Brody's first check-up

We went to the Doctor's office this morning for Brody's weight check. They always check to see that the baby hasn't lost too much weight and that he is eating properly. We were so glad we had this appointment scheduled because he has not been eating well. He is bottle fed and he seemed to take the bottle fine in the hospital, but when we got home, he would fight every time we had to feed him. He was clearly hungry, but would not suck on the bottle. I resorted to squeezing enough formula into his mouth so that he was sort of satisfied and by then he was exhausted from fighting it that he would fall asleep. Once he was asleep I would shove the bottle into his mouth and hope that reflexes kicked in and usually he would suck a little. It took a good hour to get one ounce of formula in him. We were definitely getting frustrated and worried.

Brody weighed 7lbs 14 oz when he was born. When we left the hospital he was 7lbs 8oz and today he was 7lbs 6oz. He had lost 7% of his birth weight which is the most that they should lose. We told the doctor about his eating problems and he yelled out the door asking if the lactation consultant had an opening. She had just had a cancellation so we were able to see her right away. What a blessing. It was totally a God-thing. She watched him with the bottle and then felt in his mouth for his suck and basically she said he had a disorganized suck. He wanted to keep his tongue at the roof of his mouth and sometimes he would just forget what he was doing. Anyway, she worked with him and pulled out a special bottle for us to use. She also put him on a high-calorie formula so he can gain a little more weight. We have had two successful feedings since we saw her and are feeling really optimistic. A huge weight was lifted and this was yet another way we have seen our prayers answered.

God has blessed us so much and answered even the little "please let him fall asleep" prayers. I'm thrilled that Ryan is able to take quite a bit of time off work. The kids are enamored with Brody. Amelia must kiss him 50 times a day.