7 months

7 months

Image by Jacob Johan
What story should I write to accompany the photo above?

I hear you think: isn’t that just the most beautiful baby girl in the world? Look! She’s almost turning over! And what an alert, intense look she has! With her cheeks all smooth and soft, she must be perfect now? What’s the story here anyway? CMV? Cysts? Brain damage? Getouttahere!

Yes, dear friends and family. All that, but also some more.

Last Tuesday, Robin had her check-up at the neurologist’s. It was only her 2nd check-up this year. From the start, the doctor was absorbed by Robin’s eczema, which he wanted someone to look at. That did happen, more about that below. Mr. Neurologist read the report of the physiotherapist. Robin has an AIMS score below P5. That means she officially has a delayed development of her motor performance. AIMS stands for Alberta Infant Motor Scale, and is an infant developmental test which can be used to evaluate motor performance from birth to independent walking. Alberta as in Alberta, Canada.

More specific, she has difficulty with lateral movements of her head (bending sideways). And in general, holding her head up right is doable, but it still looks a bit wobbly. She is able to grasp, hold, reach, can keep her head up while on her belly. But her motor performance lacks ‘variation, smoothness and complexity’. This is the important part, people. She does most of what other babies do, but she lacks a certain finesse and control, something that other babies have from the start. And it is not at all certain that she will acquire this at some stage.

The neurologist was very enthusiastic about her alertness and her ability to focus and follow. ‘She might be delayed in her motor development, but she is super-alert’, he remarked. That’s not too scientific, but still counts as a positive ;)

We’ll meet him again in August.

Then, the dermatologist on Thursday was very clear about Robin’s eczema. In Dutch, it is called ‘dauwworm’, in English atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. It’s genetic or constitutional. She advised us on the use of ointments, and as you can see, that really did wonders. We’re still amazed by the softness of Robin’s face. Going forward, we will continue to use the ointment when the eczema surfaces, but we really need to find out what triggers it.

To begin with, only very rarely is it caused by a food-allergy. The effect of the tomato the week before can apparently be explained via histamine. Tomato and most fruits contain histamine-releasers. Histamine aggravates itches and rashes caused by eczema, but this does not mean that Robin is allergic to tomato or other fruits.

Until Robin is two years old, the eczema will typically show in her face. After that, it will most likely move to her joints, or could return in the form of asthma or hay-fever (allergic rhinitis). Time will tell. There is no cure, and they don’t know the underlying cause. She remains on formula with rice-flower for now. Next week Thursday we will discuss the results from the blood-test with the dermatologist and agree a food-strategy. Most likely we will start giving solids again, but then the less harmful ones, like porridge, potato, etc.

All in all, we have had a few rough weeks. That the eczema is gone for now, is really the big win.

And Robin's progress? Thinking about that is really only difficult when we’re not around her. Like this weekend, when we spent three days with Feline and Tijn in Germany.

But really, our mood, state of mind and confidence in our baby-daughter is completely reflected in the picture above.

Porridge~~ Breakfast Of The Champions

Image by sirwiseowl
Twenty Reasons Why Porridge Is The Ultimate Health Food........
My original 'Porridge' photo has atracted over 21,000 views. Thought I would repost the original text again but with another 'porridge' photo.
I must have my porridge every morning, summer and winter.
Good for you, plus keeps the tummy satisfied all morning.
Swirls of pure Canadian maple syrup all over the top...oh! so yummy!
Join me on facebook at: www.facebook.com/sirwiseowl/

Twenty reasons why porridge is the ultimate health food........
(I'm not sure why reason # 1 is at the top of this list. #20 comes first with me at my age! Alas, a cup of tea is more appealing when I first wake up in the morning. Then I'm wide awake so bound out of bed to prepare and enjoy my porridge)

