Hellobee

Oh dear! You poor mom! I will be praying for you as EI comes. I think you are so, so smart to get moving on this, either to ease your mind or to give you helpful tips! I know of others who have used EI for various reasons (speech, motor skills, etc.) and it has REALLY helped! I hope if there is any official delays that she will qualify for the services, because I know that would be a stress for you.

And yay on the weight gain! We also add A LOT of coconut oil to stuff in our house to add on the calories and Little P loves it. It’s the good kind of fat too and has a sweet taste, so it definitely has helped him love all kinds of foods and put on some weight. I hope she continues gaining!

Hugs! I’ve been in a similar boat with my DS. He has low tone, never crawled, scooted at 11 months, pulled to standing at 15 months and walked around 17 months. He only got onto the weight chart once we introduced whole milk (I breastfed for 15 months) and is still not on the chart for height (I’m short as is DH). He stalled at about 14-15 lbs with only a few ounces being gained at a time between 4 and 9 months and now at 19 months is only 21 lbs. We qualified for Early Intervention for PT only so are doing that now and have been doing several rounds of PT since he was about 9 months. I understand your feelings of guilt and fear surrounding delays. The best thing you’re doing is taking steps now to evaluate and take action, that’s given us peace of mind along the way. No matter what, Early Intervention will give you a very lengthy report and new view of her developments from a different POV (other than your doctor’s). Thinking of you!

When it rains, it pours huh? I don’t know too much about EI, but I do know a few friends who have received services, and they all express how grateful they were for the help. I hope the evaluators who come will help to ease your worry and guilt, though I know it must be hard to not experience those emotions.

Hugs to you, sweet sweet friend. And celebrate that weight gain, it’s awesome! You are an AWESOME mom

Hugs to you mama. You are doing the right thing being so proactive. I imagine EI will be a great resource, even if it turns out that she isn’t “delayed enough” to help you figure out an alternative route to supporting J as she develops.

I know you are in the same area as me and I just to throw an option out there. I recently started speech for my sons as we noticed a delay. They are over 3 so I couldn’t go through EI and I thought the speech evaluation through our school system might take too long so I went through a private group. My insurance covers it though I did have to meet my deductible. The group we use does all types of therapy from birth to 12. So if you wanted another opinion you could go that route too.

All the best to you. This is such hard stuff. Hope you get some answers from EI soon.

early intervention is so awesome, and once you’re armed with more information, you won’t feel so powerless. there is so much you can do and juliet is lucky to have a mama like you who i know is going to do everything she can for her.

i looked back at my monthly updates for olive, and she wasn’t sitting up at juliet’s age either. she could sit up for up to a minute but only while tripoding. she also did not qualify for pt, but she was older when we had her evaluated. olive hit every physical milestone at the upper limit of average (sat up unassisted at 9 months, crawled at 12 months, walked at 18 months), but she got there eventually.

hopefully this ei meeting lifts some weight off your shoulders! hugs!!!

Purely anecdotal, but my friends kid didn’t sit properly on her own until older than Juliet too. And then when she figured it out, she got good at it very quickly!!

Aww, hang in there! Keeping my fingers crossed she qualifies for PT so that it can take some stress off of you. And, yay, to weight gain! Definitely add that butter! I do a combo of olive oil and butter in my kids’ pasta all the time.

HUGGGS to you and J both! Hope you get some answers from EI!!!

First, I know you might not have meant this literally, but you said, “now I’m worried I caused these delays as well as her weight issues.” I just want to send you some love and remind you of the truth that you didn’t “cause” this. Parenting and life throws us a lot of curve balls and you make the best decisions you can with the best information you have; you’ve done nothing wrong in this scenario. You’re a great mom, and you’re not responsible for every setback or curveball that gets lobbed your way! You’re only responsible for how you react. I know you know all of this, but I just wanted to say it again.

Second, EI can seriously be an amazing resource! When I was teaching, I saw some great examples of the amazing progress that can result from EI. Even if it’s only that you come away with more info, some strategies to try on your own, and what to watch for, I think this is a great thing.

Third, I totally throw coconut oil, olive oil, and butter in EVERYTHING since we’re always trying to fatten the kiddos up.

