B-man and His Noggin

Well, we went to Beckett's weight check today at Dr.Hanson's office. Drum roll please ...
10 lbs. 12 oz. (4.89 kilograms)
Length: 58 cm, Head Circumference: 41 1/2 cm

I know, right? I asked if that was correct....he was just 9 lbs. 11 oz. At the pulmonologist's office last Wednesday! Crazy! I guess the breastfeeding on demand, about every 2 hours is doing well for him! But he does need to poop (of course he does), so I bet that played to his advantage too!

His growth is still along the 50 percentile curve on the preemie growth chart. The preemie growth chart only goes until. 50 weeks, and then we will just try and get ON the regular growth chart against other 5 month olds. (His chronological age).

I also talked to Dr.Hanson about the lack of physical therapy thru ECI. She said we do need to have PT, and so is referring us to Cook's for this. She also said Cook's could help with nutrition too. ECI is sending a developmental specialist to our house, so we at least have that. She comes again on Thursday actually.
Another new appointment Beckett earned is with a cranial maxillofacial specialist. Translation: his head shape is long, and flat... and we need to just make sure his sutures are still open. I wonder if he will earn himself a helmet. We will just have to wait and see.

We continue to work on tummy time, but that noggin is just so heavy. I have seen improvement though ... so we are getting there slowly, but surely.

My Sweet Boy is 5 Months Today!

Can NOT believe it's been 5 months since Beckett was born. Crazy. He will be 7 weeks adjusted age on Friday. Happy 5 Month Birthday Little Buddy!

So here's the update with Team Gramkow:

We survived through the icky sickness that swept through our house the past few weeks. I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing that we spaced our sickness out. I was sick when Mom and Dad were here, than Ellie, and Ben finished it out. I am so glad we got through it, and I think Beckett is in the clear! I'm so glad we are back to healthy status. I got a little cabin fever living in our guest bedroom with just Beckett!

We still are in survival mode. Yep, I know you're not surprised, but I think the being sick sure didn't help matters. We did decide to pull Ellie out of preschool for a month or so. It's hard because when she gets sick, she doesn't bounce back the fastest. So she was out all last week anyways, and we obviously don't want to expose Beckett to any more stuff. It's not the preschool kids' fault, but germs just are germs! And so now, if we weren't before, we are REALLY on RSV lock down now. Ellie is super sad, but we will just have to get a routine down (with some pintrest crafts, starfall.com (Thanks for the recommendations), and cooking!), and I have to make things fun! :) Insert energy here. Actually we did make banana bread today. So that's my one thing I accomplished with Ellie. She LOVED it, and she's so smart...I say it's teaching...she knows the measuring cups, spoons, what a whisk and spatula are, and does think that vanilla is added to everything. :) She helps me get out ingredients, and probably knows where stuff is in the kitchen better than Ben. (Love ya, babe.)

Beckett, my little buddy, is doing FABULOUS! I ended up getting overwhelmed with pumping, bottle feeding, trying to breastfeed, so I decided I was going to be done with nursing. It didn't work with Ellie, so I just figured Beckett would be the same. However, I made one last effort to ask for help, so had a lady come to my house (who has had two preemies) to help me out in the breastfeeding area. Beckett had been really struggling with just being an "active" eater. He was "active" with the bottle too, he would fuss, flail, pull away, and bat the bottle ... though, not as much as Ellie did. Nursing him was almost uncomfortable...and we would stress if he didn't take the 90 mls every three hours. This is a hard transition. He has been home a long time, and it's still hard! Going from the regimented NICU of everything on schedule, every detail documented....to at home! I think we automatically got into that mindset of "well, his volumes should be increasing right? (Don't think Ben hasn't been tempted to pull out the growth chart that the DRG gave us to figure out what he should be eating now.)

So. Kathy was a lot of help! She said his flailing was probably due to feeling like he was drowning when he was eating! Poor kid! Why didn't I think of that? My flow obviously is 4 months ahead of him supply-wise (although I've been trying to get back down to what he's eating) and too fast, but also the flailing was happening with the bottle too. He also had been spitting up, and wondered if it was reflux.

