Check ups!

Alex and Charlie went for their one year old check up last Wednesday. We have found a new pediatricians office here which we LOVE!!!! I cannot say enough good things about Brenner's Children's Pediatrics office in Clemmons. Lucy went for a check up last month (more on her in a minute), we've been in to see about the boys' eczema and then also for their appointment. They have three pediatricians on staff and we've seen them all in those three appointments. Each of them has been wonderful and we have left each time feeling like they are giving the best care possible to our children.

Charlie's One Year Old Stats:
   Height: 28 inches
   Weight: 17 lbs, 9 oz
   Head Circumference: 18 inches

Alex's One Year Old Stats:
   Height: 28 inches
   Weight: 17 lbs, 4 oz
    Head Circumference: 18 inches

Both boys are doing well, meeting all developmental milestones - most even by their age, rather than corrected for their prematurity. They still are having issues with eczema and because of previous experiences with milk, our pediatrician decided we need to have them tested for a milk allergy. HALLELUIAH!!! I am beyond thrilled. I have been sure for some time now that they have some kind of allergy/sensitivity to milk products and as we are transitioning from breastmilk and formula, it's important that we know what they can handle. They are scheduling them to meet with the pediatric allergist in their building. This does mean that I'll have to continue pumping for a while (or pay A LOT for more Nutramagin formula!) but it will be worth it in order to find out how to help them feel better!

Another concern of theirs and ours is the boys weight. They are on the small side. . . even for being born 6 weeks early. Right now, they are barely on the growth chart. Charlie is in the 4th percentile and Alex is in the 1st percentile. At this time, while we are still in limbo as to whether they can have dairy products, it's difficult to think of easy ways to add some fat into their diet. (Like cooking with butter, heavy cream, etc) For now, we've increased the amount of calories in their formula ( 22 calories instead of 20) as well as adding some formula in with their breastmilk bottles. We are also supposed to let them eat whenever they want. If only someone would let Mommy do that . . . sigh. . . ;)

They had to have five shots this time. Poor babies!! Of course, they are tough little boys and handled it much better than their sister did with hers. They also had to have blood drawn to check their hemoglobin, iron, and check for lead. They cried for just a minute but were quickly ok. We came home and took a good nap and after that, they seemed just fine. Alex was a little clingy but Mommy sure didn't mind a few extra snuggles!

What a year it's been  .  .. . I looked back at their weights from one year ago in the NICU. Charlie was 4 lb, .5 oz and Alex was 3 lbs, 10.5 oz. Both boys had feeding tubes and Charlie was still on oxygen. Now, they are two busy little boys, curious about everything, and only slowing down to sleep. They will be walking any day now. They can say, Bye and their favorite word is UH OH! How far they have come!!

Lucy also had a check up last month - I just can't believe that she is already four! Her appointment went well too. She is doing great! Her stats are:
                         Height: 3 ft, 3.5 inches (40th percentile)
                         Weight: 30 lbs, 4 oz. (10th percentile)

There were no concerns for Lucy . . . she is healthy as can be and smart, smart, smart. The pediatrician asked me if she knew all her ABC's. Um, yeah, this child is reading books that are labeled at a 2nd grade level! I described her reading, math, and writing abilities to the pediatrician along with saying, "I know all parents say their kid is smart, but I feel like she really is." The pediatrician told me, that yes, these were extraordinary skills for a four year old! ;) Gotta love my smarty pants!!

Lucy had to have three shots. I had been dreading this because I knew that she was now old enough to know what was happening. I didn't tell her anything leading up to it and she was fine until she actually got the shots. The worst part was AFTER the shots! She just kept crying and sobbing, "I don't want any shots!" "I don't want to get a shot!" No matter how much you tried to tell her that she was done, she just kept crying "I don't want any shots!" Don't worry. . .she was fine after a good nap. Of course, if you ask her about it, even to this day, she will relay the horribleness of the whole even to you. ;)

We are so blessed to have three happy and healthy children. :) I'll let you know what we find out from the allergist!