1. IMPROVES SEX LIFE
Porridge oats can boost libido by helping to re-balance testosterone and oestrogen in the body. Testosterone drives sexual desire in both sexes. Men with low testosterone levels go off sex.
2. GOOD FOR HANGOVERS
Oats neutralise acidity levels in the body and help absorb toxins. Since a hangover is the result of the "poisonous" effects of alcohol, a bowl of porridge might help relieve the symptoms.
Porridge also contains one of the highest levels of soluble fibre of any cereal. Soluble fibre is essential for healthy digestion. Since alcohol depletes sugar levels, the slow-releasing carbohydrates in porridge help redress this.
3. HELPS QUIT SMOKING
Compounds in oats can help calm the nervous system and reduce the craving for nicotine.
4. HEALS THE SKIN
Bathing in oat-based solutions can help problem skin. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the anti-inflammatory compounds in porridge oats can help conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Fill a sock or stocking with porridge oats and place in water for 20 minutes while bathing.
5. FIGHTS INFECTION
Of all the cereals, porridge has the best proportion of protein needed for growth and repair in the body and to help boost the immune system.
6. FIGHTS HEART DISEASE
Many studies have shown that eating fibre-rich food such as porridge reduces the risk of heart disease. But scientists in the U.S. found that porridge contains avenanthramides - chemicals that stop blood cells sticking to artery walls, preventing the fatty deposits that cause heart disease.
7. REDUCES DIABETES RISK SLOWLY
Digested foods such as porridge might cut the risk of developing non-insulin dependent diabetes by absorbing sugar from the gut and cutting the need for large quantities of insulin to be released.
8. HELPS CONCENTRATION
The slow releasing complex carbohydrates in oats sustain energy levels, allowing full concentration to be maintained. Complex carbohydrates also stabilise and raise blood sugar levels.
9. BEATS DEPRESSION
Porridge is high in Vitamin B6, which promotes the brain chemical serotonin. High levels of serotonin are associated with feelings of well-being and also aid relaxation and restful sleep. Levels of serotonin dip when sunlight is limited - i.e. during winter - and can lead to the depressive condition Seasonal Affective Disorder.
10. BOOTS ENERGY
Porridge oats are high in complex carbohydrates and soluble fibre, which means they release energy slowly. A bowl of porridge should provide all the energy you need until lunchtime.
11. CUTS CHILDHOOD OBESITY
A study of 10,000 children by researchers at New York's Columbia University found that among those who regularly ate whole-oat products, the proportion of overweight children almost halved.
Researchers at Oxford Brookes University also found that those eating foods with a low glycaemic index (GI), such as porridge, were less likely to binge on sugary snacks. Foods with a low GI rating release glucose into the body more slowly and evenly, leaving you feeling fuller for longer.
12. LOWERS CHOLESTEROL
Porridge is rich in soluble fibre, which has been shown to lower blood cholesterol. High cholesterol occurs when fat builds up and constricts the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Eating oats can improve blood flow and bind to cholesterol in the gut, aiding its removal from the body. Scientists think the cholesterol-lowering effects of oats are due to the oat soluble fibre beta-glucan.
13. PREVENTS CONSTIPATION
High-fibre foods such as porridge increase the movement of food through the digestive tract.
This increased bowel action provides a good environment for beneficial bacteria in the gut to ferment while decreasing levels of destructive bacteria.
14. FIGHTS OSTEOPOROSIS
Porridge oats are blended with milk, making an excellent source of calcium which is essential for bone health. Lack of calcium can lead to osteoporosis, which involves a loss of bone density and can make bones fragile.
15. CAN HELP DIETING
Porridge oats are 100 per cent natural, with no added sugar, salt or additives, and are naturally low in calories. An average bowl of porridge made with water contains 171 calories.
16. GOOD FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
Porridge is a source of folic acid. Studies have shown that taking folic acid from before conception until the 12th week of pregnancy can reduce the chances of having a baby with spina bifida. Pregnant women need 400mcg of folic acid a day.
17. FIGHTS CANCER
Oats are rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, which protects the body from the damaging free radicals that can cause cancer. A diet high in soluble fibre foods such as porridge oats might also help reduce the chances of developing bowel, colon and breast cancer.
18. CONTAINS ESSENTIAL MINERALS
Porridge is a good source of manganese, which is essential in allowing the body to produce energy as well as helping to build bones and connective tissue. It also contains zinc, which is needed for normal growth, sexual development and reproduction, and a healthy immune system.
19. REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE
A daily serving of oats can improve blood pressure control and reduce the need for anti-hypertensive medication, according to U.S. researchers - 73 per cent of those fed a wholegrain oat-based cereal (containing 3g of soluble fibre) stopped or reduced their blood pressure medication by half.
20. COULD HELP LONG LIFE
Britain's longest living man, David Henderson, from Montrose, Scotland, who died in 1998 at 109, attributed his age and good health to a daily bowl of porridge. This could be because the lipids present in oats contain a good balance of essential fatty acids which have been linked to longevity and general good health.
Research by: Angela Epstein

