to see if the kidney works or not. If it does, we will replant the ureter in the bladder when Layna is bigger (probably a year or older). If it doesn't work, we will remove her kidney. 

VCUG Test = Negative :-)

Layna snores. She is the cutest little thing ever ! haha the upside of her little snoring -  We dont have to check to see if she's still breathing... I love her SO much !

Layna had her VCUG test yesterday. The minute we walked into the x-ray room, Mommy started to cry... silently; she tried to hold it together, but the thought of her being in uncomfortable and not knowing what's going on killed her, so she waited outside. She could hear Layna crying from the room, but she knew Daddy was there to take care of Baby Girl - thank goodness !  The test came out negative - no reflux, which means urine isn't going back into the kidney from the bladder. So, we have to meet with the pediatric urologist on Saturday and see what she says.

Update on Layna's Kidney Situation

Layna's ultrasound appointment on Monday went ok. She cried for probably 99 % of the time - she didn't like the gel stuff, I am guessing... along with having to lay stretched out and not curled up all comfy. The ultrasound technician lady had the ultrasound doctor take a second look at Layna's kidney pictures. The ultrasound doctor came in and took a look a the kidney herself, which Layna totally did not enjoy ! She was screaming crying and I couldn't pick her up to console her, and she didn't want to eat or suck her pacifier; it's just heartbreaking when she cries like that. At the end of the appointment, Daddy was dressing her and she suddenly stopped crying when her second sock was put on. She just wanted her socks!  Now for the kidney... the doctor said that sometimes there are two ureters going from the kidney to the bladder, and the second ureter usually connects low on the bladder or right after the opening of the bladder. Well, Layna only has one ureter but it has the characteristics of what a second one would be (connecting low, near the opening of the bladder). So, the next test before meeting with Dr Ellsworth is called VCUG Test. 

What is a VCUG?

• VCUG stands for (Voiding Cysto-Urethrogram)

• This test evaluates the bladder size, shape, and capacity as well as the urethra. A VCUG can be used to determine if you have a reflux - a condition where urine from the bladder goes upward back o the kidneys.

• a VCUG uses x-ray pictures to look for reflux

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cystourethrogram-16691

Appointment with Pediatric Urologist

So, we had the appointment/ consultation with the Pediatric Urologist bright and early this morning. The doctor said that the baby will need an ultra sound done within the first week of Life :-(   Depending what that shows, they will go from there with tests until they figure out what is wrong. Good news : 90 % of babies that this occurs in, don't need anything done. 

tomorrow is another ultrasound day ...