Hello!  We saw GI doc today for Tylerman....we have been doing great just needed to get a weight check and see if all of our efforts are paying off.  He is 23#10oz.....which means he has grown a little over a pound in 3 months (he is 25 months)...not bad....still on his same little curve...he is 3% for weight.  He is 33 1/2 inches, which mean 1" growth (according to their records) in 3 months...also not bad...he is between 10-15% for height....so he is small but growing and proportionate.  He really is doing very well.  Doc says at the 6 month point on specialized formula, assuming the child is thriving, they recommend challenging the food.  She told me to defer tot eh allergist on this, but I already know he wanted to challenge a while ago and I refused, so I know he is in favor of it, and honestly, I trust the GI more!!  So long as there is not a history of anaphylaxis, I can challenge at home.  If I am not comfortable with that, I can challenge in doc office or hospital.  I am fine with home...he had 1 borderline reaction to a cheese it in November that I considered using Epi for but decided against and Bendaryl worked so the allergist feels that it was not anaphylaxis.  He has never had anytpe of breathing issues with soy or egg (and I know that doesn't guarantee he never will). I am comfortable with challenging at home, with Epi Pen, Bindery and the hospital 3 minutes away.  We will challenge soy first---adding 1oz soy milk to 7 oz of his current formula.....if that goes Ok for 48 hours, we do 2oz soy to 6 oz formula....and you get the point.  Assuming he has no reaction, we slowly into soy back into the diet.  Any reactions at all, we stop immediately and seek help if needed.  We will do the same with milk also....1 oz milk, 7 oz formula and so on.  I am praying he has no reaction to either milk or soy, but I know that is asking for A LOT!  I am well prepared (or as well as I can be) for a reaction to soy and/or milk....we will challenge slowly and 1 at a time obviously.  I will keep you all closely updated.

Tyler is doing soooooooooo much better then he was just 6 months ago....it is scary to "rock the boat" but we have to try.....and there is no "right" time....best case scenario, I can go into the hospital to have this new baby with full confidence that Tyler will be safe because I will know for sure what he can and can't have :)  Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for continued good health and successful challenges :)  I will update soon!!  We see the GI, assuming we have no problems, in 6 months (12/19/03).  Thank you for your continued prayers and support!!

((((hugs))))
Nancy, Joe and Tyler (and soon to be baby brother)

"My  SONS are my greatest accomplishment and the opportunity to raise THEM is my greatest challenge"