Parenting: Our Lip Tie Experience

Back in 2014, I read a post about lip ties on the blog, Bower Power. I almost didn't read it because it wasn't the routine home improvement stuff that Katie Bower normally writes about. Not to mention the fact that at that time I had a toddler who most certainly did not have a tongue or lip or tongue tie (he can touch his nose with his tongue!). So lip and tongue ties weren't really something that had any bearing on my life. But for some reason I felt compelled to read the post and I tucked the information away in the back of my cobwebby mommy brain.

Fast forward to the spring of 2015 and I had a newborn baby in my arms. The post about lip and tongue ties was still lingering in my brain and I remember being in the hospital and looking in my new baby's mouth, curious as to whether he might have any kind of a tie. 

At the time it seemed to me that he might have a lip tie and I questioned the lactation consultant, and later PED, about the possibility and ramifications of said lip tie. Everyone blew me off and said that unless there was difficulty nursing they wouldn’t correct it (I was the crazy lady who was asking questions about something I read on a blog). And then I kind of forgot about it. And our little 6lb 12oz baby started gaining a pound a week, so he obviously wasn't having trouble eating...

Fast forward 7 months and our little boy's front two teeth came in right before Thanksgiving. I realized that it was difficult to see his new teeth and as I raised his lips to get a better look, I immediately noticed a significant lip tie.

I revisited the Bower Power blog post and proceeded to do a bunch of online research. I was certain that he had a Class 4 Upper Lip Tie, so I scheduled a consultation and tentative laser frenectomy with Dr. Wessels of Allied Pediatrics in Chattanooga.

We weren't 100% committed to doing a laser frenectomy, and even spoke with many friends who had been given advice from pediatricians to just allow the tie to resolve on its own (i.e. essentially wait for the child to fall and bust their mouth open). 

As we met with Dr. Wessels, she listened to our concerns and asked questions about our nursing habits. While Isaac was a big baby, he had a shallow latch (uncomfortable for me!) and I had resorted to block feeding (one side at a time for 5 minute stretches for the past 7 months). He was also super gassy in the evenings and a happy spitter (possible reflux, but never officially diagnosed). Jack was the same way and I just assumed all of this was normal.

 

Dr. Wessels set the record straight – it was not normal and Isaac had one of the worst lip ties she had ever seen. She seemed quite surprised that I had been able to nurse for so long without immense pain. I think whatever experience you have with nursing, you just assume it is normal because you don't have any other point of reference.

We opted to have the procedure done right there in the office. This way we wouldn't be relying on him to fall and break his lip tie at a later date, plus the significant gap between his teeth would most likely correct itself as the rest of his teeth came in (so no braces for a gap when he is older), and the uncomfortable nursing situation would hopefully improve.

 

We stayed with Isaac while the procedure was completed. The worst part, by far, was that he had to have a numbing shot in his gums. Daniel held him for this (I couldn't watch). Dr. Wessels stayed with us and helped make Isaac laugh while the medicine took effect. For the actual procedure, Isaac had to be swaddled and wear little goggles – he hated this part (he has never liked to be swaddled!). He cried a lot but I'm pretty sure he was just angry because he was being held down. The entire process with the laser took about 5 minutes and then he was back in my arms.

Afterward Dr. Wessels gave him a pedialyte popcicle and all was immediately forgiven. Post-op I had to stretch his lip several times a day. He hated this! And days 3-5 were difficult because the nerves in his mouth started to grow back. He was definitely more fussy on those days. Orajel Naturals was really helpful for easing his pain and making the lip stretches more bearable.  

At our follow up appointment Dr. Wessels said I could stop stretching his lip and that the tie would not grow back. I confirmed that nursing had improved – I stopped block feeding and he had a deeper latch and would eat for longer. Plus his gas had resolved and the spitting up had mostly stopped.

I am so glad we opted to move forward with the procedure, it was the right decision for our family. I only wish we had realized sooner and pushed for it when he was younger.

When researching I found a provider list of pediatricians who do the laser procedure and the ONLY pediatrician listed for Tennessee happened to be Dr. Wessels in Chattanooga, and she was truly fantastic. She listened to us, provided breast feeding support, was open to alternative medicine (even suggesting we get an amber bracelet for pain relief) and even gave me a high five for being a good mom, followed by a hug when we left her practice. 

