Little Flutterbugs

Thanksgiving was at our house this year. My brother and his family drove up and my other brother flew in. All in all we were 12 people; 7 adults and 5 kids. We are thankful for many many things. 

Thankful for park time before thanksgiving dinner and cousins who made Gabby face her fear of the slide. 

Thankful for the medical attention the little one is receiving.

Although my nephew Aidan was not feeling his best, he managed to give his “titi sheila” a smile.

After our thanksgiving feast, a turkey chase when on throughout the house.

Thankful for “tio juan” who cuddles up to watch Charlie’s Brown Thanksgiving”

Thankful for Dancing Kids in their pajamas. 

Thankful for the buddy system,

for train rides at the zoo, 

and for feeding beautiful giraffes.

Thankful for “nana” who always keeps a watchful eye. 

We hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving.

Lately, she is climbing on everything. 

Climbs on furniture, stools, tables, boxes and even the wipee box. 

When she climbs down, she claps for herself. 

Can drink out of a sippy cup, but perfers her bottle or tete.

Everytime we walk by a picture handing on the wall, she starts saying everyone’s name. She always starts with dada.

Loves talking on the phone and even uses a remote control as a phone. 

She’s really social. Just yesterday while shopping at Ross, a lady said hello to her and she went over and hugged her leg. Then she walked over and hugged her friend’s leg too. 

She bobs to the ending of Dora the Explorer. 

We can feel the word explosion coming on. Lately, she says “cheese”, “abuela”, “shoes” and “aiana”. Her vocabulary is growing everyday. 

Hates to wear shoes. 

Loves to sing Old Mcdonald and Itsy Bitsy Spider. 

Can’t get enough of Where is Baby’s Mommy by Karen Katz.

A few days ago, I went by the children’s hospital to get a copy of her medical records. I chuckled when I read what her pediatric neurologist wrote. “.. the patient is tiny but mighty…”.

She’s compliant with her medication. 

Last week, I took her to the allergist for her milk challenge. She refused to drink whole milk. She is content with rice milk.

We went Trick or Treating tonight. We had lots of fun riding the wagon and visiting our neighbors. Here are some pictures to share. Ariana dressed up as a LadyBug and I was a Pink Butterfly. 

I said to mama, this was the best Halloween Ever!

She was diagnosed with Epilepsy. 

She’s had two admissions to Wolfson Children’s Hospital this month. 

She’s had all sorts of test done: CT, MRI, EKG, two sleep deprived EEGs ~ all normal. 

Relying on faith and prayers these days. Overwhelmed by the support of family and friends. 

She is currently taking medication and is adjusting to it. Increased sleepiness and irritability. Yet, continues to be our “spirited” child. Highly energetic, sunny personality and overly confident. 

To learn more about Epilepsy go to www.epilepsyfoundation.org

This morning I received a call from Nemours Allergy and Pulmonary Office. Our conversation went like this: 

Nurse: “Good Morning, May I speak with Ariana’s Mom”

Me: “Yes, this is Sheila, Ariana’s mom”

Nurse: “Ms. Rodriguez, we received your daughters’ blood test results and they indicate negative to milk and peanut allergies” 

Me: “I see???” 

Nurse: “However, Dr. Leonard would like to proceed with a Milk Challenge on your daughter. You will be required to bring you daughter into our office and under medical supervision you will administer whole milk for her to drink. Be sure to bring plenty of toys to keep her occupied, this will take 4 to 5 hours to complete. 

Me: “4!, 5 hours!!?” 

Nurse: “Yes, when would you like to schedule the appointment? “ 

Me: “Let me get this straight. Ariana’s skin test clearly showed allergic reaction to milk and peanut. However, her blood work revealed no allergic trace of either? The milk challenge is a final rule out for the possible milk allergy, correct?”

Nurse: “Yes, that is correct. I know, its cumbersome.” 

Me: “To say the least. Please give me your next available appointment at your Orange Park office.”