You Won't Believe It

Anna's Doctor Visit

We took Anna to the doctor again yesterday. It was her 1 month check up and weight check. We've been having some trouble getting her to eat at times, so we were hoping she has gained weight. To our surprise, she has gained ALOT! She is up 8 ounces since Saturday. That makes her 4 pounds 11.5 ounces. Can you believe it? Those of you who have seen her recently might not think that's possible. She still looks really tiny, but she's gaining weight like a champ.

I asked if we should continue to wake her up every 3 hours to feed her. The doctor said we should keep waking her up during the day, but we could try to go every 4 hours at night. So we did. Anna wasn't really happy about that. This was the first night that SHE woke up every 3 hours wanting to be fed. I will say, though, that she ate really well.

Since Anna's "adjusted age" is still -1 month, the doctor said she doesn't HAVE to do anything now except breath and suck. She doesn't have to look at us when we talk. She doesn't have to move her head around. She doesn't have to control her arm and leg movements. There are no milestones that we need to be looking for. Nice to know, but I think she's doing alright.

When Anna was in the NICU, there was a slight concern about her hip. There was a "click" that they heard when they moved it. This could mean that she has hip displasia. That means that the hip socket is abnormally formed. Since she is a female, born by c-section, and presented breech, there is apparently a higher risk. Add to that the fact that my brother, my cousin and I all had hip displasia, and there is reason for us to follow up. The doctor didn't notice a problem during the physical exam, but he said that I should be insisting on a follow up ultrasound. So, that's the next step. For all three of us the displasia resolved itself. I expect that there won't be an issue, but I'm going to set up the ultrasound at Children's, anyway.

My Doctor Visit

I had my fistula checked out yesterday. The doctor did an ultrasound of my arm and was happy with what he saw. He said we could start sticking it today! The doctors told me that once we start using my arm instead of my catheter that my treatment will be more effective. So, if things go as planned I will get my catheter out in about 3 weeks.

If all goes as planned...

So they tried to stick me this morning and it didn't go well. The tech numbed the site and then stuck it. She went through the other side of the vein. Dang it! So it can't be used today. And I've never seen blood rush out of an arm as fast as it did. I'm supposed to get a really nice bruise on my arm. If you've seen me recently you'll know that this isn't really a big deal...I've had some HUGE ones lately. I'll be happy when it starts getting cooler and I'm not wearing sleeveless shirts.

A Proud Mom

Alli has been talking about taking "tests" at school. The students are pulled out of the room individually to answer questions. I figured they were trying to "level" or "group" the students. I guess I was right, because Alli came home with a letter inviting her to be part of St. Dominic's Enrichment Program. She will be pulled out once a week (with 4 other students) to work on reading, math, and other subjects. If you went to an Oak Hills elementary school, I guess we would compare this to the G.A.T.E (Gifted And Talented Education) program. I have to say that I was hoping the school offered this program and I expected Alli would be invited to attend.

I couldn't be prouder of MY GIRLS.