Parker Update - November 2008

[NewTurtleMom]

UPDATE - Nov 6th - We went to the Pediatrician today. He is pleasantly surprised with Parker's progress. With the exception of the size/shape of her head she is on target for a 2 month old. She now weighs 10 lbs, 1 oz and we can discontinue adding extra calories to my pumped milk. She is 25% in weight and 50% in height. I couldn't ask for anything more. (Okay, maybe more sleep)

Our early intervention speicalists see Parker at least once a week. We have a Nurse, Physical Therapist and Eye Specialist. They also are very shocked at her "normalcy". Being able to lift her head is going to be a challenge but we are up for it! She has very strong neck muscles considering the size of her head. She surprises me every day.

Unfortunately I go back to work on Nov 17th. We are taking Parker to a daycare that specializes in Special Needs children. They are working with the early intervention folks and will continue her exercises thru the week. I have met with the teachers and feel very blessed to have such wonderful people taking care of Parker. Luckily my office is right around the corner from the daycare so I plan to visit as much as possible. It will be a huge transition for both of us. I'm sure it will be harder on me than her. ;-)

UPDATE - Nov 17th - Well, today was my first day back to work. I had taken Parker to daycare a couple of days last week to get both of us acclimated. It seemed easy enough last week. Was I wrong. I totally had a melt down this morning. It pretty much started as soon as I jumped in the shower. It has just hit me that someone else will be hugging her more than I. Quite depressing. I know many many women do it, but I'm not sure how. Oh how I wish I was independently wealthy...

We had a Neurosurgeon appointment last Thursday. It took me longer to valet my car than it did for the entire exam. He looked at her shunt and said everything looked good. He wants to do a MRI in March when Parker is 6 months old. He said we probably wouldn't see much at this point so he wanted to wait. I am pretty antsy and want to see what is going on in that pretty little head of hers...but I can wait. They have to sedate her for the MRI and I'm not looking forward to that at all. I guess we'll just sit back and watch her progress.

[Zays_mamma]

Dec. 9, 2008 at 4:24 PM

i am so happy to hear she is doing good and happy that you are happy that you have a wonderful group of people wrking with you! and it sucks that you have to go back to wrk, but i kno your strong enough to handel it. i had 8wks off in the begining than went back to wrk full time, slowly went to part time and than got layed off, i couldnt have asked for more... we dont have much money either but, i am cutting down on spending and will do just about anything to stay home.. i dont plan on looking for another job for about 1-2yrs.. maybe a part time one, but not full time.. well i hope to hear more bout parkers accomplishments!! she is adoriable, keep posting those pic!!! she is a miricle!!

[aggiewife]

Dec. 11, 2008 at 3:00 PM

i'm sorry about the meltdown in the shower.  i know how hard it must be for you to have to leave your little girl....

my first child was born w/some special issues....i didn't have to leave him to work, but i totally get the 'i'm the only one that can do this or should do this' feeling!

love the updates ....she is making incredible progress!  do you think it's the cord blood? i've heard amazing things from that!