Back from the doctor

Benjamin has what his pediatrician called "severe cradle cap." Yucky. Prior to this, I wasn't really doing anything to it b/c the doctor had told me to just leave it alone. So after baths (which, granted, are only about three times a week) I was putting Aquaphor on it. But now it's infected and (gross) it even has a nasty smell to it sometimes. (Ah, the joys of parenting...)

So now I am supposed to use Selsun Blue (dandruff shampoo) 2-3 times a week. And prescription Bactroban ointment 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days. And 1% hydrocortisone cream twice a day until it isn't red anymore. Yuck. Ick.

OH! And what I thought was just heat rash on his torso is actually eczema. Sigh.... At least I have tons of Aquaphor for that. I hope it helps! (This means I have to bathe him more often. Sigh again. Who has time?)

She said his ears looked clear from what she could see. There was wax buildup in there, and Down syndrome babes have small ear and nose passages, so it was hard for her to see in there! She agrees that his lack of weight gain and lack of eating a lot per feeding is most likely just his heart. It's just too hard now. All the more reason it's good the ball is rolling on scheduling the surgery.

We agreed to go ahead and give him his four-month vaccinations so they will be in his system before his surgery. It has been eight weeks since his last shots, and it has to have been at least six weeks. The cardiologist didn't want him to have any vaccines any sooner than a month before surgery b/c they'll take his blood out during the surgery (CRAZY!) and all the antibodies from the shots will be taken out if he gets shots any sooner than a month before the surgery. So since we know surgery will most likely be NO sooner than a month (most likely six to eight weeks away), we went ahead and gave them to him. She thought it was better safe than sorry that he has the proper vaccinations before he stays in the hospital for his surgery, to protect him.

Now it's late (6 p.m.) and Matthew is still at work (coming home soon I hope). I need to scrounge up some dinner for Andrew. I hope to ONE day be able to cook some semblance of dinner. :)