Tuesday 30 September 2008

One year check-up.

The Boys had their one year check-up at the paediatrician yesterday. As I suspected, all good news for little man C, and not so good for little man L. Actually, a bit worse than what I was hoping for.

Little man C:

Weight: 9,7 kg (21,4 pounds)
Length: 76 cm ( 29,9 inches)
Head circumference: 47 cm (18,5 inches)

He is keeping on his growth curve and his weight is picking up towards the next line. He is crawling with great gusto and standing up against anything. He is starting to push things and has stood on his own for a few seconds. He has also figured out how to crawl up a stair.

He has 6 teeth and his hair is starting to look almost too long. He is in general a great eater and still loves bananas and his porridge. He also has a sweet tooth as we have just discovered.

He still thrives on attention and is a very loud and demanding little boy. He enthusiastically waves good-bye and claps hands constantly. He still has only 2 words - Mamma and Pappa (daddy). But makes lots of sounds and can be as loud as his sister at any given time - and believe me, that is loud!

Little man C on his ride-on birthday gift from us. Took him about 3 minutes to figure out how to push backwards on it.

Little man L:

Weight: 8,42 kg (18,6 pounds)
Length: 74 cm ( 29,1 inches)
Head circumference: 47 cm (18,5 inches)

Yes, the weight difference between the boys is
unfortunately increasing all the time - luckily not because L is dipping further, but because C is increasing at a rapid speed. I had hoped that little man L's weight was increasing as I am putting a huge effort into feeding him, giving him supplements etc. But I have to mention that he had a tummy bug and was puking the whole of Sunday night, so that might have had a small influence. We will check this out again on the 16th at our check up at the nurse practitioner.

He has 4 teeth and his eating habits go from good to
almost nothing It is just a question of persisting and patience. And he also loves bananas and avocado, mixed!

He is a very sweet little boy and a real charmer. His
stranger's anxiety seems something of the past for the moment. His fine motor skills are excellent and he can fit two Mega Blocks together. He has 4 words now - mamma, pappa, tata and Ya-ya (what our kids call our nanny). But he refuses to clap hands or wave.

The worrying part is his development, mostly the gross motor skills. He has started leopard crawling and if you support his hips he does crawling motions. But the doctor feels that his general muscle tone should have increased more with the PT and have recommended an evaluation with the Paediatric Neurologist. They are fully booked
until the end of this year, so we will only get an appointment next year unless we get a cancellation. She explained that, although she feels he just has low muscle tone, we have good medical insurance and we therefore should rule out the possibility of cerebral palsy. CEREBRAL PALSY! I nearly got a heart attack! She has also referred him to a developmental paediatrician and an eye specialist to have a look at his right eye that seems to turn "lazy" if he is tired. My poor little boy.

It took Little man L about 10 seconds to figure out where to push all the little buttons to make the sounds on his ride on. No movement though.

Both have a slight ear infection and got medicine for that and a tummy bug, Little man L seems to be through the worst of it and Little man C had pooed himself out of his diaper and clothes twice during the night. Hopefully he will recover just as fast as his brother.

I had the perfect twin pregnancy, and I was so sure the kids were 100% - this is such a shock.As I was lying in bed last night, thinking about the day and crying about my little man L, I prayed and received a huge feeling of calm and peace about it all. I am sure we will get good news at the Neurologist. I am not too worried about his eye as I know this can be fixed and will not have long term consequences. And I have the best partner any woman can wish for. H has been an absolute pillar of support and understanding.Just believe girl, just believe. This too shall pass.

7 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry. It's hard being a mom and the constant worry for your families well being. It will all work out and you are right, this too, will pass.

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  2. I don't have any advice but I can pray for you and your family.

    I love the pictures, the boys are just so cute.

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  3. oh my gosh, the boys are adorable!

    i wish there was something i could say that would ease your mind, but just know that we are praying for you!

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  4. *hug* Keep us updated. You're all in my thoughts!

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  5. Thanks for your message. I know what you mean. I felt like nothing could possibly go wrong once we passed the 37 week mark and there was no NICU time with our boys. It's disheartening to know that there is nothing we could have done to change anything. But you still feel responsible, like you said.

    Everyone keeps telling me that we are great parents, and that we caught things so early, and the therapy is the best treatment, which is all true. But it doesn't stop the feelings at all. Especially with twins when everyone is comparing them anyhow.

    I hope that the neurologist give you good news and some reassurance about little man L.

    Just wanted you to know that I'm here for you - it sounds like we are in a similar boat. Email me anytime.

    Hugs,
    Hopeful Mother

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  6. Believe and trust that little Man L is and will be fine. I can relate to very well to the nerves of early diagnosis and referals to neurologist but you have to seperate yourself from things which aren't yet known and enjoy the present. He is so precious and a gift to you. Don't let thoughts of early intevention hinder your enjoyment. I am quite certain you and him, Little Man C, Little Miss and DH are all going to be just fine. Enjoy your time together.

    I'll be thinking of you.

    K

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  7. {{Hugs}} Things will be fine! Look at those beautiful babies!!

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