Test Results!

Today we got Joshua's test results from the doctor. The doctor said that Joshua's stomach is not emptying food fast enough and therefore the milk is sitting in his stomach too long in between feeds. Because the milk is sitting in his stomach and is acidic, it is coming back up into his esophagus later as acid reflux. Fortunately there is a medication to help with this. I am not sure how it works exactly, but essentially it helps his stomach empty the food faster. This was one of the "easier fixes" the doctor had mentioned before this procedure, so I was pleased to hear that was one of the reasons and its just finally nice to have an answer.

The biopsy also showed that his esophogus had mild inflammation, which is why the doctor wants us to not only continue but increase his prevacid medication so the acidic stomach contents is buffered and it wont burn his esophagus. I cannot wait to get this medication and start it so Joshua can start feeling better and won't have to have reflux every day. Those of you who have had reflux can imagine how awful that would be! The pharmacy actually called us tonight and told us that they are unable to fill the prescription because it has to be made from a powder in a laboratory, so hopefully a local pharmacy can get it for us. We will know tomorrow morning.

In addition to his procedure this week, Joshua also had his 6 month check up this Thursday. He weighed in at 14 lbs and was just about 24 inches long! Using his adjusted age, which is 4 months, he is in about the 20th percentile for both weight and height. Using his actual age of 6 months, he is still in the 3rd percentile. He is still on the lower end of the charts...well actually he is actually barely on the charts, but he is making great progress because that growth line is almost vertical on the charts!

Joshua is still on full bottle feeds, but he is eating about 1/16 of a banana every day. That sounds like nothing, but he goes crazy for that banana. As for apples, they are still a little tart for his liking and his facial expressions were priceless. Too bad I didn't have the video camera going. I will have the video camera going next sunday, because on the 29th Joshua is being baptized! We are so blessed to celebrate Joshua's presence in our lives and in the church. We are looking forward to seeing family and friends for this special event.

The many faces of a baby....

Playful

Interested

Silly

Shy

Full of giggles

Content

Amused

Out for dinner at Rainforest Cafe...he loved the aquariums

Sweet chubby cheeks

 Joshua's daily routine...grab it, put it in my mouth, lose it, start again!

Grab it

Put it in my mouth

Lost it

Here are some recent pictures of Joshua! The countdown begins for summer... 11 days of school! Much love and thanks from Team Altman.