Anyway, about today - the boys did very well considering they sat for very long stretches of time. I had Parker in one room and John took Tyler in the other assessment room. There is a HUGE two-way mirror on one side of the room so doctors, specialists, etc. can watch the session and observe the family interaction. I usually don't forget the mirror is two-way but a couple of times I wondered if anyone was the other side of the mirror as I was fixing my scarf and applying my lipstick. I should have gotten REAL close to the mirror and picked my nose - nah, might affect the Bubbies scores! ;o)
So the bottom line is that they performed at an 18 month level for their motor development (fine and gross) but are performing on a 13 month level for speech. Yes, they say very few words. Tyler's comprehension is at an 18 month level, while Parker's is at a 21 month level. Hum...this confirms that Parker knows EXACTLY what we're saying, but chooses to ignore us. He's a funny duck because as long as I can remember Parker has always hesitated before responding, answering, doing. I can always see his "wheels turning". "I'm sorry sir, you're hesitating to pick up your toys. Do you think you have a choice or something?"
We are in the process of fattening up the boys in preparation for their food challenges in May. We visited the GI because Tyler was having issues with his calorie supplement used to provide an additional 100+ calories/day. The doctor is excited about where the boys fall on the scale for weight to height (Tyler is 32.5 inches tall and weighs 24.5 lbs, Parker is now 31.5 inches tall and weighs 24.5 lbs - the same as his brother). Our current GI goal is to move all of their feeds to day time and discontinue their night time feeds. We discontinued their Duocal (calorie booster) and are mixing their elemental formula, Neocate Jr. to a higher concentration. Overall, the boys are getting between 940-980 calories each day.
In May, we will begin cutting back on the boys feeds to make them hungry. The goal is to help them make the association between feeling hungry and eating. Right now they don't feel hungry because we're pumping food into their tummies all night long and a few times during the day. I look forward to the challenge of getting the boys to try new foods and begin the process of moving them away from their tube dependency.
Lastly, the boys got their LAST shot of Synagis for RSV last Thursday! YIPPEEEEEEE! RSV season in this area hit HARD and late this year (usually November to March). The average number of doses approved each year is five so when we were told that a sixth shot was coming and approved, it was again a testament to our decision to sequester the boys this winter. We are assuming they won't qualify for the shots next year and will be in good enough shape to mix and mingle with the masses next winter. I can't wait!
Below is the sweetest sight! Last night when John went to check on the boys before heading to bed, he was touched to see Parker reaching through the bars of his crib to touch his brother. Me being the bad mommy immediately ran downstairs for the camera! Of course, hello! Look at the pictures below...he loves his brother (even though brother sits on him and steals his toys daily)!
Sweet sweet baby boy!
