It has been a TOUGH three weeks for Cabell (and his sleep-deprived parents). He's had nasal congestion that just will not go away and, in fact, has worsened. With such a stuffed-up nose, eating has been very difficult and he is not even close to weighing what a baby his age should. He was even tested for Cystic Fibrosis last week and, thankfully, the results were NEGATIVE (though we worried and worried for a week!).
Yesterday, we visited Cab's ENT, Dr.Moretz, who is treating him for his reflux. He did one of those video-down-the-nose things and his esophagus area, which was previously red and swollen as a result of the reflux, looked fine. Also, Dr. Moretz found no anatomical problems (such as a deviated septum) that would cause all of his congestion. What he did find, however, was mucous- and lots of it- in the back of his nose, near the eustachian tube. Fortunately, the mucous is clear, meaning that it is not an infection. He suctioned Cab's nose using this handy machine, which we then went to a medical supply store and rented. We hope that daily suctionings will do the trick *fingers crossed*. Dr. Moretz is attributing the mucous to the reflux (apparently GERD causes a LOT of weird symptoms) and it is very nice to have some answers.
One thing that Cabell has been able to eat well is his baby food (eating from a spoon is much easier with congestion than sucking on a bottle or breast). As of now, peaches seem to be his favorite whereas he's seemed the least interested in peas. His spoon-eating skills seem to improve every day.
Cabell's other big feat is standing up! Well, not really, but his leg strength is making notable improvements every day. He can stand up in our laps (with our hands holding him up under his armpits) for several minues at a time. He gives us THE biggest smile when he does this, as though he is as proud of him as his mommy and daddy are (not possible).
I haven't taken many pictures since the last post, but Bradley got these two FANTASTIC pictures of Cabell smiling in his Jumperoo. Where he got the dimples from is anyone's guess! Brad and I both agree that there is NO sight in the world more breathtaking or awe-inspiring than seeing your child smile.
