Aaron - 2009 thus far. . . . .

Aaron - our sweet baby boy is almost eleven months old. For Aaron, 2009 started a little rough. Soon after returning from our trip to Idaho for Christmas, his eczema exploded.

At one point he was literally covered from head to toe. My bewildered doctor sent us to a pediatric dermatologist, who prescribed some topical steroids and instructed me to bathe him daily, moisturized his body morning and night, and apply cold compresses on his cheeks nightly. After three weeks of following his instuctions religiously, Aaron's skin was much improved but still in pretty rough shape. At our follow-up visit, the doctor informed me Aaron would "just have to grow out of it." By this time, Aaron was getting up 4-5 times a might (his only comfort and relief seemed to be nursing) and during the day, his naps were only 10-15 minutes long. His cheeks and chin were constantly oozing puss. Amazingly, despite his pain and discomfort, Aaron continud to be a relatively happy baby. Still, I didn't think I could wait for him to "grow out of it" (I was tired and I hated seeing him suffer). I did a lot of research. But nothing seemed to really help. My dad suggested we fast and pray for Aaron. So we did and the Lord blessed us with an answer. During church, as I went to lay Aaron in his car-seat, the thought came to me, "his car-seat liner is made of wool." Then the connection came. While researching eczema online I had read several times that wool can really irritate eczema, but for some reason I had never recognized that Aaron's car-seat liner was made of 100% wool! When we got home, we removed the liner and within a week, his eczema was much improved. Still his cheeks were constantly inflamed and often pussy and bloody. People were always asking me what was wrong with him. One day, a heaven sent woman suggested we might find this certain book to be helpful. I bought the book that next week and now, three months later, Aaron's cheeks are almost clear. The book she recommended is written by an allergist who advises that eczema is usually flared-up by allergies. We recently went to a pediatic allergist who through allergy testing confirmed that Aaron is allergic to milk, eggs, wheat, barley, rye, flax seed, potatoes, peanuts, and corn (cornstartch and corn syrup). Because I am nursing Aaron, I'm the one who gets to abstain from these very basic foods (take a look at any food label in your fridge or pantry and I can guarantee Aaron (or I, for now) would not be able to eat it!). So, I've turned into a bunny and eat lots of salad. I also eat lots and lots of rice (oriental and Mexican food). And I've finally acquired a taste for soy milk. Now, Aaron is sleeping through the night and takes at least one 2 hour nap during the day. And I feel like a new woman!

Well, that was really long - sorry. But, for my personal history, I wanted to record that. Aaron is truly the sweetest baby. He has both his mom and dad wrapped around his little finger. He has the most endearing smile and gorgeous brown eyes. My favorite is when Shane or I pick Aaron up, he immediately grasps one little arm around our neck and the other around our shoulder. He then holds/hugs us so tightly, laying his head on our shoulder. It reminds me of a little monkey holding onto its mother. It is really, really sweet. Having a snuggly baby is heaven!

Oh! And look who's almost crawling!