When I last sent an update, we were scheduled to go to ACH to see the speech therapist. In the meantime, we had been contacted by Easter Seals who explained they could do the same evaluation, in addition to other therapy, in our own home. That sounded wonderful! They came in and the speech therapist began her evaluation first. She placed the bottle in her mouth and gently placed her fingers not only under her chin for support, but held a finger on each side of her mouth. She explained that would help build the muscle tone in her mouth. Harper did so well and took the entire 60 ml within minutes. I was amazed as it has been taking me anywhere from 45 mins to an hour to get 1/2 as much in her. She also made it look so easy that when I began to use the same technique during Harper's next feeding, I thought I would get it immediately. Well, I did not and was almost to the point of tears. It hadn't looked that difficult so why couldn't I do it? The next feeding went about the same but by the third feeding, I discovered a way to get my fingers positioned to have her take the bottle with such efficiency and ease. Once again, what seems like such a small task, held its own set of challenges for Harper and are we are rejoicing with each hurdle we overcome.
The physical therapist was next. She began by holding out a black and white picture of a face in front of Harper and had her follow it 90* from the front to both the right and left side. Harper was able to do that very well. Next, she held a black and white picture of a target in front of her and had her follow from left to right in one continuous movement. Harper did loose interest in the target after about 100*. The toy was next and this held Harper's interest very well. There were several other movements the therapist was very happy to see Harper was able to do such as bring her hands together, extend one hand while curling the other up by her head and the overall fluidness of her movements.
The occupational therapist watched for Harper's ability to, while on her tummy, move her head from one side to another on her own. She tested the same mobility while holding her up by her shoulder. She also looked for the muscle tone in her legs which was very good. Harper is strong but not too strong for her own good. She is just where she needs to be.
Overall, the team was very pleased with Harper and do not see a need to come back for another 3 months. They left us with a few techniques to work on to further strengthen her muscles as she approaches different stages. We had to keep in mind, the testing done on Harper was based on a one month old scale and Harper was only 10 days old.
We took Harper back to the pediatrician this morning for a weight check. I was so pleased to learn she has gained up to 6 lbs 10 oz and is almost back to her birth weight (6 lbs 12 oz). She will go back next Thursday for another weight check but I am thinking if she continues to show a gain in weight, she may be able to continue with her regular well baby visits.
The next appointment we will be going to is the ultra sound of her spine. She has an indention at the base of her spine and her pediatrician wants to make sure it is closed. An ultra sound now will be much easier on her vs a MRI, where she would have to be sedated if she were older. Her pepaw and aunt have the same trait, so we hope there won't be any issues there.
We are noticing a good pattern forming with a wake, eat, sleep cycle (right out of the pages of Babywise). She is able to stay awake for extended periods of time now but still isn't waking to eat. That hopefully is the next big accomplishment she will make. She had her first bath on Wednesday night and loved it! She stayed so still and calm and really enjoyed the warm water. Harper has also been to her first yard sale. It was bound to happen sooner or later and although we (myself, Hayden and Hadley) managed to pass the first one in our neighborhood today, it was just too hard to pass the others. Her memaw would be so proud :)
The physical therapist was next. She began by holding out a black and white picture of a face in front of Harper and had her follow it 90* from the front to both the right and left side. Harper was able to do that very well. Next, she held a black and white picture of a target in front of her and had her follow from left to right in one continuous movement. Harper did loose interest in the target after about 100*. The toy was next and this held Harper's interest very well. There were several other movements the therapist was very happy to see Harper was able to do such as bring her hands together, extend one hand while curling the other up by her head and the overall fluidness of her movements.
The occupational therapist watched for Harper's ability to, while on her tummy, move her head from one side to another on her own. She tested the same mobility while holding her up by her shoulder. She also looked for the muscle tone in her legs which was very good. Harper is strong but not too strong for her own good. She is just where she needs to be.
Overall, the team was very pleased with Harper and do not see a need to come back for another 3 months. They left us with a few techniques to work on to further strengthen her muscles as she approaches different stages. We had to keep in mind, the testing done on Harper was based on a one month old scale and Harper was only 10 days old.
We took Harper back to the pediatrician this morning for a weight check. I was so pleased to learn she has gained up to 6 lbs 10 oz and is almost back to her birth weight (6 lbs 12 oz). She will go back next Thursday for another weight check but I am thinking if she continues to show a gain in weight, she may be able to continue with her regular well baby visits.
The next appointment we will be going to is the ultra sound of her spine. She has an indention at the base of her spine and her pediatrician wants to make sure it is closed. An ultra sound now will be much easier on her vs a MRI, where she would have to be sedated if she were older. Her pepaw and aunt have the same trait, so we hope there won't be any issues there.
We are noticing a good pattern forming with a wake, eat, sleep cycle (right out of the pages of Babywise). She is able to stay awake for extended periods of time now but still isn't waking to eat. That hopefully is the next big accomplishment she will make. She had her first bath on Wednesday night and loved it! She stayed so still and calm and really enjoyed the warm water. Harper has also been to her first yard sale. It was bound to happen sooner or later and although we (myself, Hayden and Hadley) managed to pass the first one in our neighborhood today, it was just too hard to pass the others. Her memaw would be so proud :)
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