I just returned home from the Louisville Mothers of Twins Club which meets once a month. That should have been my first clue that having twins was "different"; there isn't a "club" for parents of singletons. But it is a great resource and I made a friend who also has boy/girl preemie twins.
Speaking of preemies, we had our neonatal follow up appointment last Thursday and the doctor, Dr. Bibb, was very pleased with Clara's and Wilson's weight gain and development. She looked at us and said "you are doing a fantastic job". That was so great to hear from an expert who truly sees it all. Clara gained 6 pounds and 7 ounces since our last appointment (October 6) and Wilson gained 6 pounds. After the appointment with the neonatal we were re-evaluated for First Steps. First Steps is a federally funded program that provides early intervention for children with developmental delays. Fortunately, we did not qualify. However, there are exercises we have to work on with Clara and Wilson. If they do not improve in holding weight in their arms while on tummy time, we will qualify for First Steps and a physical therapist will come to our house once a week. Unfortunately, the baby casino (exersaucer - the thing where they sit in a seat, feet hanging down and play with toys attached to this circular device) is closed for business. Any standing toys are off limits for them because preemies have different muscle tone than full term babies. Typically their muscles are too tight or too loose. Of course, we have one of each. Wilson's muscles are too tight and Clara's are too loose. I will point out what I mean in the pictures below. While we got a great report from the doctor, it was a tough reminder we still have challenges to overcome.
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| October 6, 2011 (1 month follow up) |
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| February 16, 2012 (4 month follow up) |
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| Wilson - 7 pounds |
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| Wilson - 13 pounds |
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| Clara - 12 pounds 10 ounces |
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Wilson's right arm is out in front, he needs to have it close to his chest bearing weight on it.
Clara is eating the blanket, she needs to keep her head up and put more weight in her lower back.
Yay! We are 8 months old and these stupid hats kinda fit! |
oh how they have grown! They are so beautiful and love seeing the full bellies! What a blessing.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best with the tummy time. It is so good for them...yet sometimes hard to do. This is when I found the boppy pillow more helpful for me...so I could stay low and encourage the boys to enjoy the floor! :)
You are an amazing mom!