Catching Up

Yeah, it's been a while.  All is well, I just haven't had time to post.  Although Samuel is still on RSV lockdown, we have managed to keep busy with long walks, playground swings, and a daily trip to the therapy clinic.

After reevaluations, Samuel will continue with all three therapies (OT, Speech, and PT) - he would not have qualified for speech and occupational therapy if not for his feeding issues.  He easily qualified for physical therapy and may continue to do so for a few years.  Thankfully he has great muscle tone...even if he's a bit uncoordinated!

Our biggest news is that he is FINALLY on the growth chart for weight.  He weighed 23 lbs 14 oz when we went in for an appointment last week.  His two year check-up is scheduled for next week, and I expect to see a big jump in his height as well.

The news about his weight came as a relief since we've drastically changed his diet over the last month.  Not only did we take away the bottles of Pediasure, but we've also stopped giving him purees.  It's been a tough transition for all of us.  Michael and I have been praying for patience as we struggle through each meal time (some meals lasting as long as an hour and a half!)  BUT, there is no doubt that all of the hard work is paying off.  We have seen a decrease in gagging and an increase in the amount of table food consumed - although it never seems like enough food to me.

Welcome to toddlerhood, I guess....

At each meal we offer him one food that he usually eats, a food that he occasionally eats, and a food that he rarely eats.

The change in diet seems to be agreeing with his tummy as we have been able to ween him off his daily dose of Miralax.  We've also stopped giving him his Flovent inhaler since respiratory illnesses in our area are drastically declining.  And if that wasn't enough, we are no longer using thickeners in his liquids!

I just love how all of the reminders of his prematurity are falling away!

What's another mountain?

I had mentioned in a previous post that Samuel would receive one last Synagis shot in March to carry him through April.  Well...it didn't happen.  Our insurance company decided that they wouldn't pay for any more shots.  To get him another, we would have had to dish out a whopping $5000!  Of course I was frustrated with this news because Samuel will not be protected at the end of this especially prevalent RSV season.  I was also a little disappointed that we wouldn't be able to celebrate his last Synagis shot as our introduction into the outside world.  After spending almost two years isolated, it was going to be a BIG moment!

Speaking of RSV season, I am frequently asked how I know when to get out and about with Samuel.  We have always used the CDC's website to track RSV and flu in our area.  Here is the link, in case you are curious:  CDC's RSV Surveillance.

I know an Easter post was missed by a few of you....I hate to admit that it was just an average weekend for us.  I didn't take him to sit on the Easter Bunny's lap, we didn't die eggs, and we didn't do an Easter egg hunt.  Sad, I know.  Thankfully we did meet an Easter Bunny during Bentonville's First Friday.  Samuel absolutely ADORED him.  As soon as he saw him, Samuel wanted to give him a hug.  When we got close, he practically fought his way free of my arms so he could be held by the Easter Bunny.  So funny and NOT what I expected him to do!

Here are some pictures of our other adventures this month:

We've had a few days in the upper 80s - perfect weather for playing in the water hose.   He just wasn't too sure about it.

A bird (with awesome aim) pooped on his nose while we were out for a walk!

Daddy and Samuel at the Crystal Bridges Museum...at an inconvenient hour in order to miss the crowds!

I promise to update a little more frequently in the coming weeks!  In fact, I have a post about our visit with a certain well-known local family just waiting to be published...