Thankful

We have so much to be thankful this year, and this sweet little face is at the top of the list...

Our sweet Samuel has come a long way since starting out so tiny, hooked to a ventilator, bruised and swollen from his traumatic birth.  He is pink and perfect, healthy and well.  At his 4 month check-up yesterday, the doctor was thrilled with his weight gain (she clapped with glee!) and declared that she couldn't be happier with Sammy's progress and that he is fantastic.  She plotted his growth on the full term 4 month growth chart, even though he is technically only 2 months old adjusted for his prematurity.  The fact that he even landed on the chart (3rd percentile for weight and 25th percentile for height!) was a huge win!  Samuel gained 12 ounces in the 12 days since his last appointment which is amazing.  He now weighs 11 pounds 8 ounces!

Samuel is also developing very well.  He is tracking movement, smiling, cooing, and holding his head up with little effort.  He is such a sweet, sweet baby.  He is so patient, so content, so happy to snuggle.  We've even laid him down awake a few times and he's fallen asleep on his own!  That was unheard of with Eleanora!

Our days have found a predictable and comfortable rhythm that is manageable and enjoyable.  During the day, Samuel eats at least every three hours and then is sleeping for about an eight hour stretch at night. Thank goodness for some uninterrupted sleep!  As far as eating, things are the same.  We've seen the lactation consultant several times and "the best" occupational therapist for feeding issues in town.  All to no avail.  It seems our little guy is just not likely to nurse.  I'm slowly making my peace with this reality and am scaling back pumping to a more reasonable 3-4 times a day.  I'll keep doing that and hopefully be able to give him breastmilk through the scary cold/flu season.

Because Samuel was so early, he qualifies for the RSV vaccine to prevent serious lung disease from a respiratory infection because his lungs are still developing.  He will get the vaccine every month through the winter.  I am grateful for this added protection during the months ahead.

On this day of Thanksgiving, I am so grateful for a healthy, happy family all snuggled together in front of a roaring fire to watch the Macy's day parade.