Mystery Solved; M's derma appt.

Today we took a trip to Phx children's hospital to see a Pediatric dermatologist. 

History

 Ever since birth M has had this skin condition where the skin has multiple tiny bumps.  Covered her entire body. The doctors weren't alerted by it at all.  However, her pediatric doctor noticed it and said it shouldn't be of any concern.  By her 2 yr check up the bumps still remain; heavier on her limbs and back.  I felt so sad...you have this idea of your baby having soft, smooth skin...baby skin.  In her case, she never had that baby skin feel. Sad. It doesn't cause her any pain or itch...its just gross kinda.

So now that she's 3 the doctor said by this age I could get it checked out if no change. 

The Diagnosis

She has what is known as Keratosis (Sarah-toe-sis) Pilaris (Pil-heiress) .  Doc said she would have it all her life.  It wont minimize till puberty and that its a common skin issue. 

Wikipedia.org describes it as such:

"Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis) is a very common genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin. It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms (though the lower arms can also be affected), and can also occur on the thighs, hands, and tops of legs, flanks, buttocks, or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet).[1] Less commonly, lesions appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne.[2]"

Why???

"Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. The excess keratin, which is cream colored, surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization). Bearing only cosmetic consequence, the condition most often appears as a proliferation of tiny hard bumps that are seldom sore or itchy. Though people with keratosis pilaris experience this condition year-round, it is during the colder months, when moisture levels in the air are lower, that the problem can become exacerbated and the goose bumps are apt to look and feel more pronounced in color and texture.   Many KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin's "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. The hair grows encapsulated inside the follicle."

Offered Remedies

 
Truly there is no way to remedy it.  However, to help the skin, moisture is the best key.  Something a little more powerful than lotion- body cream. Even better? Body cream with some cosmetic fighting power.
 
Cerave

found at major drugstores

image here

found at major drugstores

image here

 
If itch does occur at anytime (not due to above products but in general) apply
Hydrocortisone cream 2-5.1-which i have prescription for in case.

It comes but once a year

In this case; my birthday.  This year for my bday dinner I wanted to go to a place I haven't been to in a very long time.  The Landmark!  It was originally a Mormon church building in the early 20th century.  Thereafter it was sold and used as I believe the first Mesa institution.  So this place has got history and its just beautiful(in my eyes).  Not only do I enjoy the grounds and the vintage approach but the food too!  And thanks to coupons, I received a coupon for a 3 course meal for $35!

So Sean and I left M with my mom, who so sweetly took on the task last minute, and headed out for a late afternoon show.  Inception was Fantastic!  I can understand how ppl can't "get it" but trust me its better if you saw it twice.  The first time you're too busy trying to hear what they are saying, what they are referring to while being side-tracked by the amazing CGI.  This film has been in the making for 10-12 years.  The director didn't want to bring it about until it was fully the appropriate time.  Kinda cool eh?

So after the movie we chatted all the way to the restaurant about it.  We arrived to a delicately decorated hall with the smell of new carpet and beautiful crisp linen.  As we walk in to be seated I glance around only to noticed everyone looking back at me was forty or older.  We were the only young couple in that restaurant on a Saturday night.  Makes sense I guess...but i didn't care, i just shrugged the stares and paid attention to the only thing that mattered.  While I anxiously enjoyed the atmosphere the waiter got us started with a good ole garden salad with bread sticks. Delicious!  Then we were on to our battered cheese stuffed ravioli with a spicy cream dip.  I admit, it was hard to hold back.  Coming here knowing with some of the best food i've ever had I would have to deny was hard to swallow. Its common by this stage of pregnancy to have very little room for food. (5 months) 

I could already feel a little discomfort in my stomach. The feelings of full were coming and I had to stop eating.  It felt like the food was sad that I wasn't eating it, it was that good.  And of course pregnancy brings yr normal emotions to a higher concentration.  I actually had to swallow the hard lump in my throat. Its pathetic, i know.  But even Sean had to stop eating...so you know I couldn't have been too off base with the fact that this food was so good you'd get full before the main course!

He ordered a hot steamy pile of shredded pot roast and mashed potatoes.  Reflecting on the memory now even makes me sigh and wish for some.  And then came my beautiful Atlantic salmon covered in a buttery lemon sauce with the ever-so-addictive shoestring fries & side of ranch dressing.  My weak descriptions couldn't even describe how good the food tasted.  It was GOOD! Thats that.  I actually was excited i couldn't finish it...it meant i could take it home to enjoy later.  Of course, the haunting thought of dessert surfaced.  I couldn't bare to come all the way here and not leave with out some dessert.  Of course the other haunting thought of all of this good food not staying down scared me too.  When it comes to food, its hard to determine when to halt.  By the time you notice you are going to explode its too late.

