Miracle Baby

We didn't even know Lawson had an appointment Tuesday, until they called with the reminder message on Monday. Apparently, at our last Special Infant Care Clinic appointment 3 months ago, we thought we were finished, so we didn't check out and missed finding out about the appointment! (Either that, or we're really sucky parents and just forgot to write it down on either of our calendars.) We've had a variety of appointments at both Duke and his regular pediatrician, but the Special Infant Care Clinic appointments only happen every so often. It's the most intensive and involves the most time.

Lawson is now 14 pounds even and is 24.8 inches long!! He is in the 25th percentile for height and weight for his adjusted age! His upper and lower body strength is right on track! His head control is excellent for his adjusted age. He can roll from his back to both sides and has been approved to play on his tummy time mat with no support pillow. The physical therapist said he's probably about 6 weeks away from sitting up on his own and should begin rolling over with no support pillow any day now. He still enchants everyone he encounters with that contagious smile! It makes people feel so special when he charms them, I hate to tell them that he does that for everyone. ;)

They took blood to check if he has overcome the anemia found during his last SICC visit. We got awesome news! No more anemia!! That means we can drop two of his meds! We have also been asked to begin weaning him from the Reglan. A few weeks after he is completely off the Reglan, we can begin weaning off the Prilosec. That means by our next appointment, he will be completely off all of his meds!! Yippee! They did stress the continued importance of preventing any sort of illness. And just like you hear on the news - proper and frequent handwashing is the number one defense! One of the doctors suggested 'hibernating' this winter and avoiding any large groups of children, no church, gym, or other type of daycare. He will most likely move back to two breathing treatments per day during the winter. He will be receiving a medication from the doctor once a month over the fall/winter for the prevention of RSV, which preemies are more succeptible to getting.

The best thing though, is that EVERY doctor who saw him today called him "Miracle Baby". He saw three neonatologists, (only one was 'supposed' to see him, the others were just visiting) :) the physical therapist, and the lady who took his blood. As each one entered the room at different times and began to interact with Lawson, they all said, in so many words, "This baby is absolutely a miracle!" To see where he has been and where he is now, just astonishes people! Dr. Benjamin, one of our favorite neonatologists and the doctor who saw him at his last Special Infant Care Clinic, just couldn't get over what a big boy he has become. She kept calling him 'chunker'. I never thought I'd see the day that anyone would call Lawson a chunker! He's healthy. He's happy. He's a chunker. He truly is a miracle baby!