Tuesday, October 03, 2006

All About Adam (Finally)

So I'm sort of glad that I put off writing about Adam for a little while because in the last couple days, he has started sitting up unassisted! I was starting to think it was going to be about Christmas before it happened, and them yesterday he decided he has it all figured out. Isn't that how it seems to work, though? One day, he's toppling over constantly, and the next he just sits there and plays like he's never done anything else. He rolls all over to get toys he wants and pivots, too, most often to defend his toy from the grasp of his more mobile sister. He's showing the beginning signs of crawling by scooting his knees up under himself and getting up on his arms. Every few days I notice he can stay in this position longer, and now does the cute little butt wiggle thing on his knees. You can tell this all still takes work and concentration for him, but we are so proud of his accomplishments. It seems like once Eleanor could sit up, her development really took off, so we're hoping to see that with Adam as well.
Eating, well that's another story. Pretty much still the same situation. Both babies have had colds, though, for the last few days (since the night of their party...) which they have in general handled quite well, but Adam has vomited more with all the drainage down his throat. He was up to 18 pounds 11 oz., and then was down to 18 pounds 2 oz. yesterday. He's starting to feel better today, so hopefully he'll pack those ounces right back on. That's the problem with him walking this line he is on--he has no reserve weight, so illness really affects him. We were at the pediatrician yesterday for their one-year check up. The NP was a little concerned about his weight, so we're going back in a week for a weight check. I'm not too worried. We have our pediatric GI appt. on Friday, so maybe we'll finally have a plan by that time. Otherwise Adam looks great and the NP was totally impressed by their progress this year. Unfortunately, they are doing so well that our insurance says that they don't qualify for RSV (Synagis) shots this year. I want to remind them that they were born at 23 weeks only one year ago, no matter how well they are doing now. I don't know if that will help, though. What it does mean is that our hibernation will be even more strict that we had thought it was going to be. Basically, I should say, "See you all on April 1" at this point. The shots are $1700 each, so that's $3400 a month for 5 months. The math speaks for itself when it comes to insurance companies. You'd think they would realize they have already invested about 1.5 million dollars in these two kids and they could spend a few thousand more to keep them healthy, but I have the impression they don't think like I do.
Enough of that--back to Adam. Adam has become quite a mommy's boy and will lean over to have me hold him whenever I get close enough to whoever is holding him at that moment--usually Jim. He also loves to be (read: must be) rocked to sleep now, where he used to thrash around if you tried to hold him while he slept. I guess I shouldn't get him into that habit, but I love it--and he's only this little for such a short time. He talks to you most when his diaper is being changed and "mmmba" and "gegegegaa" are his favorites. Alex is his absolute best friend/brother and will make him laugh harder than anyone can. I wish I knew how to put video on here because his chortles, guffaws, chuckles, and squeals are something to hear! Speaking of Alex, he made the twins wonderful birthday cards for their first birthday and Adam's says, "To a fabulous brother who is 1! You squeal, you jump, you make me happy when I am sad. You are fabuous. Happy 1st Birthday" I cried when I opened it, so I couldn't even read it out loud. Eleanor's says, "To a talented sister who is 1! You get up on your knees, you scootch yourself around, you go up, up. You are talented. Happy 1st Birthday." I put all birthday cards in scrapbooks, so these are going on page one.
Have a great week--I'll update again after the GI appointment.

6 comments:

Kim said...

Okay, first of all, I got goosebumps when reading about Alex's cards! That is, by far, one of the sweetest things I have ever heard. What a great big brother!

Secondly, hello with the Synagis?! How dumb *is* your insurance company? If I were you, I would write a long letter to the insurance company citing all sorts of research about the rehospitalization rate of micropreemies if they contract RSV, the cost of such hospitalizations and the lifelong ramifications on their health. Then maybe threaten to sue them if either of your kids contracts RSV. Make sure you add something about Alex bringing home germs increasing the likelihood of RSV transmission. I'll even do some of the research for you, if you want!

Lastly, GO ADAM! What an amazing boy! Doesn't it seem like once you have come to the conclusion that they might never do something, they just up and do it the next day? Stubborn little monkeys, our boys are! I am sorry that his weight has taken a dive and that you are back to worrying about him in that respect. I hope the GI doc will have some magic cure, but even if he doesn't, Adam is still doing such a great job! What progress in a year!


ps. Sorry for the novel :)

Jamie and Jill said...

I am soooooooo impressed at how well they both are doing. I know the eating issues are frustrating....hang in there. I always tell myself, "It could be worse." I think O2 problems would be much worse.

Jill

E said...

I can't wait for the "About Michelle and Jim" post.

Michelle and Jim said...

Eric,
Ok, is it open season on sarcastic comments on our blogs now? :) You'll beat me but I'll have fun trying.

Michelle

Anonymous said...

you can upload videos on photobucket and put the links onto a post

Billie said...

Happy Birthday babies! It was so fun to meet you all again "in real life" at the reunion. My pics didn't turn out great. If you got any good ones, could you email them to me?

Adam and Eleanor are gorgeous and sweet. I loved the big ole smiles that I got from Adam when I talked to him...and how cute was it when he was trying to grab Eden's ponytails?!
Billie