First NICU follow-up appointment

We were supposed to go for a follow up visit with Dr. Brown from the NICU back in April. Somehow, our card to set up a time got lost in the mail when we moved and we were finally able to set up a visit.
Dr. Brown was really nice and after the babies got used to their new surroundings, they were happy as can be. They're making good progress according to him. He thinks their fine motor skills are advanced and they respond well to people. They are behind on their gross motor skills but both of their heads measured 44cm (great size for their age and size) which indicates lots of brain growth. I pointed out the veins that run along the suture lines and he said it was completely normal and that I shouldn't worry unless their soft spot closes and I can still feel open suture lines. Neurologically, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong. He, like their pediatrician and physical therapist, said that one day, they'll just start sitting and crawling but that slow and steady seems to be their style.

He wants me to try to get them to eat more calories but he said they're not malnourished by any stretch of the imagination. We've started to add in more baby foods and some days they're into it, some days, they want nothing to do with food. Today, Riley ate almost a whole jar of apples! Dr. Brown was amazed that they nursed exclusively for 11 months and he said that is probably the reason that they have such nice skin.

When we first got there, they weighed and measured them. Wait till you hear this.....Addison was 13 pounds!!! THIRTEEN! Just a few weeks ago, on June 19th, he was 11lbs. 6oz. Riley has gained a good amount also. He's now 12lbs. 10oz. He weighed 11lbs. 8oz. back on June 19th. I just couldn't believe how much they've gained. It shows though. Addison is noticeably bigger than Riley again. I guess he didn't like being smaller than his brother.

Here's Addison on 7-7-09

I have to brag for a moment. The boys finally made it onto a growth chart. I know this doesn't seem like a big deal to most people but I've been waiting for it to happen. Dr. Brown had a specialized preemie growth chart. Addison hit the 5th percentile for weight, based on adjusted age. They were both right around 40th percentile for head circumference. Riley was almost on the charts for weight but fell just short of the lowest percentile.

So, we go back in 6 months for another follow-up and Dr. Brown said they'll be crawling into his office by then :)

After our appointment, we got to head over to the NICU and visit the nurses. Some of my favorite nurses were working today and two nurses hadn't seen them since just after they came home. They all loved seeing the boys and I'm sure the boys were happy to see them...and then leave.

We've had a busy week and this was a good way to end it. Ian has been on vacation all week and we spent the first few days visiting the Philly Zoo, Crystal Cave, and the Herr's chip factory. Ian celebrated his birthday yesterday and this Sunday, Skylar will turn 8. We recently invested in 2 Snugli type carriers and we've been able to do more things as a family. We've been enjoying Reading Phillies games and Crystal Cave wouldn't have been possible with the stroller.

Here's a pic of all of us after our tour on Monday. I have Addison and Ian has Riley.

And here's a cute pic of all of the kids outside of the Herr's factory.