Twenty Reasons Why Porridge Is The Ultimate Health Food........

Image by sirwiseowl
It's exactly 2 years since I made the original posting of this photo and article. It has attracted well over 11,000 views. Wow! Thought it needed a repost and, Yes!, I'm still having my porridge each morning.---------

I must have my porriage every morning, summer and winter.
Good for you, plus keeps the tummy satisfied all morning.
Swirls of pure Canadian maple syrup all over the top...oh! so yummy!
Join me on facebook at: www.facebook.com/sirwiseowl/



Twenty reasons why porridge is the ultimate health food........
(I'm not sure why reason # 1 is at the top of this list. #20 comes first with me at my age! Alas, a cup of tea is more appealing when I first wake up in the morning. Then I'm wide awake so bound out of bed to prepare and enjoy my porridge)

1. IMPROVES SEX LIFE
Porridge oats can boost libido by helping to re-balance testosterone and oestrogen in the body. Testosterone drives sexual desire in both sexes. Men with low testosterone levels go off sex.
2. GOOD FOR HANGOVERS
Oats neutralise acidity levels in the body and help absorb toxins. Since a hangover is the result of the "poisonous" effects of alcohol, a bowl of porridge might help relieve the symptoms.
Porridge also contains one of the highest levels of soluble fibre of any cereal. Soluble fibre is essential for healthy digestion. Since alcohol depletes sugar levels, the slow-releasing carbohydrates in porridge help redress this.
3. HELPS QUIT SMOKING
Compounds in oats can help calm the nervous system and reduce the craving for nicotine.
4. HEALS THE SKIN
Bathing in oat-based solutions can help problem skin. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the anti-inflammatory compounds in porridge oats can help conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Fill a sock or stocking with porridge oats and place in water for 20 minutes while bathing.
5. FIGHTS INFECTION
Of all the cereals, porridge has the best proportion of protein needed for growth and repair in the body and to help boost the immune system.
6. FIGHTS HEART DISEASE
Many studies have shown that eating fibre-rich food such as porridge reduces the risk of heart disease. But scientists in the U.S. found that porridge contains avenanthramides - chemicals that stop blood cells sticking to artery walls, preventing the fatty deposits that cause heart disease.
7. REDUCES DIABETES RISK SLOWLY
Digested foods such as porridge might cut the risk of developing non-insulin dependent diabetes by absorbing sugar from the gut and cutting the need for large quantities of insulin to be released.
8. HELPS CONCENTRATION
The slow releasing complex carbohydrates in oats sustain energy levels, allowing full concentration to be maintained. Complex carbohydrates also stabilise and raise blood sugar levels.
9. BEATS DEPRESSION
Porridge is high in Vitamin B6, which promotes the brain chemical serotonin. High levels of serotonin are associated with feelings of well-being and also aid relaxation and restful sleep. Levels of serotonin dip when sunlight is limited - i.e. during winter - and can lead to the depressive condition Seasonal Affective Disorder.
10. BOOTS ENERGY
Porridge oats are high in complex carbohydrates and soluble fibre, which means they release energy slowly. A bowl of porridge should provide all the energy you need until lunchtime.
11. CUTS CHILDHOOD OBESITY
A study of 10,000 children by researchers at New York's Columbia University found that among those who regularly ate whole-oat products, the proportion of overweight children almost halved.
Researchers at Oxford Brookes University also found that those eating foods with a low glycaemic index (GI), such as porridge, were less likely to binge on sugary snacks. Foods with a low GI rating release glucose into the body more slowly and evenly, leaving you feeling fuller for longer.
12. LOWERS CHOLESTEROL
Porridge is rich in soluble fibre, which has been shown to lower blood cholesterol. High cholesterol occurs when fat builds up and constricts the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Eating oats can improve blood flow and bind to cholesterol in the gut, aiding its removal from the body. Scientists think the cholesterol-lowering effects of oats are due to the oat soluble fibre beta-glucan.