So we tried some different positioning while nursing, we got a preemie flow nipple for the bottles, and she taught me how to read his hunger cues. So we are feeding on demand (which yes, this was actually allowed even in the NICU...but he just didn't cue then as well as he does now, that I notice), but not letting him go longer than 3 hours. This kid is nursing GREAT! He is like a whole different baby! He eats more frequently in smaller amounts.

**For example, this is the second time today that I have had to take a TV timeout  to feed Beckett. I WILL get this post published eventually!**

Now he eats closer to 2 ounces (be proud, I just used ounces instead of mls) every 2 hours. So we nurse during the day and then we still give him 27 calorie fortified milk in the evening/night. He also has only spit up once since we started the new plan! He seems like a happy baby. He is more organized and comfortable when eating from the bottle with the preemie nipple. Sometimes I still think he feeds better from the bottle side-lying, but I'm still experimenting with that one.

We had his Synagis injection yesterday at the pulmonolgist's office, (he had a great report) and he weighed 9 lbs. 11 oz.! So we are gaining! I think he was 9 lbs. 3 oz. on Jan. 30...so it's headed in the right direction.


Today he actually has been eating non-stop! A couple of stints where it was every hour. Crazy. But THIS I think is what I hear normal mamas talking about ... the growth spurts, the feeding on demand, even with breastfeeding ... something great about all this lately because I finally have a glimpse of maybe this is "normal" baby stuff. YEAH! Also neat too because again, it didn't work out with Ellie, and I just kind of thought: Oh, well an earlier baby won't be able to do that either. But this kid likes to eat!

We have met with a developmental specialist, but are still waiting on physical therapy. She gave me a few things to work on with Beckett and his neck muscles. He is ALREADY improving so much this past week. He actually held his head up on my chest, still a little bobbly, but turned from one side to the other! He is getting better at tummy time. AND, I think breastfeeding is helping him strengthen those neck muscles too. He has started really finding his fists too. He kicks his feet, and we like to circle him when he's on the floor so he can track us. It's pretty cute!

He is SO full of smiles these days too! It just melts my heart. Oh he smiled just now, as I'm holding him! :)

Let's see what else....oh, we took him to the chiropractor yesterday to see if that would help with his lack of pooping issues. He goes about a week and more with out a BM. Not cool, however, I'm beginning to think it's just him. Although today he did have a dirty diaper on his own ... no suppository needed. (Giving those is the worst!)

Weight check with the pediatrician next week! Thanks for checking in with us! Until next time...

Photo Contest: Kisses A Dollar - the story!

We fell short of the win last month for the NICU Helping Hands photo contest, so we thought we'd give it a shot again! Plus, it's a fun bonding experience for Ben and I coming up with what we can use around the house. I thought at this rate, if we keep it going, we could have a calendar! :) 

So this month's contest had to be Valentine themed. We attempted to make Beckett a cupid, but just didn't have enough supporting props around the house other than the naked baby. So I found this idea on Pinterest: Kissing booth. And who wouldn't want to kiss Beckett's chubby cheek? Our inspiration for materials took a while to come up with, and I just wanted to give up and turn Beckett into a giant candy conversation heart. But Ben was persistent. We used the moby wrap for the sky (again), green blanket for the ground, cardboard box covered by Beckett's red fitted crib sheet. (Ben is becoming quite the photographer as he thought the red added more color so we should use that instead of the plain cardboard box ... he's getting "the eye.") The letters are from Ellie's puzzles, and the hearts are foam board. (Ellie had the purple one from preschool valentines, and I cut the other two out.) I taped the ribbon to his hand and the hearts. He had a fun time moving his arm around! The overalls...yep, too big, but safety pins came to the rescue. The Pinterest photo had the little boy in overalls no shirt, and I thought it was just too cute. Plus, we gotta make Beckett a farm boy to make Grandpa Weber proud. :)


So go to the link below to vote for our Sweet Beckett. You sign in with your Facebook account, and then click on "like" (should be on the lower left part of the photo)...just make sure it's on the NICU Helping Hand's Facebook page. Thanks! If we win this time, we get a free photo shoot!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=275069345896158&set=a.275063822563377.60587.144984638904630&type=1&theater

Beckett (our 25 weeker) is sporting his Valentine Kissing Booth. Please note that the kissing booth will not actually be in full effect until RSV season is over. Until then, enjoy the photos of our Sweet Boy! He is now 5 months old (almost 2 months adjusted). We are still working on eating more volume, and we are trying physical therapy to strengthen his neck muscles. Weight check next week!

