our veggie baby

Because Brad and I cannot make a decision on our daughter's future "Americanized" name, from here-on-out, she will be referred to as "veggie baby" for the reasons to follow… 

Since veggie baby's referral several weeks ago, and learning of her special need, I have been talking to specialists as well as researching on my own. (what would I do without the internet?…live at the library!) 

In a nutshell, here's what I've uncovered…

1. In 1934, Ivar Asbjörn Følling published PKU as being a cause of mental debilitation in children. (Frightening!)

2. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare metabolic disorder that prevents the normal breakdown of protein in the body which builds up in the blood stream and becomes TOXIC to brain tissue.

3. At least 1 baby in 25,000 is born with PKU in the US.
 

4. This metabolic disorder can be controlled successfully through a very strict life-long diet combining low protein foods and supplements and regular blood level monitoring. (enter the reason for our title, "veggie baby")
 

5. There are strains of PKU ranging from mild to severe. We are waiting to hear back from our specialist regarding the results of the medical records we have been provided.

6. We have a good resource of metabolic specialists and dietitians experienced with PKU patients in town, so we won't be left in the dark wondering how to care for her.

7. My first experiment with a low protein dish (potato salad) took an entire hour to prepare…ergo, I need to work on my speed in the kitchen. It DID taste pretty great though. Hope this kid likes potato salad…

8. I found an iPhone app for PKU families! It contains tons of recipes and data entry functions for keeping track of food protein consumption and blood level results. I love technology. 

9. The state of SC (if I am understanding correctly) provides the PKU formula that is necessary for proper growth and development at no charge to families. This is a huge blessing since the supplement formula comes with a hefty price tag. Thank you, Jesus!

10. I've been looking for an excuse to become more consistently vegetarian in my diet. Thank you, veggie baby, for making that possible. Go watch Food, Inc. if you are looking for a reason to cut down on your meat consumption.

PLEASE PRAY with us that our veggie baby will receive her emigration permit ASAP from Korea so we can bring her home and be able to monitor her diet, growth and development. The first year of life in a PKU patient's life is very important! We are hoping for a medical update soon since she is having her blood levels checked monthly in Seoul.