Oh The Memories: 21 months

Happy New Year! It feels good to be typing an update. We have been on the go these past few months spending time with family and trying to stay healthy. In the final days of my winter break, I tackled the storage room, formerly known as our office. With the clutter cleared, I felt welcomed to once again sit down at the computer.

Ella Weighs: 19lbs 6oz

She eats like a champion and is keeping her own steady growth curve.  

Monthly Highlights

October

In preparation for Ella’s first pumpkin patch visit, we took her to get her first pair of shoes! She was pretty cute as she toddled around navigating her way through the pumpkins. She showed fearlessness as she reached out her hands towards the goats and cows. She even let a cow lick her! We had a warmer than usual October and Ella spent a lot of time outside wearing in her new shoes while exploring leaves and acorns. She found enjoyment in the neighborhood Halloween inflatables, but wanted nothing to do with them on Halloween night. This year we dressed her up as a black kitty-cat. She was not too sure about the tail and her ears, but she tolerated them. 

November

I shared our journey of having a micro-preemie with Preemie Mom Camp. If you are a preemie mom or know of someone with a preemie in the NICU please encourage them to check out the site on Facebook or Instagram. On November 17^th, we recognized World Prematurity Day and celebrated our little girl for all of her growth. Comparing pictures from day one to where we are now always amazes me. I am so proud of our little girl and her feisty spirit. Ella discovered some of the fun things in life like spinning in office chairs and tasting Cool-Whip. She was introduced to window clings and is still working on mastering the concept of keeping them ON the window. Ella continued her interest in all things office supply and discovered that she can open and close markers.

December

At the beginning of the month, Ella took her last bottle. We had only been doing one in the morning, but she decided she was over it. Even though we are bottle free, she will still cuddle morning and night for a good session of book reading.

Ella loved all things Christmas! She enjoyed each and every Christmas card that arrived in the mail. I cannot bring myself to put away the bucket and cards just yet because she loves looking at them. She loved seeing the lights at Rhema and taking drives around the neighborhood at night for quick light tours. Although she first feared them, Ella became fascinated with musical singing plush toys. She pressed their on/off buttons repeatedly, stopping only to get to her preferred tune for a little breakout dance session. At Grandma’s house, she had a special daily routine with the decorations. Grandma even created Ella her very own felt tree to play with. She helped decorate a Christmas cookie, but had more fun walking around shaking the sprinkle containers. We took Ella to Boston Avenue for her first children’s Christmas Eve service. Thanks to a small break from Grandma, we made it through without any major meltdowns. I've decided to take a "bow on the bottom" picture annually. As long as she will allow it of course. 

Ella added the word DOG to her vocabulary this month. It is the cutest thing to hear her say because she says it with such gusto. Also, because a huge grin spreads across her face afterwards.  She has recently discovered magnets and play dough. Both activities have been perfect indoor activities while it is so chilly outside.

Medical Update

Ella has 11 teeth now. She got four molars in December. That makes six on the top and five on the bottom.

We visited her eye doctor to get an update on the progression of her myopia (nearsightedness). At the time of the visit, there had not been any progression. We were happy to hear that news. We will follow up again in a couple of months for the next update.

Ella has had noticeable anxiety at our visits to doctor offices. Her eyes become filled with fear and she starts crying uncontrollably. It is so hard on my heart. Placing her on the scale to be weighed can cause a great deal of panic for her. We are going to work on some social stories and medical play with the hope that we can ease some of her fears. I don’t blame her though. After being poked and prodded on in the NICU for three months, I would probably feel the same way.

We ended December with an RSV diagnosis. This year, Ella did not qualify for the RSV shots. It was a bit nerve-racking, but we are thankful for how strong her little lungs have become since leaving the NICU. We have been able to treat it from home. Thankfully, our little girl loves drinking her water.

A Few of Her Favorite Things

-music and dancing

-moving objects in and out of any container she can find

-playing in her kitchen

-her shopping cart

-trying to get away with things and giggling once mommy and daddy are on to her

-playing with makeup brushes, jewelry

-photographs

A Few of Our Favorite Things

-watching her dance when she hears a jingle or tune

-seeing her huge cheeky grin spread across her face

-watching her sign “more” simply for our reaction

-seeing her dimple appear when she is giggling

The New Year

Each year the holiday season lends itself to a special time of reflection.  I, like many others, took a walk down memory lane, pausing to note both the highs and the lows of the year. I scrolled through photos and posts on this blog, reliving each moment. Reflection is a beautiful thing.

In 2017, we took our first family trip to the grocery store, library, zoo, pool, splash-pad, lake and pumpkin patch. We celebrated Ella’s first birthday and her one-year anniversary of her NICU graduation day. We completed our first March of Dimes Walk, wearing shirts that read: Preemies are PURE POTENTIAL.

In one year, Ella went from crawling to sitting to walking. She had tubes placed and was fitted for her first pair of glasses all in the same month. We encountered ear infections, croup, and RSV.

Being parents of a preemie, even an overall healthy one, can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. We tried our best not to worry too much about the future. In doing so, we became more mindful of our head-spaces and heart-spaces, slowing down and taking care of ourselves when needed. Day by day, we found our own little family rhythm. All in all, 2017 was a great year. We wish you and your family the best as the year begins. Happy 2018!