Chloe's Family Party

We had a family gathering in Maryland at Grandma and Grandpa Wissmann's House for Chloe's first birthday. This was Chloe's second party, which is probably unnecessary for a 1 year-old, but since we are now living within driving distance of our families we thought we would enjoy it while we can. Who knows when we will be close enough again to do that! Such is Navy life... Once you have children it becomes even harder to live away from family. We have this wonderful little girl that we want to share with our family and friends.

Many thanks to my Mom and Dad for hosting and providing a "great spread" for Chloe, and thanks so much to our aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and great-grandparents for attending and helping us celebrate. Thanks to Granny & Pop-pop Donnelly, Uncle Ryan and Cousin Paige for making the trip from NY and NJ to see us.

Unfortunately I did not get many photos of the evening. Chloe had caught my cold and was really not feeling up to all the new people and festivities, so my arms were tied all night in holding her. Here are a few for you to see.

Hugs for Bailey

Bailey gets "hugged" many times a day. It looks more like Chloe is trying to wrestle her, but she is just trying to show her love.

Comments Please

My friend informed me today that I had all these barriers set on Blogspot for comment moderation. I turned them all off, so now it is easier to comment. The forum is open. Leave me a little note. It makes my day!

Passport, Please.

She's ready to see the world!

First Class Only!

Her first 2 stamps will come this summer when he head off to England to visit Uncle Dan, Aunt Kelly, Max and Molly. Then together we are all heading to the "Homeland," as Chad likes to call it, Ireland. We can't wait!!!!

Validated!

And hopeful. That is how I felt this morning when we met with Dr. Sullivan, the gastroenterologist. He told me there is most likely something else going on with Chloe beyond the normal reflux most babies experience. He prescribed Prevacid which he said is a better medication then our current one. He is not completely sure what is causing the problem so we going to do a few things. The first change is the medication, second is trying her on rice or soy milk because she may have a protein allergy, third we are having an x-ray/upper G.I. study done to make sure her anatomy is formed correctly, and finally an endoscopy. If steps 1,2, and 3 work or produce positive changes, then we won't do the endoscopy. The endoscopy is a short procedure which she will have to be put to sleep for, but will give conclusive answers. Dr. Sullivan did say that her sleep problems could very well be a result of what is going on internally.

One Year Check-up

We had our one year check up this morning with Dr. Doyle. Chloe is 19 lbs, 10 ounces, 29 inches. After a year of excessive spitting up and Zantac dosages, she finally feels it is time to see a GI specialist. Hopefully we'll be able to get an appointment soon. I am really looking forward to hearing what they say. I have been telling the doctors that her reflux is very severe, but they insisted it was pretty normal. I knew I was right! Mother always knows best, right? I have a very strong feeling that whatever is going on internally is linked to her sleep issues as well.

Otherwise she appears to be developing well mentally and physically. She is not walking yet, but working very hard on standing on her own. She stands for a minute or so then loses her balance. She cruises and crawls with no problems. She still has no teeth, but is taking more whole foods. We are going to switch from formula to whole milk this week and do our best to move away from using the bottle. I am not sure how well that is going to go over!!!

Photo Album: Chloe's Kids Party

Click on the link below to view the photos from Chloe's party.

http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=264540620/a=10634292_10634292/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink

Enjoy!

Chloe, then and now

Last year, January 31st, 2008

Our Brand New Baby...



This year, January 31st, 2009

Her First Birthday...



It's been a year of many sleepless nights, laughs, joyful tears, dirty diapers, and endless bottles, but we couldn't be prouder of that silly, little, blond haired, blue eyed, gorgeous baby that we call ours.