Appointments Galore, week of March 30

Monday, March 30 - Eye Doctor (Peters)
We went to the eye doctor for Makenzie last Monday, March 30. Her sight is equivalent to a 1-2 month old, so good and bad there. She's improving, just at a very slow pace. She is seeing more than just red, and B&W. She was only seeing these two combinations for a while, but she's seeing most dark/primary colors now. She does recognize when people come into the room and turns her head in that direction (same with sounds). They predict she will have functional eye sight, which includes seeing objects. They are making a hypothesis at this point since she's so young, we will know more when she's between 2-3 years of age. We will continue to see the eye doctor every few months.

Tuesday, March 31 - Pediatrician
Makenzie is 16lb 1oz (50%), 26.5 in (75%) and 10% for head circumference. She is doing better, but growing at an ok rate for now. She got 3 out of 4 of her 6 mo shots and has slept alot and when awake been fussy since then. Hopefully it will wear off soon.
Kaitlyn was in the greatest mood when we went to the dr. She had her annual checkup, but no shots since she chose to have them at 4.5 yrs. She was laughing 90% of the time she was being examined. I think we will request this new pediatrician when we got back for the girls. Kaitlyn is average for height and 75% for her weight. She is growing a great rate for her age.
Sydney was at preschool when we went to the doctor. She's not due for another check up until she's 4 (Oct).

Wed, April 1 - Neurologist (VanDyke)
The neurologist was happy to see her eye sight improving. That was encouraging. He is expecting her arms to gain strength. Her arms right now are still acting as if she is a newborn. She doesn't bring them into her midline very often, but we work on it every day. We play games and sing songs, so we're hoping someday soon. I put her hand up to her mouth yesterday and she was excited to discover her fingers. We tried it a few times and she was chomping on her hand everytime. Maybe this will help in bringing her arms up to her face and to her midline. Her arms are still stiff, so I'm trying everything. The main thing coming out of this appt was his comment about her being disabled. We know that she will have multiple disabilities, we just won't know how severe until 2-3 years of age. As they say... only time will tell.

Thurs, April 2 - weekly physical (PT) and feeding therapist (OT)
PT - Beth commented on how Makenzie has done well the last two weeks. You can tell she's fussing because she's tired, not just to fuss. She tried baby push ups with her this time. Very interesting, but I think it will help with her head control, arm strength and keeping in mid-line. She practiced her rolling on a decline. Makenzie was very fussy, but she worked hard. Her eye sight is helping with her physical therapy.
OT - Sarah also commented on how Makenzie is doing well this time and last time. We tried a different flavor with her this week. She didn't seem here or there about it, but she did take the 'thickened cranberry juice' a few times. I have tried the same flavor everyday since last Thursday and she's doing good. Sarah said we can try formula too, so we'll try that sometime too.

Long update, but thought I'd fill you in. Let me know if you have any suggestions on what you have experienced in therapy or heard from someone that has. Sometimes simple suggestions make a world of difference.

Next Monday, April 13 - developmental specialist (Burdo-Hartman)

Have a great Easter everyone!