Hailey's well baby & birth mark check-up

Yesterday was the appt for the birth mark check-up in Denver. The Dr. said it isn't as red as it was when he first saw her back in November which is a good sign. That basically means there isn't as much blood flowing to it. And for those who don't remember, this birth mark is formed by a bunch of little capillaries (hence the blood flow, heat and color). I had noticed that it doesn't feel quite so hot to the touch like it did for a while. Other than that, there have not been any changes which is good in that it isn't growing. They did go ahead and get another picture of it just to have some comparisons but I don't take her back til she is 2.

Today was her 1 yr well baby check-up. Of course she has a clean bill of health. Which I am very thankful and blessed for that! My baby girl weighs 26 lbs still! She hasn't gained any weight over the last 3 months. So it looks like she is going to do what Emma did and stop gaining weight and start gaining inches in height. She was 29" long too. Now that she is walking she is loosing her awesome chub thighs though!

Hailey's birthmark

Today was Hailey's appt with the dermatologist up at The Children's Hospital in Denver. First of all, that place was HUGE! It's actually part of a gigantic campus of University Hospital so it takes up quite a bit of land. When you walk in the front door it's a bit like being in the food court of a mall or airport. Yeah, like the airport. Between the parking garage and entrances to the cars constantly pulling up to the front door to pick up or drop off someone or some family. So it was a little overwhelming in a sense when you walk in but I was immediately greeted by a lady asking what I was needing and pointing me to the correct desk to go to so that I could check in and get my parking validated so that I didn't have to pay for it. Then she sent us on our merry way to the 2nd floor where there are several specialists and their offices. They have this system of letters corresponding to each specialty and each letter has it's own waiting area. What's funny is as I am typing this it makes me think of one of those surreal movies where everything is controlled by robots and very exact. But it didn't actually feel that way! Anyways, they called us back almost immediately after we sat down. There were 2 nurses to check us in and get vitals and they were both very gracious. The nurse that took us back to the room actually pushed the stroller for me and asked where I wanted it parked. And then the best part, just before she left the room she asked me if there was anything I needed her to get or do so that I could be totally comfortable! WOW! For all the doctor offices I have been in I have never had that kind of service! And this is just for skin! I can only imagine how great they are with some of the patients in the scarier areas! Since this is a university hospital, we actually had a resident come in first to take a look at her. And then the regular doc came in. He was great too! So I guess it's safe to say that I have a great feeling about this place and Hailey going here.

So the diagnosis is that we are just going to leave it be. They took a picture of it to put in her file so that they have a baseline and can just watch it. I have to take her back when she is 1 yr old so they can see what it is or isn't doing at that point. They don't like to mess with birthmarks unless they absolutely have to. Those scenarios are if it is going to start forcing her eye shut or threatening the structure of her face. And once it has "gone away" if there is anything left in there, they may do something to get rid of that. So for now, we just wait. I am glad to at least have someone in this field to keep an eye on it in the long run but I am also glad that they don't just take these things off without thinking long term and what this thing is all about. I can see why my pediatrician recommended this office even though it is a drive!