Time is flying by

Has it really been six months since this little miracle was born into our family? Where has the time gone? We certainly are keeping busy out here. I credit most of it to our dear sweet Andrew.  Not just your average...busy with a new baby in our household.  I feel like we've had a zillion of doctor visits since we moved here and looking back over the calendar...we really have!   An average week for me is 1-2 doctor appointments. Although, we did have a week of NO appointments, which was a lovely break.  Yet, I'm sure that we were just making up for the week of 5...yes FIVE doctor appointments all in the same week. They aren't all that bad. We have had some great news at these appointments.

1. Andrew finally passed his hearing screening, with our visit with the audiologist earlier last month. In the hospital, he passed the typical screening that all babies have, but being a preemie they did an Auditory Brainstem Response or ABR test which is much more in depth. The fluid in his left ear is finally gone and he passed with flying colors. We're so thankful that he can hear in both ears.
2. Also, we had to go to a few ophthalmologists to find one who sees patients with active ROP or (Retinopathy Of Prematurity) Andrew had a very mild case, but this potentially can lead to blindness. Last week, the dr. told us that everything has fully developed, it's not active any more and all is normal. Another huge relief. We just have to continue with eye appointments now every six months. They are key in finding out if his shunt is continuing to work. I know that seems weird, but the pressure from the spinal fluid not draining, will put pressure on the retina. So the long 3 hour eye appointment of getting eyes dilated and waiting will now only happen every 6 months.  
3. Nephrologist.....yeah, I had to look that one up when they told me I needed to follow-up with a nephrologist aka (kidney doctor) Because the the vast amounts of medications Andrew was on in the NICU, it was terribly hard on his kidney's. And yes...this little kiddo has kidney stones.  All the doctor seem to say that "it's no big deal for babies" and "they should take care of themselves".  Well, thankfully this doctor says we just need to continue to monitor his kidney growth and such.  In the meantime, we've been to the hospital labs to have ultrasounds, urine cultures and a urine analysis done. Yeah....that was a fun visit. 
4. NICU follow-up Team. This is a great program they have here in Illinois. We're able to go to a clinic and have a neonatalologist and a team of specialist follow Andrew.  It was nice to go to one appointment and see about 4 different specialist. They'll seen him again at 9 months, 1-year and 2 years old. By then a typical preemie should be caught up.
5. Speech therapy. Yes this is were my focus this last month has mostly been. If you've read the previous post...you'll know why. 
6. Early Intervention. They are a team of therapists that work with Andrew. Although he qualifies, he doesn't quite need any services yet. Thank goodness they come to our home. Which is a nice change and we don't have to go anywhere for this one.               
7. Oh yes...besides all of these specialist we've seen this month...we've also had his typical pediatrician well-check visits. For his 6 month appointment this week, Andrew weighs 12lbs 2oz and is 24 inches long. He is in the 25th percentile for weight and 50th percentile for height. Although, he's on a different scale they use for preemie boys and his adjusted age of 3 months. (He's way off the charts for a typical 6 month old)

As busy as he keeps us, we wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. How could you with a smile like that? He's worth everything and then more.