Nuff bout' that...so we ordered this ice cream pie dessert which was just "Awesome" frozen in a pie dish. Yum!  I've always had a thing for Ice cream cakes for my birthday...the in laws know, when its that time for my birthday its time to order an ice cream cake.  They are so good to me.  If you don't know already, Ice cream cakes aren't cheap...so its a real treat to be treated to.  So to have a slice of ice cream pie was just a one more thing to add to my favorite dessert list.  Just sad i didn't grab a picture of it. (pout)

Then after dinner we did 1 of my most favorite things to do with the Hubs.  Its the only time of year he stoops to my level offers to go shopping with me...so heck yeah i jumped on that band wagon.  This time we  went to Dana Park Village and visited some shops.  First Anthropology...just for kicks!  Can't afford anything there but enjoy the raw chic clothing, design, and kitchenware.  Im a "looker" i like to look at pretty things.  Its like admiring art or something...you just look(and wish) but don't touch....and you sigh.... A LOT!

But because I had been saving my paycheck to buy a few things I'd been stalking...I didn't hesitate buying a beautiful silver glass vase I've wanted.  Then we stopped by Bath and Body works and bought alot from their 75% off section among some other stuff.  We walked outta there, a smile on my face, hand in hand to the car.  It was a grand birthday and I have my husband and parents to thank.   I love them dearly.

a time for celebration!

She turned 3!

The day we left to Utah to visit family we didn't have time nor extra spending cash to make a big to-do on her actual birthday...so instead we simply celebrated with her and one of her most favorite things!!! Chocolate!!!!

A special thanks to Hostess!

a Few little facts about our her:

-she likes to pretend she is a doggie by:  eating food off plates with her mouth, pretending to sneeze and shake her head, & sticks out her tongue.

-She is now successfully potty trained! It "only" took a month and a half.(2yr 10mon)

-She CAN'T get enough of her daddy!

-successfully learned: Alphabet and sounds : counts 1-12 : and all colors.

-she loves to investigate bugs and play with them. (ugh!)

:Favorites:

Favorite book (b4 her bday): Pajama Time!

                      (after bday) :  Blue hat, Green hat.

Favorite treat:  Cookies

New thing:  anything chocolate!

Favorite fruit: watermelon

Favorite show: Dora the Explorer

Favorite drink: (when shes good) Milk! "Mok!"(when shes sneaky) "Pop!" anything she can get her sticky hands on.

Favorite past time: To be chased after (especially by daddy)

size shoe: 8

3-4 yr clothes

Funny Facts

-she still is thought to be a boy most anywhere we go.

-when she flatulates she is very verbal to announce "I toot!"

-she likes to disturb us in the bathroom by cracking open the door, taking a whiff and saying " P-U! It stink!" and waves her hand in front of her face.

-when its bedtime she will quietly open her door and play blocks in the doorway.

Coming Up:

 -August 2nd she starts Gymnastics!

 - The dermatologist will see her about the bumps shes had all over her body since

   birth.

 - The speech therapist will see her about her communication.

- And she will be a big Sister come November!

Im sEEiNg sPotS

Due to pregnancy, i blame, i thought that the small gathering didn't start till 11:30 am.  But that wasn't what i put on the invite which was set for 11am.  So of course guests start to arrive and im completely trashed. No hair, no make-up, no clothes, no sense of time...i was so embarrassed to begin with.  And when your flustered from thes start it makes it harder to make things flow and have some order.  But the show must go on!

M had 1 friend she could play with and have fun.  Which was perfect! 

She and Katelyn started the party with a refreshing swim.

Then the pizza arrived and we were all ready to eat.

A "polka-dot" pizza, watermelon holes, and spots on the wall I think made out well with my theme.

(candid shots are the best!)

Perhaps squeeze in some ping pong too

Next order of business was Cake and Ice Cream! 

I am happy to say that I went above and beyond my norm and made a fondant polka-dot cake along with Homemade vanilla ice cream. 

 I've always wanted to make a fancy cake.  Somehow i got the courage to do my first trial run on M's birthday party.  Not a smart idea but nevertheless it turned out delicious! 

  And then to tackle the task of making the ice cream too!  stupid idea.  Good intention but stupid.  I really just wanted cheap solutions for the party.  But cheapest doesn't always mean easiest.  A fact I forgot about.  So I spent all of my morning in the kitchen preparing everything.  Dumb.

Oh well, it was worth it because everything was delicious! 

Then it was time for presents! (post later)Ponies, a game, shoes, and books.  She and katelyn of course were both taken with the ponies.  It was a very good day.

Happy 3rd Birthday!