Where to begin

Well, we had our GI appointment, Monday, and the same. Except we now are on Zantac which we were when he was in the NICU and home for a little while. We also are giving him Mylanta in between meals. I feel like MEDICINE WOMAN. This is our schedule, AM Prevacid, Reglan and Mylanta, Pm Reglan,Zantac and Mylanta, Dinner PM, Prevacid, Reglan and Zantac. No wonder he does not want to eat his whole day is MEDICINES. But if it works then it's fine.

Today was a great day eating wise, well the best in about a month. He actually had a pretty good lunch and a hearty dinner including a bowl of vanilla ice cream with ovaltine on top, my husbands creations.

Tomorrow we go for a barium swallow study. We see another GI Doc next month for a 2nd opinion and then we decide on the feeding tube. I am more at peace with this idea as well as my husband. Especially when I read other blog mom's post about blenderized diets, I would love to be able to feed James more healthy fattening foods. But we are going to try and manage his reflux with meds and hopefully get him to put on some pounds. There were recent talks of doing a Fundo but after lots of research and talking with another mom and our GI I don't feel James is in need, he does throw up but it is not our main problem and is only once in a while. It is my understanding that the Fundo is for severe vomiting and life threatening issues. Although James weighing only 19.12lbs and at the beginning of this year January was 18.4lbs. is severe and life threatening for growth reasons I strongly do not think a fundo will help this issue. The feeding tube however may be a good idea. One of which they should of done before leaving the NICU, But can't go back i time. So I hope what ever decision is made it is the correct one. But I would relish the day I don't have to hear the word failure to thrive and WEIGHT GAIN UGGGG!

Other than that my job is going really well and it has been the best thing for me. I also got my first pay check already woo hoo, only a weeks worth so it is pretty much gone, I need to learn to budget. But most of it was spent on my little man, a new toy, like he needed that. It is so funny how we change when we have children, I used to be very selfish, I guess because I could but now when I go to the mall or such I am looking to buy James stuff no longer me. Funny, I love it though and can't wait until CHRISTMAS, one of my favorites.

I have a girlfriend coming out this Labor day from California, we went to high school together. I can't wait to see her it has been a while. I need a girls night out.

Thanks Tracy.

James, James and more James

James using his saftey glasses to pertect his head. He wore these for a good 1/2 hour until I busted out the camera!!! then he got mad in his cute little way.

James brushing his teeth. sorry I don't no how to rotate.

And yes he finally got a job at HOT DOG ON A STICK, so now he can by his medicines, diapers and pay his Co-Pays at the Doctors.

Alot can happen in a week!

So, I have a week of my new job under my belt. Things are going really well. I am catching on quick and feel real comfortable with everyone. So YEAH!

James had his GI appointment on Monday, and of course same ol' same ol'. Does not weigh enough and talks of a NG tube and now fundo. I don;t think so. First off how in the world would you do a nose tube on a very strong, determined, 2 year. I can not even suck boogers out of his nose when he can't get them all out by blowing. Do you really think he his going to leave it in there if I was successful in inserting through his nose. NOOOOOO! These doctors sometimes you want to smack them upside the head and say do you have children? As far as the fundo, I know my son has reflux and it his hindering his weight gain, but I have read alot about the fundo and I just don't like the idea of if you have to throw up you can't so it just stays there. Speaking of which he does not throw up very often unless of course he is sick. When he does throw up it usually is because of something he is eating got caught or occasionally on his medicine, I know it is great for reflux and if we can;t get weight on him like we should I would think about a feeding tube in the stomache with out a fundo!!! So cross your fingers. We are going to see another GI for a 2nd opinion as well as a dietician/nutritionist who by the way specializes in preemies!!! Hard to come by. So we will see.

Tuesday he had a hearing test. He was so good throughout the whole testing. I was thinking he would not be cooperative, do to them having to stick things in his ear, but he was great and past with no significant problems. Our Neruologist ordered this test just to make sure for speech he had no hearing issues. Since he is behind in speech. So another YEAH!

Friday we had our 2 year old well check. Which went as I predicted. Weight 5th %, Length 30th% and Head 25th%. At least we are marks ont he CHARTS, which I just want to rip to shreds!!

We have finally found a new Physical therapist, Speech therapist/Feeding so it was a good break while it lasted. But, I am anxious to get started. Our OT mentioned to me again that at 2.9 years of age he will be going to preschool, I think I had a heart attack. That is only 8 months away. OMG can I stay with him. James does not leave my side unless he is with my husband, my good friend or occasionally my mother-in-law, but if I can take him with me, ie: the dentist, hair cut etc. he is always with me. I guess it shall be good for the both of us.