Hugs. My parents told me when I was a kid the state came to the house for a surprise visit because of my weight. To this day I’m very short and slim and under the BMi for my height but hey, i’m also part Asian and I was in shock when I visited the Philippines a couple years ago and I was a full head taller than everyone

So many hugs. I have no advice or experience to offer, but I know in my heart that everything will be fine. She is so precious!!

Big hugs to you! Try not to worry. My little brother was a preemie and needed lots of EI. Most of it was done in our home and the people were amazing! Now he is a perfectly healthy teenager! I know you will feel better once you have had the evaluations and have a plan for moving forward.

Jaren didn’t start sitting up comfortably on his own until he was 10 months old! I almost think your doctor is jumping the gun a little by suggesting early intervention. J didn’t do a lot of things until 10-11 months, even though he had been crawling since he was 6 months old. I think there’s a huge range even for physical milestones.

Thinking of you! This is hard stuff and there are no easy answers!

Sending payers and strength to you!

I’m joining in the chorus to say you ARE a great mom. And the fact that you are open to EI is fabulous. As others have said, it can be a wonderful resource. Ellie was delayed in almost all of her milestones, though she was never given a formal EI evaluation (wish I would have pushed for one), and is doing SO well right now. I think our culture puts a great deal of pressure on us, parents and children alike, to be the “best” and do the “best.” The reality is that your sweet girl has a wonderful family, and she will be her best. I get all caught up sometimes in wanting the girls to be precocious and top of this and greatest at that. Reality is, it’s way more important for them to know and give love, become ethical and upstanding people, and learn what they love and how they can positively affect the world around them. And you are setting up both of your children to do just that. I value so much that you are willing to share these hard parts of your parenting journey because you are not alone!

Also, yes to what everyone else is saying. You are a GREAT mom and none of the hurdles you’re experiencing right now are your fault!

Your little angel is beautiful, and I think she’ll be just fine on her own time. Hugs Mama.

I totally get how worrying it must be to hear your pediatrician (or anyone!) use a word like “delayed” about your child, but I have to agree with @Mrs. High Heels: it sounds a little early to be using those kinds of words! It’s great that you are right on top of it and contacting EI etc but I don’t think it’s at all unusual for kids to hit those kinds of milestones a little late and still be fine.

Our second child Louis didn’t sit properly on his own until he was 8 months old, but then he crawled on his knees pretty much right away compared to our first who was sitting at 6 months but only army crawled at 8 months and didn’t crawl on his knees until 10 months. Both walked late (Alec at 16 months, Louis at 17 months). Nobody at any point ever suggested that there was any reason for concern, even when I (continuously) asked about it. And looking around, they have lots of little friends who have been equally late with various physical milestones. Try not to worry too much – I’m sure she is just fine!

I’m so sorry you are going through all of this. Looking even just at Juliet’s adorable pictures and looking at her eyes, it’s hard to believe she is “struggling” physically. She looks so perfect and beautiful.

I just wanted to note that LMW hit a lot of physical milestones really late, but even if Juliet is delayed, anything I’ve ever heard about early intervention is the earlier you start, the more effective it is in helping kids catch up and live happy, healthy, normal lives. I’m so sorry this is taking such a toll on you and your family… but you are such an amazing mom and Juliet is so lucky to have you caring for her. Hugs!!!!!!

Big hugs to you! You’re a great mom and doing the best for Juliet! I’m so glad she is gaining weight now. EI will probably be such a great fit, if it works out. I nannyed a girl who was in EI for walking – she didn’t walk until she was 2, so she had EI from 2-3.5 for walking and now you wouldn’t ever guess she was “delayed”.

good luck!

Prayers and love to you mama… Juliet is a doll, an absolute doll! hang in there, day by day

You are a fabulous mama and little Juliet is lucky to have you looking out for her. My son will be 1 in March, and he only stopped army crawling and started crawling on his hands and knees the day he hit 11 months. He babbles but hasn’t used any words yet. I worry a bit about it sometimes, but I do think little ones hit milestones in their own time. That said, EI should be a wonderful resource to evaluate and give you more information. Thinking of you!!

I could’ve written very similar posts to yours about Juliet. My daughter has struggled weight-wise from the very beginning. She has a vision issue that we were already getting help with, and then we just found out that she’s delayed in her movement. EI has been a great resource for us. I hope it works out for you.

It’s so hard, especially when you see babies the same age who are doing more than your little one. Don’t feel guilty—it’s not a reflection of anything that you’re doing. I send good thoughts and so much sympathy for what you’re going through.

