Hemoglobin and Lead Screening

During our 1 Year check up appointment, we were given a lab slip for Ella to have her Hemoglobin and Lead checked.  It was a little odd as two of the Pediatrics book I read (and read over and over again) said it would be done at the 9 month check up.  I didn't really care to look into as Ella slept good, was playful and didn't show any signs of being tired.

So, we went in on Friday, May 11th to get the screening done.  I thought it would be a simple poke in the finger test BUT it turned out the technician drew blood from her vein in her arm since she was 1 years old. (shock? yes, I was!).  Ella cried but recovered fast - good job E!

Picture:  Ella's arm after the visit with the lab. (May 11, 2012)

Results:  Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying pigment in the blood, the predominant protein in the red blood cells.  In the routine laboratory test for hemoglobin (Hb), it is usually measured as total hemoglobin and the result is expressed as the amount of hemoglobin in grams (gm) per deciliter (dl) of whole blood, a deciliter being 100 milliliters. Normal range for infants at 12 months is from 11.3 to 14.1.

Ella's results came back today at 12.9.  Woohoo! Good thing it came back normal because I was not going to put Ella through it again. 

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9 Month vs 1 Year screening:  Some pediatricians prefer (such as ours) to have the test done at 1 years old as the blood work is more accurate and conclusive.  Whereas when this screening is performed at 9 months, the infant has a simple poke and this does not give as accurate results.  It makes sense and acceptable unless the infant shows signs of low iron during the 6 month or 9 month check up.

One Year Check Up

The one Doctor appointment I've been dreading - Ella's one year check up.  Why?  In this series of immunization shots, Ella receives her first shot in the arms and two in the thighs.  As always, Ella does great and only cries for a couple of minutes afterwards. 

12 Month Milestone:

Date: Friday, May 4, 2012

Weight:  20 Pounds and 5 Ounces (45%)

Measurement:  29 7/8 Inches (75%)
Head Circumference:  18 1/4 Inches (80%)

I can't believe how big she's getting!

Monday - October 24, 2011

Ella went to bed at 8:30pm and woke up at 2:30am, ate, and went right back to sleep.  It was funny because she even fell asleep while I was changing her diaper.  I crawled back into bed and didn't hear her again until 7:30am.  She must have known today was going to be painful as she cried waiting in the Dr.'s room. She cried in pain as the nurse injected her shots.  ;*(  Two in the left leg and one in the right.

Picture:  Ella during her 6 month check up.

6 Month Milestone:
Date: October 24, 2011

Weight: 17 Pounds and 8 Ounces (75%)

Measurement: 27 Inches (90%)
Head Circumference: 17 1/2 Inches (90%)

After her Dr. appointment we made a spur of the moment visit to Great Grandpa Steele.  Ella took a mini nap during the drive there so she was semi-good for the visit. About 30 minutes into the visit she was ready to eat and go home. 

Video:  Ella with Great Grandpa Steele

Picture:  Ella with Great Grandpa and Grandpa

Picture:  Ella with Great Grandpa Steele

Ella did pretty good until about 3pm when she woke up from her nap in pain.  She screamed in pain and tears for almost two hours ;(  Her temperature was getting high so I gave her the meds and she passed out within 20 minutes.  I am going to pamper her by letting her sleep with me tonight.  ;)

Hoping for no high fever!

Wednesday - August 24, 2011

Who's a brave girl?  Ella Jane Steele ;)  We survived our 4 month check up and shots this morning.  Ella is doing well with regards to her weight gain and height.  She lost 5% in her height but gained 5% in her weight.  Her hair still remains at 100%.  I video tape her shots and this was the first time I heard her cry in a high pitch tone - it was so heart breaking to hear. 

Video:  Ella and Brian in the waiting room.

Video:  Ella playing in the mirror before her shots.

4 Month Check Up:

Weight: 15 Pounds (80%)

Height: 25 1/2 Inches (90%)

Head Circumference: 16 1/2 Inches (75%)

Video:  Ella's 4 month examine

Video:  Ella getting her shots (please be warned, she is screaming)

Picture:  Ella getting her measurements done

Picture:  Ella getting weighed (15lbs!)

Picture:  Ella getting her examine.

We spent the rest of the afternoon sleeping and watching Ella's temperature.  She took a nap between 12:05pm to 2:55pm and was alert the rest of the afternoon. It seems that the shots hasn't phased her in any way.  I guess we'll see tonight if it affects her sleep - she is so sleeping in our bed tonight!

Wednesday - June 22, 2011

Today was a milestone moment for Ella - 2 Months!

Last night she slept wonderful.  Brian put her down at 10pm and I woke up (my boobs were in dying need to be nursed) at 5:40am thinking - did I not hear her cry last night?  Is she okay???  I walked quickly (actually, I kinda ran) over to Ella's room and I find her peacefully looking around her crib.  Oh how I love her. So I have no clue how long she's been awake but I am loving my sleep.

Morning Play Time:  Ella is enjoying the Hawaiian music (Thanks Tien and Claire!) and our usual morning routine.
Video: Talking, kinds smiling, and moving around in her bouncy.

Video: Tummy Time!

Picture:  Ella modeling on her tummy.

Doctor Visit:  We took Ella in for her 2 month check up (which includes her first round of immunization shots).
Video:  Ella being checked out by nurse.

Pictures:  Ella getting her measurements.

Ella's Measurements to date:
Weight: 12 lbs 2 ounces (75%)
Height: 24 inches (100%)
Head Circumference: 15 3/4 (75%)

Vaccines:  Ella got her first round of vaccines in four shots - three by needle and one by oral.
-Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DTap)
-Hepatitis B (HEP B)
-Inactivated Polio
-Diaphtheria, Tetanus (DT)
-Hemophilus Influenza type B (HIB)
-Hepatitis A (HEP A)
-Pneumococcal (Prevnar)
-Rotarix

She took her shots like a rockstar!  She took the oral shot first without any difficulties (the nurse said she did amazing).  As for her three shots (two in her right leg and one in the left) she cried during the shots but was quiet after I picked her up.  We have such a brave girl!

Picture:  She slept the whole ride home.

Picture: Ella's shots on her legs (you can see the three cute band-aids)

We are spending the rest of the afternoon sleeping and watching her temperature.