Sick Ellie

**UPDATE: Ellie's chest X ray results showed no pneumonia...so more asthma related. She's on a long list of meds to help her breath better. Last night was still awful, but glad the days are better.

Ellie had a rough night last night. We gave her 3 breathing treatments. Poor girl is having a hard time breathing. So we went back to the doctor this morning. Ben stayed home with Beckett...and the quarantine continues. Ellie's chest x ray indicated "suspicious spot"...so forwarding onto radiologist...possible pneumonia or asthma related. Grrrrreeeeat. New antibiotic because ear infection wasn't getting better. Refill for Albuterol. Waiting for call back. Here here to more quarantining from Beckett. Please say a prayer of quick healing for my preemie Ellie's lungs and airway; and protection for my preemie Beckett...Summer, anyone?

Here are some pics of my sweet girl. Praying she feels better soon!

 

Half Way There...

Through RSV season that is...

I wish I didn't loathe cold and flu season so much. It really does put a damper on the winter. Although, we did get snow last night here in the FW. Ellie thought that was pretty cool. It's only rain today though.

Miss. Ellie was up hacking last night, and doing her normal barky croupy cough that she knows oh so well. We made it at least half way through RSV season with out Ellie getting sick (since Beckett's been home) so I need to focus on the positives here.

This morning started out with a Beckett feeding turned sour. So I got to change my clothes before we headed out to the doctor's office. AND I got to spot shot about half of my chair. After a morning at the doctor's office, we discovered that Ellie has an ear infection along with croup. We got some meds, but there is still that lovely "virus" that caused the cold to turn into croup...so the doctor said to keep Ellie away from Beckett. That RSV stuff has a way of discussing itself as just a cold.

And why am I so psycho, I mean concerned about RSV and preemies? Jack's mama gives a great explanation of preemie lungs.
http://www.lifewithjack.com/2012/01/preemie-lungs-also-another-good-reason.html

Seriously, when do people get a hold on having two kids? We are still feeling like we are in survival mode! Beckett is still eating every 3 hours day and night. (Yeah, us preemie parents don't exactly get to follow the "never wake a sleeping baby" rule). He isn't breastfeeding well at all, so I'm still pumping. But pumping and feeding. Good gravy, that makes for a lot of dishes! We go back to the doctor on the 27th I think for a weight check. The development specialist for ECI is coming on Feb.14, but we're still waiting for Physical Therapy to come and see Beckett. Apparently there are two kiddos in front of Beckett, so we will wait a bit. Not sure how that all works. Would really like to get that going though. His head/neck control is not very good, and I'd like to be doing more for him.

Sorry for the sob story. Guess I'm having an off day. Frustrated because we try so hard to not get sick. But I know...it's just inevitable. Ugh. Guess it's a day where I need to re-read God's provision for Beckett's early days for a better perspective on this day.

But seriously, is it Summer yet?

Grandma and Grandpa Weber to the rescue!

I have sooooooo loved having mom and dad here. They are such a huge help and blessing. Dad continues to amaze me with his cooking skills. He can make anything out of leftovers and food that just hasn't been used. Who knew brats and buns could be added to an egg bake? Ellie and he have been baking up a storm. Yesterday she even helped spice up and rub a whole chicken. And yes, she does say, Chicken...baulk, baulk. While making classic Grandpa Chocolate Chip cookies, she was a step ahead of grandpa asking, "Are you going to add some vanilla now?" What a smart cookie. We have been well fed, that's for sure. Such a blessing.

