Bonnett-Castillo Family Blog: September 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Natalie had her dermatology appointment yesterday, and they identified the mark on her arm, its a condition called mastocytosis.

We got some information from the doctor, but I also looked it up on the internet to get a little more, and this is what I have found:

The condition is when a child has more than the normal amount of mast cells in the body. Many things can cause the mast cells to release a chemical, Natalie's is triggered by rubbing and heat. It gets swollen, red and itchy. Natalie's usually blister after.

Most likely this will go away on its own, and probably by the time she is 10 years old.

Since she only has 1 spot, it is not enough to cause any major problems.

The cause is not known, and it is not contagious.

Its not very common, its in less than 1% of patients visiting dermatology. Natalie's dermatologist brought in other doctor's to see her because he said most of them have probably never seen this condition.

Most patients with this condition are children, 75% of cases occur during infancy or early childhood.

Here are a couple pictures. The 1st one is when it swells up after being irritated. Then the 2nd is the blistering. We took these photos into the dermatologist, he said they were text book. He instantly identified her condition.

Swelling

Blistering

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Natalie had her 4 month well baby check, and she weighs 17 lbs 4 oz! Her weight is in the 96th percentile, and even though thats on the higher side the doctor says she is just fine, she is eating the right amount. Her length is in the 57th percentile, although I don't know her exact length.

We had them check the mark on her arm again, and the doctor said she had no idea what it was, so she referred us to a pediactric dermatologist. Natalie's appointment is on Tuesday.

I asked the doctor about rice cereal, and she recommended babies start at 6 months, for allergy reasons. So we will hold off on feeding her rice cereal again until she is 6 months.

Natalie also got her shots, and this time daddy held her. She screamed of course, and it just broke my heart. Her face was bright red from screaming, poor baby :( She was fussy throughout the day, but was a lot better than last time.

Natalie has began to scoot... although she mostly does it with her legs. She has not figured out yet that if she uses her arms too, it will work better, so she doesn't get very far...

Natalie is doing great at sleeping her her crib, in her room. She usually will wake once in the night to eat, although sometimes not at all. This has been VERY nice!!!

Play time in her jumparoo

Breakfast!

(Before we decided to wait until 6 months)

I love her big eyes!

Investigating :)

Too cute! I love this picture!!

Playing on the floor

She loves her fingers in her mouth, thats her new thing

Reading

I guess she wore herself out!!

Sleepy girl!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Natalie had her 1st experience with rice cereal today... It went pretty good. She didn't really know what to do, but that was expected. I don't think she actually ate too much of it either :)

I have heard that you should start rice cereal anywhere between 4 and 6 months, and I read the signs that indicate a baby is ready... Natalie had all of them! So we thought it was safe to go ahead and start her on cereal.

Trying her highchair out yesterday after we set it up.

And now, time to eat...

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Natalie has been very busy these last few days, we went to Phoenix and had a lot of fun! We left Saturday night when Charlie got off work, and got to my parents house at 2AM. Natalie's grandparents and great grandparents all got up to see Natalie. This was Natalie's 1st time meeting her great grandparents, Grammy and Papa. Charlie and I went to bed, and Grandma Carla and Grammy Lawania shared night time babysitting with Natalie. Grandma Carla bought Natalie a new crib, which is a lot more comfortable than the one we have. Natalie actually sleeps in there for longer periods of time, the crib came home with us.

On Sunday when we all woke up Natalie's great aunt Marilyn came by to visit and brought Natalie her 1st Barbie and Ken dolls, and a TON of Barbie clothes from her daughter, which happen to be made by Grammy Lawania! Grandpa Paul also came to visit Natalie, as well as Grandma Mima and JP. Later that night we went to dinner after JP's nephew's piano recital. Then while Grandma Carla, Grandpa Jim, Grammy, and Papa babysat Charlie took me to see Inglorious Bastards.

Monday not too much happened, we mostly stayed at the house and spent time with everyone. Grandma Carla bought Natalie a Laugh and Learn Jumparoo, which Natalie loves! She smiles and laughs as she jumps up and down. The first time she was in there she played for a half hour!

Tuesday Charlie and I got massages... very relaxing! Then we went to visit Landon, and brought him a toy truck. I wrote his name all over it, many many times, so hopefully nobody will take the truck. We also took an angel out that was from Grandma Mima. That night we went to dinner for Charlie's dad's birthday. And after went back to his house for cake... now about this cake... Charlie and I made it, but we are not proud of it... Its an angel food cake with frosting that was way too heavy for it, plus on the way over the Arizona heat melted it!! It tasted just fine, but looked like a mess!

Wednesday was our last day in Phoenix. On the way out of town we went to lunch with our friend Cheryl, and then stopped by Starbucks (which you always have to do on a road trip). Natalie didn't like the ride home very much, and cried for the last half of the trip.

Last night Natalie slept in her new crib for about 8 hours! She woke up twice, but was able to cry herself back to sleep. We watched her on the video monitor, so we didn't even have to go into her room. Natalie will now be in her own crib every night, and in her room. We will all be sleeping a lot better :)

Playing rocking horse with Grammy