Tomorrow I head back to work. My classroom is ready, my lesson plans for the first week are complete, and the boys have had two days of "practice" with our wonderful new sitter, Tammy. Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) is wondering how I will handle leaving the boys to go back to work...and I think I will be fine. I mean, I know I will be fine. I love teaching. I've missed teaching. And really, my classroom is literally four blocks up the hill. So if I need to, I can certainly run home at lunch to visit Mannie and Russ. But I probably won't make a habit of it. Tammy is great - really great - and so I am confident the boys will be well cared for. Besides, I am hoping to use my time wisely during my breaks during the work day so I have fewer papers to grade in the evenings.
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Last week we had a doctor's appointment. Mannie needed his 6 months shots. After his surgeries he had gotten a little behind in his immunization schedule, but now he will be right on track again. Dr. Rajanee examined both boys and was impressed with how much stronger they've become in the last month. It's true. They are doing great. Their adjusted age is 4 months and they are right on track both physically and developmentally. Russ weighs 17# and Mannie is 16# 11oz. Both boys are 26" long.
Our NICU follow up visit (on Aug. 24) confirmed our positive progress, as well. Judy, the dietitian, was extremely pleased with Russ and Mannie's growth. I hadn't started feeding them cereal yet and she suggested we wait until the boys are 6 months adjusted, if possible, which brings us to late October/early November. I don't think the boys will wait quite that long, but we're holding off as long as we can.
Part of the follow up appointment included meeting with the occupational therapist, Joyce. Joyce engaged the boys in some playful activities, which went well for Russ...but poor Mannie badly needed to eat and have a nap (and he refused to do either) which left us comforting a crying baby for at least an hour of our appointment. I couldn't believe it. He would not settle down. He would not fall asleep. He would not take a bottle. This was not our easy, happy Mannie at all! When he finally settled, he did play with Joyce briefly, and Dave was finally able to get him to take his bottle. Whew!
The last part of the appointment was meeting with one of our NICU doctors, Dr. Falgier. She thought the boys looked wonderfully healthy. She did write us a prescription for a cranial molding helmet for Mannie, which was her only concern.
It felt really great to be back in Duluth - almost like we were home again. Seeing Dr. Falgier, Joyce, and Judy - even Judy - was wonderful. (Judy was my dietitian while I was on bed rest at St. Mary's. I told her more than once, "I will give up anything but dessert. You can't take dessert away. It is what I look forward to every day." Little did she know, the nurses were sneaking me cookies as a bed time snack, too!)
After the follow up appointment was completed, we strolled over to the NICU for a visit. Dr. Muskovitz was amazed at how big the boys are, as were the nurses. Dave and I were almost sad as we left St. Mary's that afternoon. The hospital became our life for 3 months this year, and even though times were tough, we managed to actually enjoy many days thanks to the wonderful staff. They became our friends, our support system, our cheerleaders. Through Facebook, I still keep in touch with many of them. (Gotta love Fb!)
So, we already took our prescription to Marquette and had Mannie's head cast for the helmet...the helmet should arrive sometime this week. The casting wasn't too bad, but alas, it resulted in another meltdown for Mannie. Luckily, we were able to compose him as soon as the casting was complete. The orthotist thinks the reshaping might go really fast because we're fitting him with the helmet so early. We can certainly hope so. Typically a helmet is worn for 3-6 months. Joe thinks Mannie's head should take more like 1-3 months (cross your fingers)!
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Enough about school. Enough about medical. Let's talk about how much fun the boys are right now. They are F-U-N! Both guys are moving around, though not crawling yet. Russell is rolling, and is constantly contorting his body to see what's going on around the room. He is really smiley and silly. Mannie has been doing a roll onto his side for what feels like forever...I'm just waiting for him to go all the way over. Mannie used to be our only flirt, but Russ is not going to let that be the case anymore. Right now they love to grab things - and everything they grab goes into their mouths. Both boys are very vocal, "talking" to whomever will listen. They love bath time, which is part of our nightly routine. Sometimes I can get both of them laughing at the same time...so cute! They love patty cake, "soooo big", dancing, and playing on a blanket on the floor. They also love when mommy sings, sneezes, or says things like "Shipoopi" or "get yourself." Below is a clip of Dave pretend-sneezing to get them laughing. They are all shirtless because there was a major heatwave here about a week ago and our house was like a sauna.
Well, I started writing this post one week ago - so I should probably post it tonight! And seeing as I am back to work tomorrow (which means getting up at 6 a.m.) I've got to get to bed! I'm hoping to write more than once a month this fall. Think I can manage?
LOVE the posts! Can't wait to hear more!!
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