4 Month Check-up

Has it really been almost a month since I last posted? Wow how time flys. Things have been busy, busy around here. One of the biggest things that's kept me from blogging is that little Miss Melanie thinks she needs to be held, ALOT!! She has had some pretty bad reflux the past few weeks that I think we are finally on-top of. From the 5pm till about 11:30pm she thinks she needs to be held, chest to chest. Well that would be WONDERFUL if she was the first child. Being the third makes that a little bit of a problem. She had her 4month check-up (even though she's almost 5months) last Friday and I asked Dr. G how to un-spoil her so we can function again around here. He gave me some very good words of wisdom. He reminded me that yes she is 4 1/2 months old, but really, developmentally, she is only about 6weeks old. 6 week old babies cannot sooth themselves and need to be calmed by being held. This was a good reminder for me. I have been getting frustrated at some of the things she's doing (or not doing) but they are all normal for a preemie. This is going to be something that I will have to continually be reminded of. I guess that means a few more early morning feedings, even though it feels like AGES since we've had a good night's sleep.

Melanie is weighing 8lbs 8ozs. Normally she gains an ounce a day. This past week she gained 2oz the entire week. So we made some changes and have a weight re-check next week. I think this will go well as she has been eating every 2hours (the past 18hrs) lately. I feel a growth spurt coming on. She has outgrown her preemie outfits and almost all of her newborn, however the 3month clothes are still too big.

As for her eyes, they are mature!!!! YAAAAH!!!! We have one more check of her ROP to make sure in 4 weeks if all stays the same we will not have to go back to that particular eye dr. This means she no longer has ROP and the blood vessels have crossed the ridge in both eyes meaning she no longer is in danger of her retina detaching. These visits really have had nothing to do with her vision. She will need to start with a pediatric eye dr. closer to 9 months of age. We are so thankful that we can say bye-bye to this part of her development (almost).

Melanie is starting to smile. She is very stingy with them as of yet so I haven't been able to get one on camera. She gives them to Jeff the most. It was a huge blessing and relief the first time I saw her smile. If she can smile, I feel we will be able to deal with any developmental delays (or anything else) that may come our way. With a smile we know she is happy and content. One of our prayers for her, to be a happy baby. We praise God for this milestone in her life!

Here is a video of Melanie having some tummy time. She'll stay there for about 3-5min. We have a lot of work to do here....she does get a little excited and roll off the side of the pillow onto her back, which she did as soon as I shut of the camera. You'll notice she's lifting her head (kinda) and sucking her fingers(with her hands in the middle of her body), all good signs of development.