February 2nd
7 Months Old!
We can't believe the girls are 7 months old already! At their 6 month appt Annika weighed 10 pounds 11 ounces and Mia weighed 9 pounds 9 ounces. Mia was 20.25 in long and Annika was 23 inches long. The pediatrician was very pleased with how well the girls were doing. The girls are visited by an Easter Seals case manager who comes to the house every two weeks. He plays with the girls and evaluates how well they are progressing in their motor skills and developmental milestones.
All preemies in CA who are born 28 weeks or earlier are entitled to this benefit and we have found it to be very helpful. We receive exercise and play time suggestions that help the girls with their muscle coordination and development. This month our case manager said he was truly impressed with how much the girls are doing. Annika loves to be on her tummy now and really look around and chew on her hands. She can roll from her tummy to her back and is starting to try and roll from her back to her tummy. She is making all kinds of babbling sounds and "rasberry" noises with her mouth. She is also wearing 3-6 month clothing now!
Miss Mia has discovered her hands. She watches them intently and anything that she grabs goes in her mouth. She rolls to her side and is trying so hard to lift her head on her own. We got some cute video of her really having a belly laugh during a diaper change. She is quite the clown and is always so happy and laughing. Both girls have now been advanced to solids in addition to their breastmilk and formula. They have tried rice cereal, oatmeal, squash, carrots and sweet potatoes. Yum Yum!! Very messy but they really do love the new flavors and textures. We aren't pushing solids too much yet as babies this age still get most of their nutrition from milk and formula. Solids are more for introduction to different tastes and textures.
We took the girls back to San Francisco for their follow up clinic appt. They got to see one of their old neonatologists and a few of their old nurses. Everyone was shocked to see how big they were and how well they were progressing. The neonatologist told us their progress and development are what they pray for with preemies at this age. We were so happy to see everyone again! The girls also performed their first "hostess" duties for our friend Sarah and her little boy William last Friday. He was born at 30 weeks and we got to know their family well while in the ICN. She and William came for a visit and we all had a great time playing and eating! That's it for this month. We will talk to you again next month!