My first Christmas- A recap

It was a very exciting two days! On Christmas Eve we went to MeMe and PawPaw's house for a celebration after Mass. I got to meet a few people I'd never met before. I was a little scared at first but eventually warmed up. We opened presents and I got some neat chewy toys and 2 pairs of PediPeds. I also got a whole bunch of baby wipes and some money.

We headed home so Luke and I could get in bed. Santa only comes when you are asleep. First, I kissed my Elf goodbye and told him I'd see him next year. I don't quite understand about the elf yet though.

I woke up on Christmas Morning and was excited because Santa came. Noni and Papa came to watch me and Luke open gifts. I loved everything that I got. I was excited about the Piglet Luke got me and he loved the bath set that I got him. It is also his 5th birthday so he got a birthday gift too. I was excited with all my stuff. I played awhile and took a nap so we could go to Noni and Papa's house.

At Noni and Papa's I got a bunch more cool stuff from them, Bep Bep and Heaffer. I got gift cards to Wilkenson's, money, a purse, toys, , a beach towel, and a big Minnie Mouse. I love all my stuff.

I'm sitting in a high chair...

and that means I'm eating food. I'm still just having sweet potatoes and cereal. But, it's yummy. My Mom makes me the best sweet taters EVER.

Uncle Robert's

We went to Uncle Robert's tonight to celebrate his birthday, Luke's birthday, and Christmas. I let everyone hold me and I was a good girl. They all liked me outfit too. My Aunts thought I looked like a reindeer with the big bow Mommy put on my head. Daddy hates that bow by the way!

I like Luke's room

I love my high chair!

A Very Special Gift

came in the mail today. Well, actually several did, in a great big box. Daddy told Mom at church tonight that a huge box had come USPS from Aunt Rhonda and Uncle Sidney. They always send me and Luke nice things. I haven't met them because they live in Mississippi but Mom grew up with cousin Rhonda. Actually, Rhonda is a lot older than Mom (ok not that much) Mom told me to type that.... but Rhonda used to babysit Mom. She taught Mom how to put on make-up, roll her hair, and how to secretly open your Christmas presents. Anyway, she sent Mommy a Christmas gift too- and Mommy opened it because the curiosity got to her. It was an oil painting of Mommy, Luke and me. Mommy thought it was beautiful and it made her cry. It was painted from a photo of Mom and Luke just a couple hours before I was born. I got added into the painting too though! We love it Aunt Rhonda and we love you and Uncle Sidney for always remembering us. We'll be thinking of all of you on Christmas.

Look who is 5 months old....

Life is getting better. My reflux doesn't cause me nearly as much pain as it used to. However, I am still back and forth to doctors. They can't quite figure out why I'm always congested and coughing. I am still on Neocate formula and Simply Thick. Mom has been able to cut back a little on the Simply Thick. I'm getting somewhere between Honey and Nectar. My cereal didn't go too well after a few days so back to just milk. Last week at my visit to Dr. Casteel I was 24 inches and 13lbs and 13 oz. I've grown some recently. Speaking of growing, my hair is coming back in and I'm looking a little more normal. My favorite things are:

Luke

Rudy

Kicking my legs

Eating

Mommy

My baby doll and duck

Bath time

Eating my fingers(makes it hard to get a good pic)

Not favorite things:

Car Rides

Sleeping

Watching TV

Swinging

What happens when Mom leaves Luke in charge

Luke's Christmas Play

Noni walked around with me and I took a good nap. I enjoyed seeing my brother dressed up like a shepherd. There were lots of kids to entertain me.

My visit with Dr. Casteel

Well, it went as Mom expected- she wasn't thrilled with my progress or lack of. So, next month I've scored myself another visit to Children's hospital. I will probably end up with 2-3 procedures being done on me. I will be asleep for them though. Please keep me in your prayers! I try to be happy and most of the time it goes ok. Papa watched Luke while Mom took me to the doctor. When we got home we all took a picture together.

Being entertained by Luke

Tonight, Daddy noticed that I was really laughing out loud. Luke was using his broom to hit a toy of Rudy's. He'd run in front of me back and forth. I thought it was so funny. He can make me laugh without even trying. Mom grabbed a video of me watching him. I love Luke.

