Today Max is 4 months old, corrected age. This is a term that gets used a lot with preemies. This is the age he would be had he been born on his due date. So, while Max is 7 months old according to his birth date, developmentally speaking, he's really only 4 months old. While Max is a little smaller than your average 4 month old (just over 11 lbs now!), he's right on track in terms of milestones for a baby that's just turned 4 months. He's reaching and grasping at toys, he loves putting things (including his fists) in his mouth - which is a big deal for a little guy with oral aversion, he smiles and kicks and makes lots of eye contact, he's getting more and more vocal, with the "da" sound being the latest addition to his cooing repertoire. His core strength is developing nicely, and he will sit up for several seconds if you're holding his hips for support. He's becoming fascinated with watching us eat, as if he's trying to figure out what it is everyone else seems to be doing with their mouths - hopefully this is a good sign in terms of his aversion. The only area Max is lagging behind on is pushing up and rolling over while on his belly. Because of his G-tube surgery Max lost out on nearly a month of tummy time, so he has some catch up to do in that area. But overall, he is on track. And what seems most important of all for many weary parents - Max is sleeping through the night, and in fact has been since we arrived home with him. He is now content to sleep 7-9 hours through the night, and takes several naps through the day. So, for all the work that Max requires, at least we are all fairly well rested!
Since we've been home we've had several doctor and specialist appointments for Max - pediatrician, ophthalmologist, ENT, dietitian and feeding clinic, infectious diseases, RSV vaccination clinic - and it's only now seemed to slow down now that everyone has had a chance to see him and decided their follow ups can be spaced out more seeing as Max is doing so well. Considering where he started, we're so thrilled that he's doing this well. He's doing so well, and seems so much like any 4 month old that it's sometimes hard to remember that he's still quite fragile and requires us to remain extra vigilant with his health, especially during this cold and flu season. Preemies (especially those born as early as Max) are particularly vulnerable to colds, flus and RSV (a respiratory virus that is very dangerous for preemies). Not only is Max very susceptible to catching these illnesses, but because he has chronic lung disease, these illnesses that might make your average baby pretty miserable, would buy Max another hospital stay, complete with oxygen support. We know many people are waiting anxiously to meet Max (and really, we can't blame them) but we simply can't take Max out in crowds, to large gatherings, places with lots of kids, near people who smoke, or anywhere where there might be people who are sick. This means that visits need to be postponed with people who are sick, or have a cold or flu going around in their house. We know everyone understands and we're all appreciative of your patience. Max will meet all of you eventually!
Until then, please enjoy this gummy grin. :)
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