If you think your child may have a tongue or lip tie, press your pediatrician about this, or at the very least join an online community and ask other parents about their experiences. It can make a huge difference in your breast feeding experience, and also resolve issues like gas and reflux.

The Trenches of Motherhood

 

At this exact moment, my 9-month-old is napping peacefully and my four-year-old is playing pretend Christmas – wrapping up toys to give to me. Seeing this scene you would have no idea how much of a fiasco our midday was.

It started out normally, eating breakfast and preparing to go to the Y with a planned play date after. All things we normally do. Upon arriving at the Y, Jack walked into the childcare area without an issue, but for some reason when I finished signing him in, he had a complete meltdown. The kind you would expect from a two-year-old.

I spent the next 30 minutes trying to persuade him to stay before having to throw in the towel, literally carrying him out of the Y as he kicked and screamed. Thank goodness for a friend who was there who not only carried Isaac out for me, but also took all of my stuff while I wrestled with Jack.

It was one of those moments where you just block out everyone else – the stares from strangers, the screams of your child; walking with determination to you car as your arms and spirit ache with the weight of it all.

With the children safely in the car (though still screaming), I stood outside and took a deep breath in an effort to prepare myself for the drive home. My friend and I laughed at the ridiculousness of the situation and I apologized for having to cancel our post-Y play date. She smiled and offered to pray for me, knowing that my afternoon might be difficult. But then she went a step further and, right there in the parking garage, offered a prayer to God on my behalf. She prayed that there would be grace and energy and strength for me in the moments to come. 

Before I became a mother, I didn't have a lot of close girlfriends. It is something I have had to really work at. The further I wade into the waters of motherhood, the more grateful I am to have forged the friendships that I have. We have bonded over the good and hard moments of parenting. These women have become my confidants, my cheerleaders, and support system as I try to figure out life as a mom. I hope we don't have to cancel another play date, but am forever thankful for friends who are understanding and even willing to pray for me, on the spot if necessary.

⁹ Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. ¹⁰ If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he’s in trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (Living Bible Translation)

Yesterday

I have been making great efforts to get outside with our boys, daily. Yesterday Jack requested we go to one our local parks.

It was 42º and, even though it was sunny, we were the only people there. Jack enlisted me to play Octonauts with him – Jack was Kwazi and I was Captain Barnacles and we were saving fish in the sea from danger. This game lasted until a set of twins arrived. Then the game changed to children fending off bad guys with their swords.

The play was loud and rambunctious and what you would expect of four year olds. Climbing and jumping, and perhaps some pushing and shoving as well.

As they played, the care taker of the twins mentioned to me that the two children in her care had lost their father just last week. She only told me because the twins are 4 years old and they had been telling people that their daddy was in heaven. She wanted me to be prepared in case they told Jack.

The children did not tell Jack, but my heart ached for them just the same. I ache for their mother and their older siblings, who I am sure are still feeling the sting of such unexpected loss.

I'm glad that Jack could be a distraction for these new friends, if only for day. I'm still turning it over in my head. Tell your loved ones you love them. Every. Single. Day. We have no promise of tomorrow.

Biscuit Love

When we first became parents, I read a lot about the importance of continuing to date your husband (even writing about it here). Weekly if possible. In theory, I think this is a fantastic idea, but our reality never seems to measure up to that standard.

 

Daniel and I have had plenty of time to date (10+years if you include our dating years), so we don't feel too guilty when current dates tend to lean more toward "family" dates. Part of that has been changing our expectations and being ok with this. More often than not our alone dates include a bowl of ice cream and Netflix. I think you just do what you have to do and don't get hung up on a date being leaving your house, without kids. I mean, we even took our kids on our recent 13th anniversary trip.

But if we have the opportunity to go out, sans kids, we try to jump on it. Holidays tend to work in our favor in this regard. Our family loves the chance to hang out with our boys and who are we to turn down free baby sitting?

Most recently we were able to sneak off on a brunch and furniture shopping date. We left our boys with Daniel's sister and headed out to grab breakfast for lunch (my fave). We had initially planned to go to The Pancake Pantry but the line was wrapped around the outside of the building (and it was raining). So instead we found ourselves wandering over to the Gulch for a little Biscuit Love.

