Grill Out

Today we had Matthew's family over for burgers and hot dogs. Matthew is amazing on the grill and I must say everything was delicious. We had the usual entertainment... Greyson! He showed off by taking a few steps here and there.

Tomorrow Grey has his audiology appointment for his final hearing screen. This is a bit of relief since the state of TN sends me a letter each month letting me know that he does not have a hearing screen on file. Of course, Grey is in a higher risk category for having hearing loss due to his extreme prematurity. However, I'm confident he will do well tomorrow and his screen will be normal.

Here are a few pics from our day...

The Boys




Grandpa & Grey





All of Us

sweet sweet

Pool Time

tiny steps...

Big News

Greyson is cutting his first tooth! There is no way I am going to restrain his wiggly body to capture a picture of his tiny toothie. And even bigger news… Grey is taking a few steps here and there. Last night he walked to me in the kitchen… about 4 steps. He’ll take about 2 steps and then it is like he realizes what’s happening and immediately plops down on his biscuit. He’ll probably be walking soon and then the real terror begins. He just loves to meddle. Just this morning he knocked over a floor lamp, pulled another lamp off a table (gave me a heart attack!) and somehow managed to turn off my wireless keyboard, which I didn’t even know was an option. He is a true meddler. I feel like I am chasing around a puppy. He’s chewed up my phone charger, eaten my mail, dumped the bathroom trash can, played in the toilet water (Gross- I know!), and drooled on countess items around the house. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am beyond thankful that Greyson is here. He’s really put life into perspective for so many of us.

More Calories...

So we met with a Dietitian last week. Greyson weighed 16 pounds 9 ounces, which was a fantastic weight gain from his last appointment (15lbs 3 oz). However, his weight is comparable to a 6 month old and his adjusted age is 10 months. The Dietitian explained that it is important to help him catch up in the weight department b/c this can affect his overall growth development.

Here’s our plan:

4-5 bottles a day with 4oz of water and 3 full scoops of formula- add calories! It is a must that he stay on the high calories formula until July and then we might have to transition to Pedisure.

3 meals a day and snacks, snacks, snacks

I’m going to start adding butter/olive oil to the foods that I make him. I just made a breakfast batch that consisted of bananas, blackberries and peanut butter! Peanut butter is good and adds calories – I just worry about the choking hazard and that is why I threw it in the blender with the other fruits. And I must say the concoction was delish! I recently discovered that Grey loves Mexican rice and bean and the cheese dip! I’ll enviously watch as he indulges in bad calories! I’m slightly joking with that comment b/c it is important that he get all the needed nutrients and not just fill up on empty calories like sugar. Oh and I’ve bought avocados, which he now likes- more good fats.

So if anyone has any ideas on how to beef up my little biscuit… my ears are open!

News from the Preemie Clinic

Development Update

I haven’t updated the blog with our preemie clinic appointment results. Grey had his one year follow up visit about 2 weeks ago. Overall they are happy with his progress. However, there is a bit of concern about Grey’s weight. At the appointment he weighed 15 pounds 3 ounces. He isn’t gaining weight as quickly as we would all like. Their immediate suggestion was more concentrated formula to increase calories. Our pediatrician recommended adding olive oil to his baby food. There is a variety of suggestions surrounding this topic but I have an appointment next week with a nutritionist, who will do a full evaluation. I’m happy to say that Grey has gained a full pound since the appointment so he’s over 16 pounds today – I’m not completely concerned with this recent weight attention. Grey loves to eat everything – however, the bottle is proving to be the challenge. He isn’t too interested in his bottle lately. He refuses the bottle then immediately gobbles up veggies and fruits. I’m looking for ways to make his bottle more desirable- maybe I’ll add some ice cream!

Another milestone- Grey is walking behind toys! My sister dropped off a mini doll stroller the other day and suggested we allow Grey to push and walk behind it. Well, he is walking behind the stroller! He is also standing at random moments unassisted for a few seconds. My baby is growing into a toddler.

In the next few weeks I am going to start volunteering with Parents Reaching Out. This program was placed on hold last year due to funding but they are up and running again. I had an interview with the Director the other day and I shared our story. My role will be a peer counselor. I’ll talk with parents who are going through a similar NICU situation – I’m hoping to bring these scared, vulnerable parents some much needed comfort and support.