It has been quite a busy time for Cora and Hazel in the past week or so. They have had several visitors, including Cousin Bailey, enjoyed time with Grandmaw and Pawpaw Creef and had a few doctor's visits. This week, Granny has off and is able to help Mama and spend some time with the girls.
Dr. Young's (pediatrician) visit went well and, following that, Cora went and had an ultrasound performed on her head. Mama and Papa had been noticing she was looking out of the bottom of her eyes once in a while, a symptom called 'sunsetting'. It's as if you look at something straight ahead, then tilt your head backward but your eyes stay still and straight ahead. That's the best way I can describe it. This is a common symptom of hydrocephalus ('water/fluid on the brain') so it was a precaution to check her head given her prior hemorrhage early on in the NICU. It was a clean report with no abnormalities and the doctors there, verified independently by their ophthalmologist, indicated that sometimes symptoms may linger a bit after the condition (hemorrhage) resolves itself. As days go by, her eyes have 'sunset' less and less and we haven't noticed it much at all lately.
Today they had their first 'clinic.' This is where they go back to the hospital and all the specialist doctors take a look at them to gauge their progress and make recommendations for the future. They agreed that the girls looked fabulous and were proceeding perfectly. They recommended that Hazel remain on the monitor for a few more weeks yet to be safe, even though she's had no brady's at all in the past six to seven days. Also, we're going to try and go without Prilosec for Hazel for a few days to see how she does, since it appears to really upset her stomach each time we give it to her. In addition, we don't have to use formula to boost their meals any longer if we do not choose. We'll likely take Cora off first since she has beefed up nicely and then ween Hazel off a little later.
Tomorrow the girls have an in-home visit with a physical therapist and their case manager for developmental intervention, the program performed by the state. We look forward to that, but what really has the girls excited is a trip to Auntie Amy's wedding this week. They can't wait to see their Auntie on her very special day and love her very much.
Well hello sweet little ones! I am so thrilled to hear you had a clean report! You are growing up to be such healthy girls.
ReplyDeleteUncle Richard and I loved seeing you last week for the wedding. We had the best time holding you and reading you stories. Although, I think we all discovered Auntie Amy doesn't have the best vocabulary, so Uncle Richard had to do quite a bit of translating...I'm sure that will never change! :)
Well your Auntie Amy and Uncle Richard are finally married! We weren't able to make it to Paris, so we can't bring you back an Eiffel Tower outfit like we hoped, but we already have several goodies for you from NYC! Also a fashion capital...much I will teach you about when you're older. I think you will be pleased with your "pretties" as Uncle Richard would say.
We have thought about you so much and cannot wait to see you again! It was so quiet in the house when you left and it made me quite sad. It was so sweet being able to pop in and see you whenever I wanted. Looks like this calls for a trip to Greensboro when we return!
Please keep sending us good reports, I am so proud of you both! You are such sweet wonderful girls. Stay healthy and strong!
Love,
Auntie Amy