Now you'll know...

Why I haven't updated our blog in ages. Why I haven't returned phone calls/emails. Why my house is a disaster. Why I haven't had the chance to write the many thank you notes to friends as they welcomed Vivian with lovingly prepared meals for our family or thoughtful baby gifts.

Sweet Vivian has been struggling with severe reflux symptoms for many weeks now. These symptoms are often accompanied by severe gas & constipation. Since she is exclusively breastfed (with an extremely occasional formula bottle of maybe 2 ounces) I have really watched my diet & have excluded things that might have been the culprits. Her newest round of medications don't seem to be giving her the amount of relief that they should (and she is maxed out on the doses). In addition, we have noticed a somewhat alarming pattern of her bowel movements that is seemingly abnormal.

We are getting a second pediatric opinion tomorrow since our regular pediatrician does not seem concerned with the insanely loud abdominal noises while nursing, the 7+ days between passing stools, the severe gas, the constipation/crying when trying to pass gas/stools, etc.... We are also trying to get in to see a pediatric gastroenterologist in Houston (Thank you Aunt Anna for the recommendations) to also have more specialized gastric care.

My request to you is please pray for Vivian...for her to be comfortable and pain free. Please pray for strength and wisdom for Rodney and me as we act as advocates for Vivian. Please pray for wisdom and accuracy by the doctor(s) who will treat Vivian. It's really scary for Rodney & me to hear mentions of possible need for surgery (not to mention some of the potential invasive diagnostic procedures that might be in her future). Of course we don't know ANYTHING yet except that our Vivian is in pain/discomfort so much of the time. All of the possibilities that we read about/hear are running through our minds and we just need some answers. Please also pray for Anna Beth, Corinne & Lila's happiness/comfort. Since Rodney & I are so preoccupied with caring for Vivian's special needs right now, the big girls seem to be getting shorted a lot of our attention. I am having serious Mommy Guilt.

Thank you for your continued prayers for our family.

Much love,

Emily