I just worry he has been through so much to be alive I can't let myself depend on someone else to care for his well being. I am afraid. I have already decided he is not going to drive until he is at least 30 something.

Well, hope everyone is well. I enjoy reading all your blogs and your miracle children. Tracy

I GOT A JOB!

So I went on an interview last Thursday at an Urgent Care center in Scottsdale. They called on Monday and offered me the job. Excited yes, nervous oh yes, It has been 2 years since I last worked. I am looking forward to it though. It is only for 4.5 hours Monday through Friday from 4PM to 8:30PM, so I will still be home in time to tuck my baby in to bed, if things go right I will just miss dinner and bath, that it itself will be a break. I like bath time though but dinner is exhausting.

I am looking forward to the interaction with many different people, I am a big people person. I also will be happy to take a shower everyday and do my hair and wear make-up again. Not that I don't bathe, but most of the time if we don't have plans I don't even change out of my pajama's. My poor husband must just be so attracted to me, HA HA. But seriously, I am just lazy, plus I usually get thrown up on, or food thrown at me or well you know, so why bother, It sure makes doing laundry a breeze. I have a uniform I will be wearing so that is a blessing in itself, how easy, the only thing is there are 5 different colors I have to remember to wear for that particular day, hopefully I don't wear blue on khaki day. I have worn different shoes before same color just different style.

I am ready nonetheless, At least I think so. I think it will be good for my husband and James, not to have me here. when we are both home James is still all about me. So they need to have some father, son time. We are always together, James and I and once and a while my husband will take James over to his father's house or to the park but usually we all go as a family. Especially since I am usually cooped up in the house all week, Heck I get excited just going to home depot in the middle of the week, I see it as an outing.

So wish me luck. I start Monday 8/13/07. I am sure I will have days where I say WHAT WAS I THINKING, but all in all it will be good for me and I can handle 4.5 hours it will go by quick. Oh and the money will be nice too, living on one income has been a challenge, but my the things you give up not realizing how much you were spending before. So some money to help out here and there and maybe a pedicure once in a while more lunches with friends and some more activities for baby. YAHOO!

I FEEL BETTER, NOW!!!

I was searching the web and came across this, which made me feel better. I have been having a blue kind of day. But knowing that my 25 weeker is only about 2lbs away from an average 2 year old and only seems to be delayed with speech, puts life into a different place.


Two-year-olds like to be independent! Favorite words are "Mine" and "No" and "I do it!" Emotions take on a roller coaster-like quality as 2-year-olds can go from excitement to anger to laughter within a few moments. A great deal of time is spent exploring, pushing, pulling, filling, dumping, and touching.Two-year-olds are surer of themselves and of what they can do as they grow. Their bodies stretch out, and most will lose the potbellied look during this third year of life. Their appetites lessen, and they may be particular about food. They are still growing fairly rapidly.Toddlers are very attached to their caregivers. You may find them trying out new ideas and exploring their surroundings, but still staying close to you as they need a base of support and trust. Two-year-olds are usually interested in other children. However, social interest and physical abilities sometimes collide as a hug becomes a tackle and a gentle pat becomes a whack. You will need to teach children how to express affection appropriately.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
plays alongside others more than with them - CHECK
acts shy around strangers - CHECK
likes to imitate parents - CHECK
easily frustrated -CHECK, CHECK
affectionate - hugs and kisses - CHECK
insists on trying to do several tasks without help HALF OF A CHECK
enjoys simple make-believe like talking on phone, putting on hat - CHECK
very possessive - offers toys to other children but then wants them back - DON'T KNOW
needs considerable time to change activities - ?
capable of frequent tantrums, which are often a result of his inability to express himself even though he has ideas - CHECK, CHECK, CHECK
can show aggressive behavior and the intent to hurt others - NOT YET!
can be extremely demanding and persistent - CHECK
destructive to objects around him when frustrated and angry - CHECK
possessive about caregiver's attention; show feelings of jealousy - CHECK
has fears and nightmares - ? He wakes in the middle of the night about 3 X's a week ???
has sense of humor; capable of laughter - CHECK
shows interest in dressing, brushing hair and teeth - CHECK, Mostly Undressing!
cannot sit still or play with a toy for more than a few minutes - CHECK, Which I found this one interesting, because our OT and our old ST were so focused on getting him to do an actvity for 3-5 minutes!!!

