It's time for a Lily update.  When we saw the neurologist a couple of weeks ago he mostly just asked a lot of questions about her.  He didn't say a whole lot because nothing is conclusive without tests and results obviously.  He ordered a whole bunch of blood work to be done.  They'll be testing for all sorts of crazy and rare muscle disorders.  I don't think it's anything that serious and I don't think the doctor does either, but he's ruling out all possibilities. Her hormone levels will also be evaluated, which is what I personally feel is the issue.  I found this article yesterday that just seems to fit her.

Basically, it says when there is an imbalance in the pituitary gland then not enough somatatrophin (growth hormone) is produced often resulting in stunted growth.  The article lists common symptoms in infants and children, most of which Lily shows.

1. Increased amount of fat around the waist.       Check.  I've always noticed that Lily's belly seemed especially large compared to her bum and legs, so it was interesting to see it listed as a symptom.

2. The child might look younger than other children of his/her age.   Check.  Everyone is always surprised to hear she's as old as she is.   

3.  Delayed tooth development in infancy.       Check.   She's just now barely starting to get her first tooth at 13 months.

4. Delayed onset of puberty.    um...yet to be determined.

5. Slow growth velocity at each stage of age and puberty.   Check.

Looks pretty obvious to me, so it will be interesting to see how the tests come back.  Not only does she show the symptoms, but my super smart herbally minded, vitamin loving mom told us some things we could be giving Lily that will increase hormone production.  Since giving her Vitamin E and cod liver oil (yum)  she has rolled over occasionally, her legs seem to slowly be getting stronger, and she has her first budding tooth.  We're hopeful that our little flower will just keep on growing.


Yesterday Lily and I took the joyous journey to the lab. The sweet little thing was in such a happy mood as we were waiting for her name to be called.   She was flirting with all the nice old people and chatting away.  Everyone ooohed and ahhhed over her. She loved it, and I hated that I was about to ruin all that happiness.  Soon the nurse called us back.  I thought I was going to pass out...seriously.  I was shaky, sweaty, and all that good stuff.  It was torture - and I wasn't even the patient. It was all I could do to hold back my tears as I had to hold down my squirming and crying baby.  There were 8 different tubes they had to fill. Eight!  It seemed like so much blood - too much to be doing all at once...horrible time for a mommy.  She cried pretty good, but could at least be distracted a little.  It took about 5 minutes to fill all the tubes, but it seemed like FOREVER.  I'm pretty sure the ordeal was far worse for me than her, but I would've given anything to take her place.  I am so so SO glad that is over and if there ever has to be a next time, dad is coming for sure.  Lily was pretty much spoiled rotten after all of that.  Graham crackers for dinner?  No prob.