Eggstravaganza Uno

First, someone please tell me how our little Bella got so big!! She’s getting so strong and stable (still not walking, but thinking about it!) and is the sweetest, biggest bundle of love.

She’s getting very affectionate and loves to “kiss” and snuggle and wants to be held all of time … well most of the time.

Bella is getting very good at repeating words and making sounds to begin words. She’s always been chatty and it seems like soon we may actually be able to understand what she’s saying. Yay!

We went to dinner at “Uncle” Kevin’s house Friday night and had a wonderful time with great friends! Bella wore a new outfit from Auntie Em and Uncle Jer. Too cute!

Saturday morning we went to Grapevine for Bella’s first Egg Hunt!  Grandma, Grandpa and Grams went with us & we had a great time on a beautiful day.

Bella got her face painted.  She tried to eat the paint brush.  Then turned away because it tickled her face.  The end result was pretty stinkin’ cute!

Then B and I got ready for the Egg Hunt! She got TWO eggs! Yippee!

We met Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny.

And enjoyed special time with her GRANDparents!

 

We visited the petting zoo and it was so fun to see all the furry little animals! I held a guinea pig and a soft bunny! 

We had a great morning!

goodbye Neocate

Hello Whole Milk.

And yogurt, REAL cheese, dairy and soy.

What a journey we’ve been on!

Bella was diagnosed with MSPI (milk soy protein intolerance) and reflux when she was 6 weeks old. She had been struggling to gain weight and was loosing weight at one point. She cried (and cried … and cried), was a gassy little lady, made some incredible noises while trying to nurse and was visibly uncomfortable.  Her intestines were irritated from trying to break down milk/soy proteins she was getting from my breast milk & from the formula we used to supplement. Once she started having some blood in her diapers we were sent to a fabulous GI doctor and things have been looking up ever since!!

Flash forward one year and she’s our healthy, HAPPY, beautiful little girl.

80% of babies grow out of MSPI by the time they are one so we did our “trial” over the last week and all signs point to “go”.

Today will be the first day without Neocate.

I’m nervous (especially after last night! She was hysterical for a while and I had visions from a year ago when her belly hurt!) but I’m hoping for the best!

We started introducing yogurt and will continue to add foods with milk & soy.

The thought of not having to read labels anymore is simply wonderful.  And the money we’ll save from being able to purchase “regular” food and no more pricey Neocate is a blessing!!

So everyone cross their fingers today and say a little prayer.

Here are a few BEFORE photos:

A few AFTER photos.

I think the medicine and Neocate worked!!  

Here’s a good comparison.  We have her baby doll in both photos.  

it’s my party …

… and I'll pout of if I want to!

Bella celebrated her first birthday last weekend with her friends & family and everyone who loves her to pieces!

She started the party off a little “off” since she just woke up from a nap. But then she kicked it into party gear and had a wonderful day!

A few decorations …

 

A few friends…

 

Some fabulous family…

Bella and all of her great grandparents.

Funny.

No one is looking at the camera. 

A few gifts!

and some yummy cake!