SICC

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little fellow! Daddy and I tried to get a picture of you with the cat, but the cat didn't want to stay still long enough. :-P

Today was your follow up visit with SICC (Special Infant Care Clinic). This is a part of the child development team at Wake Med that watched you while you were in the ICN for your first 8.5 weeks of life. They did some measurements: today you are 7 lbs 13 ozs and 20 3/4 inches long! :-) Woohoo! You're such a big boy! You're on track for gaining an ounce a day! At this rate, you'll be 8 pounds by the end of the week. :-)

The neonatologist was really pleased with your weight gain and development! Plus, you were very alert during the exam. She listened to you (heart/lungs) and checked your reflexes, just like how the pediatrician does.

She noticed that you were developing a flat area on the right side of your head, which daddy and I were expecting because you always turn your head to that one side. She showed me some exercises to do with you to have you turn your head to the left more. It will also help your neck muscles since the one side is getting tighter. She also showed me some things to do for "tummy time" to get your neck stronger to hold your head. She was impressed at how much you could already do at only "3 and a half" weeks!

We talked about how you sound congested at times (that snorty sound). She said it had to do with the smaller nasal passageways and you would eventually grow out of it once you get bigger. It's typical for preemies.

She recommended to continue to limit your travel (besides to doctor's offices) to our house and your grandparents' houses. No busy or public places until about the end of March/early April because of the flu season. However, she said that on days like yesterday (where it was beautiful outside!) we can go ahead and take you for walks. :-) You have another follow up visit with them in March.

After the appointment, we went home and you were pretty active the rest of the day. Daddy had a soccer meeting after work and didn't come home until 10pm. We were tired when he got home! While daddy was gone, Gigi came over to give you the 8pm bottle so I could rest a little. She brought our friend Lois to meet you! You have so many friends!

Try to sleep a little tonight!

I'm so glad the doctor's visit went well and feel so blessed to have a healthy Joshua! :-)

I love you so much!

~Mommy