My nap today

Today, Mom found me asleep on my tummy after she'd laid me down for my nap. I decided it would be more comfortable to sleep like Mom and Luke. I slept for 3 hours!!! When she came to check on me she noticed someone on the floor:) Rudy likes to take a nap with Luke and me.

My First Cereal

It tasted good and I ate every last bite that Mom had in the bowl. She mixed it with a little prune juice. I like eating with a spoon- yummy cereal.

Happy Thanksgiving

My brother and I played around the house this morning till it was time to go to Noni and Papa's house. I had a good time there but didn't get to eat any Turkey- next year I will though. I was a fussy girl for most of the day. Maybe I will get in a good mood soon. Hope you all had a great Turkey Day.

I'm getting used to the Bumbo

thanks for letting me borrow it Haven! My Mommy hopes I end up loving it as much as you did.

Me and My Big Brother

All dressed up for Christmas pictures

My favorite toy

Aniston is..... 4 Months Old

I am enjoying getting bigger because I can be more interactive. I love to get your attention. If you walk by and don't acknowledge me I will squeal or fuss till you do. I love my big brother about as much as I do my Mommy. He loves me too. I am feeling much better for the most part. I still have episodes but not nearly as often. I weigh 12 lbs and I'm 23 inches long. I have not gained weight in a while but that is because of my problems- having to work so hard to get that formula out of the bottle. I'll be growing soon though. I love my new dress that Mommy got me. It looks great with the red tights we borrowed from Laney and Haven!

My First Halloween

Of course I had several outfits- but my main one was Tinkerbell. I also sported a pillowcase dress Mom had made for me. Check out all my outfits.

Luke loves me so much

First thing he does when he wakes up in the morning is come find me. He is always ready with kisses and hugs for me too. If you ask him what his biggest job is he'll say "being a big brother". I got my feelings hurt the other night when he told Mommy that he wanted another baby. Am I not enough? He tells me that I'm a great little sister.

My last day at speech therapy

was today. Well, at least until it is time for me to start solid food. I love all the girls there especially my therapist Miss Grayson. In honor of my last session they called everyone into the front office to pass me around. Mommy wonders why they like me so much there???? I'm always in a bad mood when we get there. Today, was different, I flashed my big pretty smile for each one of them. They even had the physical therapy team come in the office to see me smile (you know it was hard for them to do their work with me screaming for an hour 3x a week:) Mommy said she'd miss the adult interaction but is glad to have a break from it too. One less car trip that I scream for ya know.

My Hair

is falling out. Mommy says that by looking at my sheet each morning she can't believe that I have any left. I don't mind but this makes Mommy sad. She is afraid that I will lose so much that she can't put a bow in my hair.

How's AniPoo today?

That's always the question of the day. Lately, it's been very hard for Mom to get anything done. I had a pretty good day today so we went to the park so Luke could play with Laney and Haven. I was a good girl.

I'm 3 months old!

I'm 3 months old already. I know it's hard to believe. I spent the day going to Luke's soccer game and to church. I'm doing a little better eating these days since my milk is so thick. Really, I'm not doing much of anything except maybe laughing more and more. I like to hear Luke's voice and I love it when he shows me all of his toys. Luke is a great big brother. I love it when people talk to me and I'll usually flash them a big smile. Everytime I made a dirty diaper I laugh for Mommy while she changes me. I still don't sleep real good but I sure do like to eat.

What the test showed

I had my barium swallow study today and they noticed that some of my milk is going where it shouldn't. So, Mommy had to buy me this really expensive stuff that makes my milk like drinking honey. Please pray that I do better on this stuff. I looked really super cute sitting in this blue chair for the test. I was all buckled in and Mommy fed me bottles while they watched it go to my tummy on video. I was happy to get home and I slept all afternoon. Party in my crib tonight Mommy!

Pictures of me

A new friend

Mom's oldest and best friend Natalie came to visit us today. Natalie also brought her Mom and her daughter, Gabriella with her. I am 5 days older than Gabriella. We kept our Mom's on their toes between spitting up and pooping. I was really happy to have this chance to meet her- our Mom's hope that one day we will live closer together and be great friends. We are the cutest little girls ever!

