Possible Peanut Allergy

Back in May or June, I was making baby food for Greyson.  I was stuffing it with calories to make him gain weight and  after we saw the GI, we started adding pediasure and PB2 (which is powdered peanut butter) for extra calories and protein.  Since we do not have a history of peanut allergies, I did not think twice about this.  

This same week, a stomach bug plagued the Corbitt's, going through each and every one of us. But then there was Greyson. It seemed odd that he was continuing to vomit when everyone else was well.  His nutritionist said it was probably the pediasure as some children cannot handle the calories. We stopped adding pediasure but he continued to vomit.  At this point, I knew that the only thing new in that food was the PB2. I was told not to jump to conclusions of an allergy but to hold off on peanut products for a little while until we could test it again.  I waited a few months and then gave him a simple breakfast of peanut butter toast.  After about two hours, he vomited again. After speaking with the pediatrician, we have decided to avoid all peanut products as a family until we can see the allergist and get more clear answers. We have the referral but we are waiting to hear about an appointment. So, at this time Greyson officially, unofficially is allergic to peanuts.

Image:  http://www.peanutallergykids.com/products.html

The Letter L

The second week of school was focused on the letter 'L'.  The boys had a blast making lavender L's and lemonade. As usual, we started the week off with dot-a-dot pages on Monday. We continued reading lessons with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy lessons, and working on writing with Handwriting Without Tears (affiliated links below) throughout the week. 

On Tuesday, we made Lavender 'L's. I had Josh pick up some real Lavender at one of our favorite stores, The Paris Market, and the next day we stuffed fabric 'L's with it.  This was great motor skills practice and the boys loved playing with and smelling the lavender. 

On Thursday, we made lemonade.  I did most of the prep work earlier in the day, but left something for each boy to do.  They each juiced a lemon half, measured and poured simple syrup, and helped count the cups of water. And of course, they LOVED drinking it. 

The Letter F

The first week of school we studied the letter F.  The first few days were a little bit of trial and error to see what each boy could do but they both did great! Emory and Boaz both loved the Dot-A-Dot markers (affiliated links below)! I found several cool worksheets that use Dot-A-Dot markers and the boys have been going to town with them!  Boaz is learning to use a pencil to make intentional lines and scribbles and Em is using the Handwriting Without Tears worksheets to write his letters.

We kick off each week with some Dot-A-Dot letter sheets and Find a Letter sheets; then we do a craft and (sometimes) a snack that begins with that weeks letter.  This week we made foil fish and paper plate fish, though we did not do a snack. 

We fill in the rest of the time (that isn't at therapy or a doctor's appointment) with coloring sheets, math sheets, books, and learning to read with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.  

Both boys did really well in their first week of school and we couldn't be more proud of them! 

 

Greyson's Swallow Study

    

    This morning we woke up early and headed to Jacksonville for a Swallow Study for Greyson.  Well actually, we woke up late, but we made it there on time, by God's grace! 

     Greyson wasn't allowed to eat anything 6 hours before this study so we fed him in the wee hours of the night and then held and played with him while we waited for his Swallow Study. I went back with him fed him the sippy full of 'chalk tasting liquid' for the study.  They took X-ray pictures of his stomach and esophagus while he drank it and after it had time to leave his stomach.  After the study, we went to lunch and then headed to the Kid's Walk to kill some time before his GI and Nutrition appointment.  The boys loved the view of the trucks and had a blast playing up there. 

     At his GI/Nutrition appointment we discussed his diet and how to pack more calories in. The results from the Swallow Study were normal and so for now we are just going to continue his high calorie diet. We will see the GI in November again and if Greyson hasn't gained weight by that appointment then we will talk about the next steps for a G-Tube (tests and so forth). Please keep us all in your prayers!  At this point we just want Grey to gain weight and if he needs a g-tube to accomplish that, then that is what we will do but do pray that he will be able to put on weight on his own! 

The Corbitt's Homeschool

    Two weeks ago we started preschool with Boaz and Emory.  So far each week we are studying a letter, working on writing, working on reading, and doing lots of playing!  I am going to be posting about what we study at the end of the week. We are just starting out so come check out the blog and learn along side us as we learn what it looks like to homeschool our two crazy sons, one with only 2 copies of the 21st chromosome and one with three.

Boaz Gets a Bike- Our Night at the Ambucs Fundraiser

 

    Last night we had the very special opportunity to attend the Ambucs Fundraiser.  Boaz was presented his special bike at this event and we all had a blast!  Ambucs 'is a non-profit service organization consisting of a diverse group of men and women who are dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.'  They provide AmTrykes to people who are unable to ride a traditional bike.  They do this through very generous people who provide funds to buy these bikes.  Last night we also had the opportunity to meet the man who fully funded Boaz's bike.  I can't even express how amazing that was!

    Boaz had that celebrity walk down by the time we left! He was even doing it down the halls of therapy this morning!  He was also on tv last night and this morning! We recorded it for the boys and, of course, they love to watch it.

    Emory is SO proud of his brother!

    Here is the link to watch him on the news!

Greyson's GI Appointment

    If you haven't already noticed, Grey is super tiny. Up until recently he was still going up on the growth chart, he was just tiny. Lately though he has been a lot more active and plateaued on the growth chart.   We started feeding him more calories to make up for his activity, but our pediatrician agreed that it would be a good idea to see a GI and Nutritionist.  Off to Nemours we went. 

    The exam went really well and the doctor isn't concerned about an underlying problem just yet. He did run a bunch of blood work to check on Vitamins. He also talked about doing a swallow study and X-ray to make sure he is eating well, but Greyson doesn't have any symptoms so they would just be precautionary.  

    After the GI appointment and a short lunch, we met with the nutritionist.  She said the way we were feeding him was perfect.  She gave us some pedisure samples and a goal for his daily calorie intake.  I am supposed to send in his food logs each week.  If he is eating well and still not gaining weight then we will run more tests. For now, we are counting his calories and making sure he gets 750-800 a day. Greyson is blowing our mind with how well he is eating solid foods so this task has been surprisingly easy.  This kid loves to eat! 

    I will keep you guys updated on how he is doing!  The goal is that this will help him gain muscle as well so that he will be able to hold his head and sit in the near future!