Seven Months Old and Completely Average!

Well, as of 5:29 p.m. today, Andrea is celebrating seven months of life. (She'll be 4 months corrected age on October 4.) We saw the doctor on Wednesday for the first of many flu shots and other vaccines, along with a well baby check, and I'm pleased to report that Andrea is absolutely average. She's in the 50th percentile for head circumference, height and weight, and those numbers are for a full term baby! When Andrea was born, she was so small that her length was charting on the head curve, (of a preemie growth chart!) so the fact that she's made it all the way into the middle of "full term" babies is a miracle in and of itself.

We are anxiously awaiting the pulmonologist's appointment coming up this Friday, and the Developmental Clinic appointment in early October. Andrea has decided she's done with oxygen. We find ourselves retaping the cannula at least half a dozen times a day. She can have time off, and we take full advantage of those breaks, but the doctor wants her to be on the oxygen over night and for at least some time during the day. We have tried something called "Tender Grips" which were recommended by a preemie parents' web site I found (and which cost more than $5 EACH!), and she managed to get those off too. Later tonight, we're trying something called "duoderm", which the pulmonologist recommended. It won't stop her from pulling off the tape, but it should spare her skin from more damage.

I try very hard to not complain, especially in this blog. It is supposed to be a place where we celebrate the miracle that is Andrea, and where I keep the interested populace apprised of her progress. And don't get me wrong - we are constantly grateful that we have the wonderful outcome we do. However, the past few days have been almost impossible, and I'm worn out. Yesterday and today, the only way I could get Andrea to nap was by taking her for a long ride in the car. We think she may be starting to teethe, since she's shoving whatever she can into her mouth, but it's still been a rough time. Ken has her now, so I can get a few minutes peace, and she seems to be sleeping for him. She saves the crabbiness for me, I guess.

I'm not sure I'll get another post in this week, but I will make sure to update the world after Friday's doctor's appointment. One day this week, we'll be going for a chest x-ray, so hopefully all will be improved with Andrea's lungs. As always, thank you for continued support and prayers.

“Don't pray for lighter burdens, but for stronger backs.” Anonymous