Levi {2 Months}

Size: Levi is mostly in 3 month clothes now and size 1 diapers. At his July 2nd appointment he weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces and today at his 2 month appointment he weighed 10 pounds, 1 ounce!

Eating: After noticing several signs and symptoms of an allergy (eczema, green stools, reflux, cough, really bad baby acne/rash on his face), we took Levi to the doctor on July 2nd and the doctor tested his diaper and diagnosed him with a dairy allergy. I started a dairy free diet on June 30 (after calling the nurse a few days before with suspicions that it could be an allergy) and have seen substantial improvement ever since! His skin cleared up almost immediately and the other symptoms are gone as well. We started Zantac on July 20th to help ease the discomfort of the acid reflux which is the only symptom that hasn't improved since no dairy. I'm not talking about the normal baby spit-up here. I'm talking projectile vomiting a substantial amount after most feedings. Not fun for anyone. The doctor says he will outgrow the allergy-- if not by 6 months then by 1 year or 2 years. While it takes a little more time and thought to read labels and ingredients, I am thankful that it's a fixable problem and he is an otherwise healthy, growing boy. 

Rash on June 17

No rash on July 29 after one month of no dairy

Sleeping: We are religious (yet also adaptable) with our schedule of eat, play, sleep every 3 hours (+/- based on Levi's needs) and it seems to be working like a charm! The Lord has blessed us with a great sleeper!! June 27th began a great sleep streak that has yet to be broken. Levi sleeps anywhere from 7-9 hours straight at night after going down between 10 and 11 p.m. He takes a 3+ hour nap after his first feeding in the morning and then takes short naps (30-45 minutes or so) the rest of the day with one longer nap (about 2 hours) in the late afternoon. Levi had his first nap in his crib a few weeks ago and did great. I try to let him nap in his crib at least once a day now but plan to keep him in the rock n play at night until we get the reflux under control. I am so thankful we are mastering our routine... it feels so good!
    
Milestones: We've been busy this month! We went on our first run with the Bob stroller on July 4th and he slept the whole time :) Started running again after my doc gave me the "all clear" at my 6 week post-partum appointment. Feels so good to be running again!! Daddy was in Honduras July 6-13 and we missed him like crazy. He had a great time with our students though and it was a great trip ministering at New Life Children's Home. Holley was a tremendous help to me while he was gone-- I am so thankful for her and for her servant's heart. Doesn't hurt that she loves little Levi to pieces. We took our first overnight trip to the beach at 7 weeks old and he did really well traveling and sleeping. I start working PT from home on Monday and praying for lots of grace as I fold working into our schedule.

Likes: Being snuggled, Avent pacis, lying on my changing table, bath time, standing/pushing off with my strong legs, music, laughing and making cute little noises.

Dislikes: Tummy time (only likes it for about 20 seconds), being wet or dirty, loud noises/being startled.

My sweet angel

Wrapped up in the blanket my Mimi knit for me :) 

We've enjoyed lots of visitors while I've been on maternity leave: Maria and Matthew Owens, Ann Marie Knight, Becky and Kaitlyn Brown, the Delks, Patty Roland, Celin, Kyndra, Aunt Meg, Abbey and David, Lawren Lowdermilk, April Burns, Sara Lynn and Doc, Cookie and Robert, Jessica, Meredith, Amanda Droze, Jess Rupar, Aunt Lauren and Addyson, my mom, and Mimi has been coming to see me on Sunday mornings! 

((Psalm 121:1-2))

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come? 

 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.