Some Health Updates

Well there has been a lot happening here since the last post- so a quick upsate seems to be needed!
Addie had her 4 mo. check up this week. Mom got to ask a lot of questions and Addie got her shots. Yuck! She was in true Addie form- screamin' and hollerin' the whole way through. Though LOUD, it was helpful for the doctor to see why I was concerned about how much crying our little girl does. Doctor agreed that on the greater spectrum, Addie is more towards the "problem child" side of things (her words, not mine) than the average kiddo. Sounds bad, I know, but encouraged me- at least I don't have to wonder if she screams so much because I am just doing something wrong.
The doctor also thinks Addie may have some reflux issues going on, a good start in an explanation for why she can scream and scream, and perscribed Zantac for her. So Wed. we started her into the world of Zantac, which has a nice minty flavor that Addie thinks DOES NOT suit her.
We also found out at the doctor's office that Addie has cut her first tooth. Why didn't we know this before? Because it was a molar! Those teeth aren't suppossed to appear for a loooooong time still. It was hiding out way in the back! This also explains some of the screaming and yelling.
Unfortunately, starting Wednesday, Addie's behavior became quite strange and she began screaming even louder, then being a zombie, waking at odd times, acting hysterical. We had some very unhappy overnight times and by Friday she basically went 7 hours without taking a nap. We were suspiscious of the Zantac, but the doctors were thinking probably the reflux was to blame.
Finally we got to take her back to the doctor on Saturday morning. (we are getting to know everyone there very well now). The doctor asked a lot of questions and really put on his thinking cap. He ruled out a lot of easy explanations (virus, flu, ear infection, etc.) and basically still thinks it's the reflux, with a possible reaction to the Zantac of a headache, but we're just still not sure. So we're watching our girlie closely while we keep giving her the medication. Saturday night and Sunday morning seem to have shown some improvement, we just need more time to tell.
The big revelation that came from our Saturday visit and seemed to distract us from the reflux issue was that the doctor found that Addie has a heart murmur. Since this hasn't been found previously, since Addie's behavior lately is pretty strange, and especially since Niki's sister had a serious heart defect that required open-heart surgery during childhood, the doctor wants us to take Addie to a Pediatric Cardiologist. We know that most heart murmurs are not serious and are outgrown, so we are trying to hold back from worrying until we see the cardiologist and know a little more. We will call the office Monday and make an appointment and of course keep you all posted when we know more!