More appointments

This week the boys met their public health nurse and had their first visit to our pediatrician's office. Both went very well. The nurse is kind and helpful and was very reassuring about how we are coping. The doctor also confirmed that they are doing very well at home. They have gained over a pound each and both grown 3cm since they have been discharged so clearly we are doing something right! She also looked closely at Asher's muscle tone, comparing the two sides, and so far so good. Although it is way too early to rule anything out, the longer we go without seeing any abnormalities hopefully means they will be very minor. It was a bit of a sad day again though, because we had to say goodbye to our lovely pediatrician. We always knew it would be a short term relationship because she is just covering the mat leave of our permanent pediatrician that is returning in May. But still we grew very fond of her and really trusted and respected her. As with all the staff at the hospital it is very strange to walk away from these people that have played such a key role in the entire family's lives. We will miss her very much and wish her all the best!

It seems as though between our family GP and our pediatrician, the boys will see a doctor every 2 weeks for the next couple months, then likely once a month after that. Then there is the public health nurse, the infant development program (which I will explain in more detail when they visit us) and the neonatal follow up clinic at the hospital, so clearly all eyes will be on these two making sure they are developing as expected and jumping all over any potential problems as they are seen.

Next week the boys have their final RSV immunization. Respiratory Syncytial Virus causes respiratory illness and can be incredibly serious in babies as young and as compromised as our two. All of us have had it, likely multiple times, and it just shows up as a cold. But for these guys it means an absolute trip back to the ICU with potentially serious consequences. And you wonder why we're so on top of the handwashing? Anyway, they are candidates for the very expensive vaccine because of their extreme prematurity and risk factor, so they have had a monthly dose twice in preparation to come home, and have their final dose on Monday. Hopefully by next cold and flu season they will be able to tackle the bugs on their own.

If the weather permits there will be lots of gardening and yard time for us this weekend. Happy Friday to you!