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
weight: 22-38 pounds - Almost CHECK 20lbs. So if this is true a we are not to far off.
height: 32-40 inches - CHECK 33 inches
has almost a full set of teeth - CHECK for a long time now.
walks up and down stairs by holding onto railing - CHECK
feeds self with spoon - CHECK
experiments by touching, smelling, and tasting - CHECK, CHECK
likes to push, pull, fill, and dump - CHECK
can turn pages of a book - CHECK
stacks 4-6 objects - CHECK
scribbles vigorously with crayons or markers - CHECK
many children (but not all) will learn to use toilet - CHECK has gone pee pee a few times.
walks without help - CHECK
walks backwards CHECK
tosses or rolls a large ball - CHECK and CATCHES.....
stoops or squats - CHECK
opens cabinets, drawers - OMG CHECK
can bend over to pick up toy without falling - CHECK but an occasional oops sometimes.

INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT
enjoys simple stories, rhymes, and songs - CHECK
uses 2-3 word sentences - NOPE!
says names of toys - NOPE
hums or tries to sing - NOPE, but he will hum if I am.
enjoys looking at books - CHECK
points to eyes, ears, or nose when asked - CHECK
repeats words - CHECK, Just now started that
interested in learning how to use common items - I would say CHECK

IDEAS FOR CAREGIVERS
Baby-proof your house again. Two-year-olds are taller and more skillful at opening doors and getting into mischief.
Read aloud to children every day. Encourage toddlers to look at books with large pictures and sturdy pages. Simple story lines are best.
Try to expand a 2-year-old's knowledge of words and sentence structure. Let her hear the correct word order, but don't demand that she imitate you. For example, if she says "more juice," say "Anna wants more orange juice."
Encourage them to identify noises like vacuum, tap water, dogs barking, thunder, airplane, and car.
Let toddlers help you with simple chores such as picking up toys or putting clothes in the laundry basket. Encourage them to name things that you are using.
Add new information to what a child is saying. "Yes that's a blanket, a soft, warm blanket."
Give toddlers clear and simple choices. "Do you want to drink milk or juice? Do you want to wear green or blue socks?"
Know how to handle a temper tantrum:1. don't yell or hit the child,2. remain calm,3. talk in soothing tone,4. put your hand gently on child's arm if possible.
Provide newspaper, flattened grocery sacks, and computer scraps for drawing and painting. Color books, workbooks, and ditto sheets are not recommended.
Avoid making models of clay or drawing pictures for children to copy. They learn more by working out their own ideas, and adult-induced items can actually hinder learning.
Do not expect toddlers to share or take turns. Right now they are focused on learning how to physically handle themselves and on learning to talk. Learning to share will come later.
Provide spaces where toddlers can spend time alone. An old cardboard box or a blanket over a card table works great.
Avoid pressuring children to be right or left handed. A few 2-year- olds will begin to show preference for one hand, but many children will continue to use both hands for a few years.
Provide safe outlets for physical activity and space exploration like small steps, boxes, barrels, tires, pulling and pushing toys, ride-on and ride-in toys.
Provide opportunities for learning about cause and effect by giving toddlers many opportunities to fill, dump, collect, gather, give, hide, and seek.
Play "parade" or "follow the leader." Sing sequential songs like "Old MacDonald" to explain sequences.
Encourage verbal skills by giving simple directions like "Close the door, please" or "Would you pick up the doll?"
Encourage a toddler's love for imitation by teaching fingerplays and songs. Play "you are a mirror." Stand or sit facing the children and have them copy everything you do. Reverse roles and let the child lead while you mirror the actions.
Encourage sand, mud, clay, and water play. Toddlers enjoy messy play and learn a great deal from mixing, sifting, pouring, stirring, and shaping.

Preemie Poem

I came across thispreemie poem I thought I would share.


At first glance you were so small I hardly saw a baby at all,
with tubes and wires a frightening sight
but you were in for a big fight.
Not even two pounds just skin and bones,
Your body so small with problems so big,
but you fought hard and continued to grow.
So many fears,So many tears. Precious child you are home today,
I love you dear, more than words can say.
A miracle baby A gift from God.You showed the world You showed us ALL!

(c) Dianne Whitman All Rights Reserved

P.S.

I don't know how I forgot to mention how he has learned to open doors and the fence gate. We have a little fence in our back yard that separates our major part of the back yard and he has figures out how to open the gate it is his perfect size. Luckily we don't have a pool, but we do have a spa with stairs which he loves but it is covered it is just the stairs we have to be concerned about. So my husband put a little lock in the latch. He tries to open all the doors in the house turning there knobs, but he is not quite strong enough to pull them open. But our living room door has a different type of handle so that one he can successfully open but the security door there is no way. So that is what lately my days have consisted of watching my child try to escape. Funny guy.