Well, I made it halfway thru RSV season with out getting sick. I don't know if it was a combination of "Hey Mandy, you're mom and dad are here to give you a break and slow down, so go ahead and get sick" or....I have just been in survival mode for the past 4 months...sleep deprived. I don't know. But I have gotten the most sleep since Beckett was born this week! Mom and dad even helped with the night feedings. And dishes, and laundry. Yes, I know they love me. Mom has pretty much done every feeding during the day. I hadn't held Beckett for the past 5 days. I just didn't want to get him sick. I did go to urgent care to see what illness I was dealing with, and they said I had bacterial upper respiratory infection. I'm just glad its treatable with antibiotics. Still makes me nervous. Since I was over my 24 hours on antibiotics, I did hold him last night, but with a mask. Oh, and I so have sanitized this entire place!!

Please pray for both Beckett and Ellie's protection, and my anxiety that they are going to get sick. So hard because you spend that long in the hospital, you desparately do NOT want to go back.

Beckett's neck strength has been getting better. Dad said he lifted his head up on his chest 6 times yesterday morning, and mom said he lifted, and turned from one side to the other when she was holding him.

I am sooooo going to miss them. We wouldn't have survived this week with out them. Just wish we lived closer.

They already made banana nut muffins this morning, and now Ellie and Grandpa are outside weeding. I had to get Ellie a little hoe too just like what Grandpa was going to use. I'm going to get some pansies today too for them to lighten up the front yard with some color. Ellie is so, so excited.

Beckett and His Development

Beckett had his ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) evaluation today to see if he would qualify for developmental services. Apparently, all preemies don't qualify automatically....which wasn't always the case. If he would have had a grade 4 brain bleed, he would have automatically. But we're very blessed that B only had a grade 2, and not higher.

So today was the day to "see what he could do." And all his developmental milestones will be evaluated to his "adjusted age" - which is 3 weeks. (Not his chronological age which is 4 months). They assessed his skill level in the following areas: adaptive, personal-social, communication, motor, and cognitive.

I had suspected this since he has come home, but the physical therapist did confirm that his neck muscles are a weak for his age. We have been doing tummy time, but that silly head is just too heavy. They gave us some other ideas to try and help him: holding him on our chest, laying him belly down on my lap, and then the classic "tummy time" on the floor. She also said to limit his time in the "bucket seats" stuff - the swing, the bouncy seat, the infant carrier - places where he actually can rest his head to the side, so he doesn't have to use those neck muscles as much. Floor time is good time. Now Ellie and I will have to work even more to entice him to strengthen those neck muscles.

So after evaluation today, Beckett did qualify for physical therapy, a nutritional consult with a dietician (just to make sure we are all on board with calories, and his weight growth), developmental specialist (who will work with Ben and I on maximizing the exercises we can be doing to maximize his developmental potential...what stuff to look for), and than our case manager, Sarah. We did get to see Ellie's case manager, Melissa, today too! We were so happy to see her, but still real sad we can't have her on Beckett's case. We had to go to the office for this evaluation, but the rest of the visits from the therapists will be in our home. So thankful for that!

So...all in all, I expected and am glad that we will have specialists following his development as he grows. As with preemiehood, this is part of the "wait and see" what he will be able to do for the next two years. A lot of preemies are caught up developmentally by the age of two. Ellie was a testament to that, and we pray that for baby brother. But we will do everything we can as his parents to help our little buddy.

I love this girl!

Ellie never ceases to amaze us. Picture me sitting on the couch feeding Beckett and out of nowhere my daughter does this:

We had no idea she could recite the pledge of allegiance! And of course she insisted we hold up her toy cell phone to act as the flag. So needless to say I grabbed my camera and started recording. By the time I was ready, she had already said it three or four times! The time before she actually said it perfectly. But I didn't catch it all on camera so I decided to use this clip instead.

Good job preschool!

And the winner is...

Hannah Peddicord Jan 29, 2012 08:41 PM

"Really?!?!?! This is what we were waiting for?"

Good job! Hannah e-mail me your address so we can send you your autographed by Ellie picture! :)

PRAISE: Beckett's spinal ultrasound came back normal! Wahoo!