9 Month Baby Exam

12/9/14

Today Carter went to his 9 month well baby exam.  He also had to have the 2nd part of his flu shot.  He did well and Dr. Sahai was happy with how he was doing socially.  He even laughed for him as he tried to bounce up and down during his exam.  He is now 16 pounds 4 ounces and still eating mainly eating his preemie formula.  He is now 25.5 inches long.  Dr. Sahai said he does need more tummy time to help build his tone.  We had a reminder that Carter although 9 months old is a 5 1/2 - 6 month old in terms of musculoskeletal development.  As a preemie parent you are so thankful of your blessings each day but it can be hard to see slow progress.  You do not try to rush it by any means and you enjoy every moment but you spend so many nights wondering if your baby will make it that you live for every moment of progress.  I think back to our early days in the NICU and remind myself of the physicians and nurses saying that preemies set the rules and do their own thing.  As a preemie parent you learn as you go and think back to all the information that was afforded you by all the professionals and other parents you've met along the way.  Tomorrow we have our gastroenterology appointment to discuss baby food.  I am sure his doctor will be happy to see his weight gain.