Monday, January 25, 2010

Getting bigger!

Clara weighs six pounds!

She had her second pediatrician's appointment today (since she's been with us) and she, once again, was perfectly healthy. Along with her great weight gain (she was 5 lbs. 2 oz. two weeks ago), she was also 18 inches long. If I remember correctly, that's up a 1/4 of an inch from her last check.

We are just thrilled that she is getting so much bigger! The doctor said that on a baby growth chart, her improvements are right in line with normal babies. Well, she doesn't even register on the actual chart, of course, but way down below in preemie land, she is growing at the perfect rate.

The doctor is also referring us to a well-baby clinic at a local hospital simply because she was a preemie (he said many of the babies they deal with aren't nearly as healthy as she is) and an opthamologist. She's also getting a cranial ultrasound done tomorrow.

All of these things are exactly what she would have been doing if she had stayed in Louisiana, or if she had been born locally, since she was premature. Because she moved to another state things got a little delayed, but we're on the right track now (and, I should add, she already had one cranial ultrasound and saw an opthamologist before she was with us, and both checks were normal). I'm really looking forward to the well-baby clinic and learning what I can be doing to help her along developmentally.

She also got some shots today, including one for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus, which can send little babies to the hospital in the winter months), and she did great. She cried a little right after, but hasn't been fussy since.

It was a beautiful day today so when we got home, Clara and I went for a little walk outside, and I discovered that I'm going to have to sneak out for walks from now on. Sophie can't handle it! She heard me say to Clara that we were going for a walk, and the poor thing lost it. She cried when she realized we were going without her! Walking is her favorite thing to do in the world and now I'm doing it with the baby and not her?! I can see why she's upset!

I'll leave you with a picture of Clara watching her favorite t.v. show, First at 4! Ryan interviewed Governor McDonnell today, live, and Clara was home watching:

17 comments:

... said...

What a great dr.'s appointment! Little Clara's getting big and strong!

Amy @ This Cross I Embrace said...

Nice flatscreen!

OK, a beautiful post about Clara's growth and health, and that's my comment? Lol!!

I'm so thrilled she's growing like a weed- and so glad she got the shot for RSV, I just heard of a friend's friend's baby who was rushed to the ER with that, sounds scary.

Those little bouncy chairs were SAVIORS at the daycare where I worked.

Second Chances said...

So glad she's healthy and growing! Must be all the love she's getting :)

Life In Mazes said...

All of this is music to my ears! I think I worry about Clara bc I have seen so many babies who are not as blessed as her! I am so glad she is thriving :) I am so glad that the appt with the eye doctor is scheduled and that the first one's results were normal.

All of those things and course of action for preemies are some of the things I would coordinate for families here in LA when I did that kind of work we talked about! Have a great week!

mrsblondies said...

Sounds like a great appointment. I love the picture of her watching daddy on tv while sitting in her bouncy chair; it looks like she's waving to get his attention.

Unknown said...

Baby Clara 6.0 Georgetown 57 Cuse Comeback!!!

Karey said...

Umm.. John.. I'm trying to decipher that comment but think I need a little help!

Vent-ilation said...

That's great! I'm interested in the RSV shot. D. is just getting over that! Maybe he was never given the shot since he wasn't a preemie. We go back on Wednesday and I'm definitely asking about that shot for the future! Clara is just beautiful!

Karey said...

Vent-ilation - From what they've told me, it is extremely difficult to qualify for the shot (for insurance to cover it, that is. It costs about $1,000). The dr. told me today that babies usually have to be around at least 32 weeks early. They hadn't yet heard back about her qualifying, but went ahead and did it anyways since she had it a month ago and was due for it right now. No one discussed exactly what would happen if our insurance doesn't okay it! I'm hoping it's not an issue!!

Right Said Red said...

Two weeks ago, our little Claire took a trip to the hospital with RSV. I had no idea there even was a vaccination. The older kids all had it, and were fine, but my 2 year old developed an ear infection and poor Claire had trouble breathing. I'm still feeling guilty because I got sick first and brought the bug into the house!

Clara's weight gain is GREAT! It sure sounds like you are doing everything right!

LifeHopes said...

Okay I am going to have to get this new blog bookmarked!

Yay Clara!!!! And Yay Mommy for helping her to grow with all those bottles!!!

I cannot wait to see her soon !!!!

E said...

I just love it that she is thriving so much with you!!! She is just basking in the love. :)

I can tell, she is going to be a daddd'y girl already!! (Well, we know she is a momma's girl...:))

A said...

I'm so excited to hear that she's growing well! You must be doing a great job!! :)

Katie said...

Great weight gain! I'm so glad she's doing so well :)

Jeremiah 29:11 said...

Love the picture!!

WheelbarrowRider said...

We just got over rsv, or if it wasn't that it was very similar. Scary is all I have to say, and that is at 15 months! Much more dangerous for a newborn! I didn't know there was a shot..? but I did hear there are lots of similar viruses rampid right now so keep that baby in through flu season and make everyone wash their hands!

Tina said...

I'm glad you got the rsv vaccine. I just spent 4 days in an isolation room with my 4 month old because of rsv. Anything that prevents a tiny baby needing oxygen and a feeding tube is worth it.