Well Baby Visit

I've been cooing and smiling a lot more since I feel better. I still have a bad day every now and then but overall I'm much better. I will be going for some more tests at the hospital though and maybe we will get this all figured out before long. I'm having a little trouble swallowing and keeping my milk down. Mom has been making my milk thicker and that helps. It also helped me put on some weight. I got my shots and of course cried but I was over it quickly. I weighed in at 12lbs and was 23 inches long. Today is my 11 week birthday so we were a little late with the 2 month visit because I haven't felt too good. Earlier this week Mom noticed what a good mood I was in and tried to catch it all on video- but she missed some of it. I do laugh a few times though. I'm starting to notice Rudy and laugh at him. I always smile at my Daddy when he talks to me. I love to try and talk to Noni too. My favorite things are sitting in my bouncy, lying on my changing table and laughing with Mommy, and watching Luke play. He's a great big brother!

How I'm feeling......

a little better it seems. Sometimes I still scream either right after I eat or about an hour after I eat. I am sleeping much better at night though. I have been in my swing a few times just to check things out. I still enjoy my bouncy seat. Actually, I've been even happier in there the last few days. We are still working on my medicines but my milk seems to be doing ok. Thanks to all of you who are praying for me and for all the thoughts.

My 1st trip to the park

Today Mommy took Luke and I to the park to meet some friends. The older kids had fun playing and everyone but me enjoyed a picnic. I was fairly good being outdoors. The fresh air did all of us some good! I hope we can go back to the park soon.

What did the doctor say you ask?

Well, she thinks I have severe GERD and protein allergies to both soy and milk. That means I can't digest cow milk based or soy based formula. I have started on Alimentum since the Nutramigen didn't work. However, the doctor quickly changed her mind and said I would need Neosure which you have to order. That formula should work if I have problems digesting fat or sugar as well. My medicine got changed to Prevasid but then the doctor changed it back to Axid the next day. It seems all the changes are part of the problem huh? Keep praying for me!

My weekend

This is what I did "cry cry cry cry". I'm getting worse instead of better so Mommy and Luke took me back to the doctor this morning. I'm once again on another formula, I think this is like #7 for me. I'm also on two new prescriptions. They rushed me an apt for a specialist at Arkansas Children's Hospital this Wednesday. Please pray that they find some help for me, life is very rough right now for my whole family. The doctor is still hoping it is just a combination of several things but we just don't know exactly what is causing this. Mommy and Daddy are sad because I cry so much and they can't help me.

Last night Daddy jokingly called me the screamer on Makenzie Drive. Sometime- you just gotta laugh. Mom laughed today at WalMart and again at US Compound Pharmacy when people asked her what was wrong with me. One elderly man even asked her if she'd tried "a little whiskey" for that pretty little girl! When she told him no he looked at her funny and asked why not. Mommy put on her best smarty girl face and said, "because I prefer not to go to jail". The other people in there snickered till she gave them a dirty look.

Me and my big brother

right before his first soccer practice. Also, here's a picture of me and Luke snuggling in Mom's bed before he had to leave for school. I'm always happy when we go pick him up.

2 Months Old

Well, things have been rough. I wish I could tell you all how much I laugh and coo but mostly when I'm awake I'm crying. Mommy and Daddy wish they could fix me and so do the doctors. We think I have a combination of reflux, colic, allergies and gastritis but the medicines just don't work for long. I've been on about every formula out there and even Goat Milk. I'm causing the Potts household to be in a lot of turmoil. I try to be cute and I'm a gorgeous baby that doesn't feel well enough to smile much. Please keep us all in your prayers.

Luke, those don't go on your head!

My first babydoll

She doesn't have a name yet- but Noni bought her for me when I lived in Mom's tummy. I have been enjoying playing with her more and more. Mom almost caught me laughing with my doll but the camera didn't quite catch it.

I love this outfit

thanks for letting me borrow it Laney and Haven:)

Luke, does Mom always take this many pictures? Enough already!

Me and my big brother

I learned to wink today

Say What??????