Henry is 9 Months
Can you believe it’s been 9 months with this sweetheart? He is 6 months corrected age since he was born quite early. The biggest news is he seems to be growing chunky! He now weighs 6.73kg (14lbs 13oz)! I could be wrong, this may be wishful thinking—but is he developing a double chin??! I love it!!
Still pretty sure he’s teething, but no chompers have made their debut yet. Instead he’s drooling constantly so his face and chin get irritated and dry. I’ve started putting lotion on the affected areas. His skin is sensitive to the rising temperatures, breaking out into a rash or baby acne if he gets too warm. It may be a long summer…
He gets into these extra clingy moods lately. I’m not sure why but this little guy is sticking to me every chance he can. I put his binky in his mouth and he breaks out of his blanket to hold BOTH my hands. I’m feeding him and he won’t relax unless he’s holding my hands and tightly holding to my shirt. I am often left without any use in my arms.
As long as I’m holding him, he seems okay with me doing chores. I wear him in a baby carrier, and he becomes so content and relaxed that he falls asleep. He is right on my chest and we’re tummy to tummy. He can probably feel my heartbeat. I can kiss the top of his head, which he loves. He can see out the top and satisfy all his curiosity and need for careful observation. There’s enough room for him to chew on his binky if he wants.
We have been taking shaded strolls in downtown Payson when I bring the kids to the library. He also gets the daily stroll around the neighborhood with Roxy our dog for regular fresh air and sunshine.
BPD Clinic Follow-up
May 18th we went to the BPD clinic in Lehi. Pulmonologist ordered a Room Air study so we can see if baby can get off oxygen! If there’s any abnormalities from that overnight pulse oximetry test, then they’ll order a “blow by” study to see if he can switch to that. Blow by isn’t INSIDE his nose so maybe he’ll tolerate it during naps in addition to nighttime.
Also having us wean him off the Symbicort inhaler! She said his lungs are looking and sounding good. For the next month we’ll cut his dose in half (1 puff twice a day instead of 2 puffs twice a day), then go off of it unless he gets sick. Will return to the BPD clinic in a few months to follow up.
Get Ready for Solids
We had our feeding therapy session today, and Baby still has acceptance issues with his milk needing to be on the warm side and getting easily distracted by other people or noises or lights or other things going on in the room. He needs it quiet and dark or for him to be carried around the room if he’s to finish his bottle.
Our feeding therapist says he is looking so good and getting chubby, and we can start trying solids and introducing allergens early. We are excited to try ideas she gave us. With his history of chronic vomiting though, she did recommend maybe starting with “hard munchables” like a big piece of celery or a full size carrot to help soften his gag reflex.
The thickener is doing its job with relieving his respiratory distress while eating, so our feeding therapist gave us the go-ahead to give his 5th daytime feed orally with thickened liquid if we are comfortable.
The study for the gel mix thickener had a baseline of 4 months of use before starting to wean, so it is likely a longer road for us than I thought. There’s a lot to think about and plan for with his medical care now that we’re reaching the end of his insurance coverages.
I keep telling myself what we said back in the NICU, that we just have to keep moving forward and trying- a small step is still one step closer. Our feeding therapist was encouraging, and said that usually the babies treat liquids separately from solids and may take off when they’re introduced to the world of actual food.
Love you baby boy! -Mom