Biscuit Love also had a wait, but if you were willing to sit at the bar (we were, we didn't have kids!), you could get in immediately.

According to Nashville Guru, The "East Nasty" and "Southern Benny" were the dishes to get. And they did not disappoint.

Getting away was just what we needed – uninterrupted conversation, followed by time browsing local stores for a new dining table that we are dreaming about.

Our next date may not happen until Easter (hopefully sooner), but until that time we savor these moments together and embrace the days that our dates involve our whole family or just the two of us, on the couch after our kids are in bed.

Outdoor Adventures | 2015 edition

When Daniel and I were first married we spent a lot of time in the woods together, logging a lot of miles. Over the years we have added paddling and biking to our adventures. We continue to attempt to get out at least once a month and do the things we love. Here is a quick recap of the outdoor adventures we went on last year:

January

Hike to Rainbow Lake | Signal Mountain, TN

March

Green Gorge Trail | Signal Mountain, TN

April

Paddling North Chick | Hixson, TN

June

Green Gorge – Isaac's First Hike | Signal Mountain, TN

September

Lula Lake Land Trust | Lookout Mountain, GA

Neighborhood Bike Ride – Isaac's First | Signal Mountain, TN

Stringer's Ridge (me time) | Chattanooga, TN

October

Stringer's Ridge | Chattanooga, TN

 

Prentice Cooper | Signal Mountain, TN

November

Guys Hike North Chick | Soddy Daisy, TN

I didn't write a post about this, but Daniel and a couple of his friends did this hike. It's on my list for us to do when the weather warms up.

December

Laurel Falls | Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 

Christmas Eve Neighborhood Bike Ride | Signal Mountain, TN

I'm looking forward to trying more new trails in 2016, and just spending as much time outside with my guys.

Hike to Laurel Falls (GSMNP)

 

The weekend before Christmas found us in Gatlinburg celebrating our anniversary as a family. As part of that trip, we took our boys hiking on the Laurel Falls trail, located about 4 miles past Sugarlands (toward Cades Cove) in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

 

The hike is paved and *only* about 1 mile point-to-point, but it isn't without challenges. The very first thing we noticed at the trailhead were signs that warned that the use of strollers was dangerous and not recommended. Since our Bob Revolution stroller is more like an all terrain vehicle for children than a typical stroller, we decided to press on.

We knew the trail was mostly uphill, so we initially planned on pushing Isaac with the back up plan to push Jack and carry Isaac in an Ergo. Jack lasted about 5 minutes before he said his feet hurt. So we shuffled the boys around and I carried Isaac while Daniel pushed Jack.

Other signs warned to hang on to your kids because of the steep drop offs and cliffs you encounter on the trail. Truthfully I felt better having Jack strapped in our stroller than running along it!

On the upper part of the trail Jack kept telling Daniel that he was making him nervous and that they were too close to the edge.

We made it to the falls in about half-an-hour. The temperature was chilly, so we were glad that Jack was bundled up under blankets and Isaac was snuggled close to me for extra warmth. The boys did great (except at the waterfall when Jack decided he didn't want any pictures taken!).

On the way back, I moved Isaac to my back instead of my chest so that I would have a better sense of balance on the way down. Carrying him on my back is so much easier than my chest. He is such a big guy!!!

We thought Isaac might fall asleep on the return trip, but he was so excited to be on my back that he just chattered the entire way down. I think he enjoyed being able to see more from this new position. 

Laurel Falls is a great hike for kids, though don't plan on a stroller unless you have a Bob Revolution that you are comfortable pushing up and then down a hill. Jack could have hiked the trail if we had started earlier in the day and it wasn't quite so cold. It is just over 1 mile each way, but it does gain some elevation. The best part is that this trail delivers on views of mountains as well as an 80-ft waterfall at the end. The worst part was that there were quite a few people on the trail, even though it was a cold winter day.

We had a great hike and are looking forward to more hikes this coming year. One of my goals for 2016 is to get back into the habit of regularly spending time outside as a family. Having little kids makes that hard, but not impossible, and I hope that this year will find us sharing our love of the outdoors with our boys on a more regular basis.

