Involution

Involution: Retrograde development, degeneration. 

Brenlee's Strawberry Hemangioma birthmark has been going through a period of rapid growth, called the proliferative phase. It was just the size of a pin dot when we left the hospital. At the beginning of last week, I believe that phase ended and we are now headed into a period called the involutive phase. The term "Involutive" just means that it is in a period of shrinkage. In most cases of infants that have these benign vascular tumors like Brenlee has, they begin this phase of shrinking from 4-6 months after appearing. The stage that we are entering does take much longer than it did in the proliferative phase where it grew larger. It can take as long as 10 years in this phase. Even after involuting, some fatty tissue and tiny blood vessels may be left. In our case with Brenlee, I don't think we'll have any issues, as it never got really big or deep. It's remained superficial, near the skin's surface. Anyhow, I know you, as well as me, like to know more about Brenlee's Strawberry. It's very concerning to MOST people, as it looks scary. If you'd like to read more about it, find information here: Information about Brenlee's Strawberry


Here are pictures, starting with birth and going thru a few months, showing the proliferative phase:

Justification.

I just need to write a blog that helps me feel better about NOT doing the long list of stuff that needs to be done around the house. Here are the things I have accomplished today-

1. Changed 12 diapers.
2. Cleaned the floor about 20 times, due to slobber or a leaky sippy cup.....that is supposedly "No Spill."
3. Made oatmeal and sliced bananas for girls breakfast, fed it to them.
4. Rubbed Orajel on Brenlee's gums 3 times.
5. Adminstered teething tablets twice to Brenlee.
6. Washed Cadence's hair since it had food all in it.
7. Washed our bed sheets. Dried them.
8. Washed our HUGE quilt. Dried it.
9. Line Dried the clothe diapers and took them of the line...
10. Made grilled cheese sandwich for the girls and tore it into small pieces.
11. Cleaned the high chairs twice.
12. Swept the floor in the kitchen twice.
13. Cuddled Brenlee when she gave me the opportunity.
14. Practiced "standing" with Cadence.
15. Got the girls dressed in DRESSES and lotioned them up.
16. Spayed out two poopy diapers.
17. Gave girls gerber snacks.
18. More water in the sippy cups.
19. Prepared 6 milk bottles.
20. Washed dishes in sink twice
21. Consoled crying babies a handful of times
22. Went to the library with twins to do Pat a Cake time
23. Took a few videos and pictures for family
24. Put make up on
25. Brushed my teeth
26. Washed my face.
27. Brushed my hair!
28. Clipped Cadence's finger nails.
29. Prevented Brenlee from crawling into the bathtub
30. Taught both girls not to touch the litter box and cat food.
31. Got the girls to take 2 naps.
32. I ate a full lunch. All at one time.
33. Drank a glass of water.
34. pureed some pears and fed it to the....
35. fed twins some pudding
36. wrote a blog, AND finished it with baby in lap
ok, so i havent been totally lazy and i did deserve to sit down for 40 minutes!