Sleep study & results

James had his third sleep study done on December 3rd. This was the first one we were present for so it was quite interesting to see him get hooked up to all of the wires and get wrapped up like a mummy. He didn't seem to mind it much until it came time to try to fall asleep. Once asleep he slept like a champ - or so we thought, apparently he still has some occasional mild apnea where he desaturates a little.

The recommendation was that James be placed on 0.25 liters of oxygen overnight (instead of the 0.5 liters he had been on all day). We followed through with this for maybe a couple weeks and have since taken him off all oxygen. Call us non compliant parents, but we found that everything that went into applying the oxygen (the tape on his face and then just simply tightening it on him without tape) did more harm than good as he tended to get tangled in the tube over night (we were worried he would strangle himself) and the tape tearing his skin. Basically the risks outweighed the benefits for us and he had been off oxygen for several weeks in the hospital and had been fine weeks before he even came home. We still have the oxygen in the house if needed.

We're supposed to follow up with sleep medicine for another sleep study in a few months but I may just say forget it. They said they expect him to have mostly if not totally grown out of the apnea and it was such a production to stay overnight (I mean... for Adam... I said heck no to sleeping with a camera on me all night, creepy much?) and he showed so much improvement since his last study so I think it's safe to say we're over it. Can you tell we're just ready to move on?! It really is so true that parents know best and we feel and have felt for awhile that he is doing great. We've told our pediatrician what we're up to and don't seem to get any negative feedback regarding our decision so we'll just check that oxygen off the list for good.

Four month photos

Six months and growing

So cliché but... where has the time gone? One year ago we found out we were expecting and now we've got this little baby who seems to get bigger by the day.

Six months with Scraggles

 

James was 15 pounds 1 ounce and 24.5 inches two weeks ago, so he's easily 15.5 pounds by now. He's 15th percentile for weight and <1 for height, however this is on the 'normal' baby curve as our pediatrician doesn't graph on a preemie curve so it's hard to compare. Basically he's about average for a four month old which is what we should developmentally compare him to as he was two months early.

He LOVES:
-His O ball rattle, his pacifier and his newly discovered thumbs, Clarise the light up and singing reindeer from his Great Grandma, movement (being bounced, car rides, swings and bouncy chair), lights (any toys that light up, the TV and especially Blackhawks hockey games), tickles and smiles from Mom and Dad, bath time, and to chat with anyone that will listen (he's getting louder and makes longer noises - he's a real chatterbox!)

He DISLIKES:
-Basically nothing! He's such an easygoing and happy baby, there isn't much that makes him unhappy. He does seems to gradually get crabbier as the day goes on - he's at his best and is the most smiley in the morning. We think he might be starting to teethe which also accounts for some occasional fussiness.

He's getting PT once a week and she has been impressed with the head control he's gained and also his easy going personality. She's working on getting James to roll from his back to his tummy, trunk control for sitting, and also strengthening his arms so he can better support himself on his tummy. She says his endurance is a little low (likely due to the vascular ring?) and that he prefers to be in a ball (lack of extension in his hips) which makes it hard for him to hang out on his tummy as he curls up and either rolls himself over or gets his face planted into the floor which makes for an unhappy baby. We're also going to start weekly OT as well so we'll be getting more therapy. Yes, I'm an OT but have NO experience with kiddos so it's all a learning experience for me but I am enjoying it and like to put James to work when the therapist isn't here.

Last week was James' first experience sitting in the high chair and 'eating dinner' with us. He seems to enjoy it and likes to be a part of whatever we're doing. I've also been putting him in the carrier on me and facing out and he's 'helped' do the laundry, vacuum, and he likes to sit on the bed and watch momma fold laundry.

Nap time in his swing

Holding his own bottle... for a few seconds.

First time in the highchair was a success!

He's also starting to grow more hair which looks like a dark blonde in person but in some photos looks strawberry blonde. His eyes are still very blue, especially in the light. We can't wait to see what the next six months brings!

Chunky man in the tub.