Take a Deep Breath!

Just breathe...really...BREATHE!

Our dear sweetheart Jack-Jack is emulating his blog patron from The Incredibles to the tee. Though content and happy most of the time, when Jack-Jack gets mad, he gets REALLY mad. So much so that he doesn't breathe and passes out. When this happened for the first time last week I thought he had died as I held my limp, unconscious little boy in my arms. Several seconds later he was fine...breathing, content and happy.

After twice terrifying his Mommy, Jack-Jack has been officially diagnosed with breath-holding spells. It is so common the doctor has a standard handout on it. Up to 5% of kids do this between 6 months and 5 years. There is not much I can do about it other than try to startle him into breathing when I know it is coming. The biggest risk is that he would injure himself if he falls as he passes out. While reassuring that BHS are completely benign, don't cause brain damage or signify emotional problems (it's likely genetic), I find it frustrating that I can do nothing to prevent it! Making a big fuss about it or showing your fear can make the spells more frequent as babies approach toddlerhood and temper tantrums. They can learn to trigger the attacks themselves when frustrated or angry. It is yet another reminder for me that God is in control and to trust him!


Dash had his 2-year checkup when we were at the pediatrician. His new stats (which are appropriate for a normal 3 year-old):

Height: 37 inches
Weight: 32 pounds