We just had an EI meeting last week. It ended up being really helpful and like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I feel like for me, it was better to know than to wonder. They all develop at their own rate, but if you can get some help I’m all for it. She’s such a love. Big hugs to you.

My daughter was and is on the small side…6th percentile. She didn’t sit up fully on her own and consistently until 8 months but started walking at 11. I think they’re jumping the gun on her being delayed. All babies are different. I totally thought with my daughter not sitting up till 8 months that she wouldn’t walk till after her first birthday but she surprised us!

I agree with @Mrs. Bee: when you get more information from your meeting with early interventions you may feel a lot less stress. I think the not knowing part can just be a killer. I wonder too if your doctor might be slightly over cautious with her because of the weight loss. I know plenty of babies that were still using their hands for support at her age and they are just fine. She is just beautiful!!

I have been thinking about you and Juliet since I read your previous post about her gaining weight issues.
I think you are very brave sharing your thoughts. Continue being brave, find the strength to keep helping your kids…
Things will get better.

You are doing such a good job mama! I know this must be so tough. From reading the other comments it sounds like EI might be a really good thing. I don’t think LD was totally sitting up on her own at that age and she’s since done well on physical milestones. Keep up the good work, Juliette is so lucky to have you working hard to take care of her

I agree with @Mrs. Bee! I know so many kids who, like Drake and Juliet, develop on their own time table! You are doing all you can and they are lucky to have a mother like you!

Hugs to you! Thanks for being willing to share this with us! I just wanted it echo what previous posters said about EI. While I dint have direct experience, I am familiar with our local program through my job. They will look really thoroughly at the strengths and challenges with Juliet’s developmental skills and even if she doesn’t qualify for services, they may be a great resource fir additional ways that you can help support her progress. There is a range for milestones, but the whole point of EI is that the earlier something is caught, the easier it is to catch up! You are a great mama!

@Mrs. Pinata: Thank you for your kindness and sweet words. Im sure EI will definitely help out either way and thanks for the suggestion of coconut oil I might try that! I developed a huge sweet tooth when pregnant with Juliet (i normally only like chocolate heehee) so this girl likes sweet things I think so this might be up her alley

@Sunshine710: Thank you for sharing your story with me and the kind thoughts. I agree Im sure EI will help no matter what. What kind of PT does your LO do?

@yerpie110: Thank you friend Im trying to see that no matter what Juliet will be ok. If you have any info about EI for our state Id love to hear it too since Im so new to all of this. Also when the weather gets warm we can get together I hope

@Mrs. Confetti: Thank you for your support

@threeplusme: Thank you Hmm could you wall me your email If we are close to each other and she doesnt qualify for EI I would be very interested in learning more about the services you are talking about

@kml636: Thank you I do too

@Mrs. Bee: Thanks for the support So Olive only did EI for speech? Juliet can sit up and roll around and stand when being supported so Im thinking she might not qualify for PT either. How did they test for speech with Olive?

@Grace: Yes she is getting better so Im hopeful soon she will be ok on her own

@erwoo: Thank you. Oh butter noodles thats a great idea!

@mrsjyw: Thank you as always

@Mrs. Blue: Thank you. I know that I didnt cause her delays but its hard to not think it too as a parent so its nice to hear that reassurance. I really appreciate it and you made me tear up actually. I know EI will be good for us all whether its for services or just things to be on the look out for. Im trying to see it as a positive and not a failure though its hard.

@Mrs. Chipmunk: Thank you Wow that must have been scary for your parents I was always underweight too so some this is probably genetic I know understand what my mother might have felt when I was growing up

@mrs. tictactoe: Thank you

@jhd: Thank you for sharing and the good wishes

@Mrs. High Heels: Thank you. Oh really? That does make me feel better. He was tripod ding before 10 months?

@Mrs. Twine: Thank you as always. I like to share everything the good, the bad, and the really bad. Im a very open person in life and I like that so I feel its best to just be the same when I blog so it comes off as real

@Mini Piccolini: Thank you My son was a late walker too, 15 months and a late crawler 10 months so I try to remind myself of that DH was also a late walker at 17 months so maybe its just a family thing?

@mrs. wagon: Thank you friend. How old was LMW when she sat up do you remember?

@Mrs. Pen: Thank you. Oh that make me feel better Thats great to hear!

@Mrs. Palette: Thank you How is Summer doing?

