The boy gained 7 ounces in one month. As unsatisfying as that number is, it’s something at least. The doctor is pleased because it shows that he can gain weight, we just need to increase his caloric intake…which is basically a full time job…because he’s at a really picky stage.
Have I mentioned the arm this kid has? He has perfected the food launch across the kitchen. It’s so freaking annoying! Anything he doesn’t like gets thrown as hard as possible across the room. Typically in the direction of Tucker who, of course, thoroughly enjoys it.
The doc suggested we try an instant breakfast of sorts to add some calories to his day. Do you know how difficult it is to find one without soy? Yeah, nearly impossible. And I almost had an Ethan moment at Target when I picked up the umpteenth container and saw soy listed in the ingredients and wanted to chuck it across the store. I’m serious, I almost threw a tantrum in the middle of the Target aisle. I just can’t even explain to you how frustrating it is. (But then, finally there was an Atkins protein shake with no soy, so we just need to test that out and see if Ethan likes it…and I should probably check with a doctor to see if Atkins is something I should give a 16 month old.)
In other news, we saw the allergist today. While we think Ethan may have a nut allergy, we want to confirm, because how great would it be to add peanut butter to his diet? He was supposed to have the skin testing this morning, but he’s in the midst of an eczema flare on his back, so the appointment was a bust. However, we did learn some different skin maintenance/steroid/lotion techniques that are completely opposite of what the pediatrician has been telling us, so that’s great (sarcasm font).
Sorry for the pissy post after a month long hiatus, I’m just feeling quite defeated.
The 7 ounces, yes that’s a win and I’m obviously so thankful that he doesn’t have some sort of underlying condition that I had diagnosed him with over the last few weeks…I just never imagined we would be spending so much energy cooking and baking and reading labels and who knows what the allergist might come up with at the next appointment.
On a brighter note, I found some gluten free chicken strips at Walmart and they’re fantastic. Simply Smart is the brand. And if using enough syrup, even egg free rice flour pancakes are edible. And, though Ethan threw them across the kitchen, I made some gluten free/egg free chocolate chip cookies that I thought were pretty tasty.
This is Ethan pre-allergy diagnosis. I think he had just had a blueberry muffin and our food allergy suspicions were full blown. Do I even need to comment on that red beard of sadness?
