Six Month Check-up

Today Bria had her six month check-up. Of course I set the alarm for 6:30 this morning thinking that would give me time to mosey around and get ready before Bria awoke at 8:00. Well... wouldn't ya know she decided to wake up at 6:00 hungry! So much for my well thought out morning! Thankfully, after I fed her she fell asleep again and snuggled with her Daddy until around 8:00 when I got her dressed and ready to leave.

Her appointment went well overall and she received a clean bill of health. Bria now weights 18 pounds 5 ounces and is 25 1/2 inches long. She is in the 90th percentile for weight, 75th for height and 50th for head circumference. She also has passed all of the milestones on the Denver Developmental. I had the opportunity to discuss Bria's reaction to wipes with the nurse practitioner as well as the blood that has been frequenting her stool. Because of these issues, they would like to do allergy testing on Bria once she is six months old to determine if she has a possible milk allergy. The blood could also be due to a fissure or possibly an over production of breast milk. I am anxious to know what the cause of this is; however, Bria is gaining weight and acting energetic as usual so I am not overly concerned.

I have to say being a parent has been a little stressful lately. Over the past two months we have experienced a number of unexpected situations. Each time Bria has been okay, but my heart breaks at the thought of her becoming sick or feeling pain. The emotions and attitudes you develop once you have become a parent are indescribable and something you can only actually understand once you ARE a parent. I think back to when I was a teenager and how difficult I was. Then I reflect on how I feel about Bria, and how my parents felt about me as a baby. I know I must have torn their hearts out with some of my decisions over the years. Ultimately, I know my parents are pleased (to say the least) that I have chosen to follow Christ and have a wonderful husband who has chosen the same. (I love you Mom & Dad!) I pray that no matter what decisions Bria makes over the years to come (and for that matter our other children) that she will choose to follow Christ and love Him above all else.

This passage has been on my heart lately with the situations our family has been experiencing.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We are off to Branson with Ryan and the Cougars next week to cheer them on to a National Championship!