@keepcalmcarrie: Thank you Yes I need to remind myself everyone does things on their own time

@Emily: Thank you for sharing your story How old is your daughter? How is PT going for her?

@Mrs. Stroller: Thanks for sharing! How did your EI go? What did you need it for?

@sunshine83: Thanks for sharing That does give me hope things arent as bad as they seem which is great

@Mrs. Train:Thank you Yes once we have some dialogue Im sure Ill start to feel better and maybe my Dr is being more cautious since we had so many set backs with weight

@Mrs. Deer: Thank you for your sweet words

@kuhlsarse: Thank you Yes everyone does develop at their own rate so hopefully Juliet is doing fine at her own pace too

@MamaCate: Thank you. Yes I agree either way this should help us figure out what best for Juliet and her development so Im trying to see it as a positive

@Mrs. Chocolate: PT comes to our house once a week. We also go outside the home once a week. Previously we were doing PT outside the home so decided to continue so DS can have PT in 2 different environments. PT has been focusing mainly on getting him comfortable walking backwards, getting on his hands and knees (which he still hates), increasing stability in his core, etc. They also wrap some OT into it through a lot of puzzle work and other hand eye coordination games. He’s come a long way in the past few months which I know is due to a combination of PT AND him just taking his own time to develop. That’s one of the main lessons I’ve taken along the way, each child is on their own schedule and timeline and while we can support and guide them, they do have to come around to the milestones on their own terms. We’re actually seeing an Endocrinologist at this end of this month at the suggestion of Early Intervention as one of the final things we can check off the list. DS’s weight has increased but he’s only grown an inch over the past 6 months. So it continues. Thinking of you still and looking forward to hearing good updates!

lots of hugs. you are absolutely doing your best by juliet and helping her so much–your love, concern and proactive nature are exactly what she needs. whatever the outcome of the evaluation, she is a beautiful, bright little one.

@Mrs. Chocolate: She’s doing good I just saw this, I wish they could have a baby playdate and we could have coffee hehehe

Your Juliet is lovely. Reading your stor(ies) made me a teary. My oldest, who is now 6, had problems digesting my milk when she was a baby, but we found her problem a bit earlier–she was intolerant of eggs, gluten and garlic –in my milk–. I always had over-active let-down and I would squirt her out of the room with foremilk. She wasn’t getting to the hindmilk because her belly would get so filled up. Then she would spit up a lot (like every time we picked her up). If she eats gluten, she throws up. Eggs only caused behavior changes. However, at 6, she is fine with eggs, but we none of us do gluten or dairy.

I noticed in one of your posts you mentioned oatmeal as one of her first foods–near a place where it seemed like she started gaining less weight. I would run to a naturopath, or get the book The GAPS Diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) and do some food trials. Whole Life Nutrition is a good book to check out food intolerances (that’s the book that made us rethink our food). She could be reacting to undigested proteins in your milk. I didn’t think I had any food allergies/intolerances until my first was born and once I was tested, she was tested and I removed offending foods did I realize that my new normal was not normal! I do not understand the logistics, but for some reason, the allergy panel at our doctor’s office did not find anything. We did the ELISA test through US Biotek, but there are others. An elimination diet is definitely the best, but it’s hard work. I would shell out the $120 for the test in a second to save us some of the guess work. My second daughter (age 2) is mostly paleo now and has not had all the crazy digestive stuff of my first.

I don’t know why doctors don’t offer more help with dietary stuff. I would try removing *all* grains from your diet and hers for a few weeks to see if it helps. Check out Mark’s Daily Apple (Primal Blueprint) or Robb Wolfe for help.

I stumbled onto your story reading one about Paleo Baby on the Hellobee website. Check it out! I used to think grating liver onto egg yolks was kind of crazy, but now we grate it into everything :-).

Of course, this was only our experience. Kids can have all kinds of digestive differences, but it is easy to try and definitely won’t make the problem worse!

@Jennifer L. I know you are a guest so not sure if youll see this. I so appreciate you taking the time to share your story with me. Juliet did do a panel and was ruled out for Cecilacs. Would these additional panels you are mentioning be more through than that? I havent thought about how my diet could effect her weight gain but I do think like you she filled up a lot on the foremilk and not enough of the hind which might have been one of her weight issues I will look into the resources you mentioned and see what the Drs say too I appreciate the suggestions!