13. PREVENTS CONSTIPATION
High-fibre foods such as porridge increase the movement of food through the digestive tract.
This increased bowel action provides a good environment for beneficial bacteria in the gut to ferment while decreasing levels of destructive bacteria.
14. FIGHTS OSTEOPOROSIS
Porridge oats are blended with milk, making an excellent source of calcium which is essential for bone health. Lack of calcium can lead to osteoporosis, which involves a loss of bone density and can make bones fragile.
15. CAN HELP DIETING
Porridge oats are 100 per cent natural, with no added sugar, salt or additives, and are naturally low in calories. An average bowl of porridge made with water contains 171 calories.
16. GOOD FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
Porridge is a source of folic acid. Studies have shown that taking folic acid from before conception until the 12th week of pregnancy can reduce the chances of having a baby with spina bifida. Pregnant women need 400mcg of folic acid a day.
17. FIGHTS CANCER
Oats are rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, which protects the body from the damaging free radicals that can cause cancer. A diet high in soluble fibre foods such as porridge oats might also help reduce the chances of developing bowel, colon and breast cancer.
18. CONTAINS ESSENTIAL MINERALS
Porridge is a good source of manganese, which is essential in allowing the body to produce energy as well as helping to build bones and connective tissue. It also contains zinc, which is needed for normal growth, sexual development and reproduction, and a healthy immune system.
19. REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE
A daily serving of oats can improve blood pressure control and reduce the need for anti-hypertensive medication, according to U.S. researchers - 73 per cent of those fed a wholegrain oat-based cereal (containing 3g of soluble fibre) stopped or reduced their blood pressure medication by half.
20. COULD HELP LONG LIFE
Britain's longest living man, David Henderson, from Montrose, Scotland, who died in 1998 at 109, attributed his age and good health to a daily bowl of porridge. This could be because the lipids present in oats contain a good balance of essential fatty acids which have been linked to longevity and general good health.
Research by: Angela Epstein

Happy again!

Image by Jacob Johan
As Cartwheels at Midnight commented earlier on the eczema photo, "It just doesn't stop, does it?".

Really, it didn't.

Two weeks ago we thought Robin started teething. Crying, didn't want the bottle, lot's of poops, sore buttocks. The works. Of course we felt 'something' in her mouth, but a couple of days later things turned to normal, almost, and still no tooth. Then, last weekend, she really didn't want to eat and the '20-poops-a-day-schema' had kicked in again . We had just resumed giving her solids, after the eczema had receded. So we stopped that again, and switched to formula only. Last Monday she started throwing up and was down to 300cc of fluids a day. She started to look a bit hollow.

We took her in for a check-up at the local GP, and found out she had lost 500 grams (17.6 oz). When you're only 6.7kg (14.8 lbs), that's quite a bit. Especially if you take into account that it all happened in a week-and-a-half or so. Next day we were at the hospital where Robin got a full check-up including blood and urine tests. The tests did not reveal anything serious, other then first signs of dehydration. The informal diagnosis was a stomach flue. That was the closest match with the lack of appetite and poop-schedule.

And yes, Wednesday she improved a little, by Thursday all was back to normal and today she is back on solids again.

The really tricky thing? This girl remains the happiest baby in the world, no matter what she goes through. Hard to tell that someone is ill when they keep laughing.

But now that she has recovered, she started laughing out loud, as you can see in the photo.