He’s Ready

Henry saw the Pediatrician today for the first time since struggling with projectile vomiting months ago. Baby’s all caught up on his immunizations, and his slightly flat misshapen head should round out by our next visit. The doctor wasn’t even remotely worried about that.

The doctor had thought of us yesterday, actually, and after meeting with us found out why we haven’t been in to see him for a while. We’ve been busy following the gastroenterologist’s feeding schedule, getting G-tube surgery, going to feeding studies and therapy and nutritionist appointments, and more…

Who Will Cry First?

The pediatrician got teary-eyed about Henry’s growth, calling it “the biggest turnaround I’ve seen in my life.” Henry went from 0% to approaching the curve, haha. The doctor told me he was proud of me and that the G-tube site looks so good because he’s been well taken care of. That almost made me teary-eyed, too!

He joked that if other patients come with similar problems he would love to give them my number so I can show them all the Parent Hacks (barring HIPAA, of course). I think that came from seeing the special hanger we got for Baby’s enteral feeding pump. It’s so much easier to carry and use his equipment than the backpack from the medical supply company.

A Milestone: He’s Ready

The biggest news is that the doctor cleared Baby Henry for going out in public (mostly outdoors, but also some indoors). Summer is a great time for it. “He’s ready,” the doctor reassured me when I asked about wanting to take him to the pool. Yes to the pool, yes to the park, yes to that Baby Blessing at home surrounded by family, yes to Costco on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday.

My biggest concern was the NICU telling us that any infection could send him back to the hospital because of his Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. His pulmonologist has taken him off oxygen and we’ve weaned him from his inhaler as well; he only uses it as needed like with the wildfires or if he gets sick. The pediatrician said that even with BPD, Baby is old enough now that his lungs should be able to handle getting sick. No sick visitors or people touching him, though—especially kids.

“I want to see him again for his one year checkup, after he’s had a big birthday party,” the doctor smiled. After being in fear and isolation for so long I have a hard time putting my guard down, but that pediatrician’s confidence and encouragement grew a little hope in me. The thought of my baby splashing around the pool and being able to go places as an entire family is warming my heart—I really want that!

I told Jeremy as soon as I got home. Then I immediately set a date for a Family Pool Day this week, ordered some swim diapers, and found a swimsuit for him online. We set a date for the Baby Blessing and he made phone calls to his family. Wow, we’re actually making plans! The future looks bright.