Breakfast in Gatlinburg...

If you know me, you know I love to cook. But more than cooking, I really enjoy eating out. Especially on vacation. And especially for breakfast. It has become a bit of a tradition that we try as many local breakfast places as we can when we are traveling, and we stuck to this tradition on our recent trip to the mountains.

Log Cabin Pancake House
Daniel's family has been visiting Gatlinburg and going to the Log Cabin Pancake House since before Daniel was born which means for our family, no trip to this area is complete without a stop for pancakes and waffes. I say "this area" because we have driven out of our way to get breakfast here when hiking in the general vicinity.

 

Log Cabin was our very first food stop on this trip and it was exactly how we remembered. This was our boy's first visit to this long-standing Gatlinburg establishment and Isaac had a biscuit (on the house) and Jack tried Blueberry Kids Pancakes while Daniel got his usual Chocolate Chip Belgian Waffles and I had my usual Caribbean Pancakes with a coffee. Thumbs up from everyone.

We have officially passed on a long-standing tradition of eating at the Log Cabin Pancake House to a new generation.

Currently Log Cabin is ranked #6 on Trip Advisor's Best Places to Eat in Gatlinburg and has a rating of 4.0 on Zomato (formally Urbanspoon).
 

Crockett's Breakfast Camp

Our second day in the mountains included a stop at Crockett's Breakfast Camp. oh.my.word. This may be the best (and biggest) breakfast I have ever had. We lucked out with our timing, because we only had to wait for 30 minutes on a Saturday the week before Christmas. Off season is the best time to visit popular eateries like this.

 

Daniel tried the Jake's Creek Skillet while I had the Black Bear Camp Skillet, and Jack got the kid's waffles. Technically this was our lunch with plans to hike afterward and we actually managed to eat almost everything on our plates (we did take the 1-inch pancakes home for later and they were amazing! 

Honestly, for a typical breakfast, I think we could have split a skillet between the four of us. Isaac enjoyed eating bits and pieces from our plates.

If you want an amazing breakfast with great atmosphere, you really need to try Crockett's Breakfast Camp. As a side note, the pancakes are Aretha Frankenstein's from here in Chattanooga! 

 

Crockett's Breakfast Camp is currently ranked #1 on Trip Advisor for this area and has rating of 3.4 on Zomato (seems too low!).

 

Mountain Lodge Restaurant
On our final morning in the mountains, we decided to try the mom-and-pop Mountain Lodge Restaurant. It was located off of the strip and we noticed several local emergency responders parked there. We thought that was a good litmus test for a good local place.

When we arrived, the place was packed, but we snagged one of the last available tables. They get coffee and food to your table at record speeds. For a home-cooked, southern style meal, this place is worth a visit. Trip Advisor ranks this spot as #5 for the area and it scores a 4.2 on Zomato.


Since we couldn't live only on breakfast, I wanted to include the restaurants we tried for dinner as honorable mentions.

Uncle Buck's Grill
Friday night we saw Santa at the Bass Pro Shop in Kodak (just outside of Sevierville), and we decided to eat on site at Uncle Buck's Grill (we didn't think the boys would stay awake long enough to make it to another restaurant). 

This restaurant has a low ranking on Zomato, but we thought it was surprisingly good. Daniel tried the fish and chips, Jack had mini burgers and I had the wild boar burger with fresh chips. Daniel and I shared our dishes and both were excellent (Isaac thought so too, 8 months old and he has already tried wild boar!).
 

Big Daddy's Pizzeria
Saturday night, after an afternoon of hiking, we grabbed a pizza from Big Daddy's Pizzeria in Gatlinburg. We called ahead and they had it ready in about 15 minutes. The pizza is wood fired and had great flavor, though after a strenuous day, I could have used something a little heartier, especially since we were splitting between three of us (thank goodness for my huge lunch from Crockett's that morning!). We actually ate at Big Daddy's in Pidgeon Forge several years ago and really liked it (but then there were only two of us sharing a pizza!).


That wraps up our recent dining experience in Gatlinburg. When looking for new restaurants to try, we have found that Trip Advisor's Top 10 lists come in handy. Typically, if a restaurant makes the Top 10, we will generally have a really good experience. Until next time!