Amy and I returned to Walnut Creek on Tuesday for her two-year preemie checkup. It's hard to believe that it's been almost two years since we were rushed from NorthBay hospital in Fairfield to Kaiser in Walnut Creek just 12 hours after she was born so she could receive the best care for preemies in Northern California.
When strangers make comments about Amy nowadays, they don't say "oh, she's so small." They usually say "She's not two yet?" I just smile. I guess there's no need to say "She was less than 3 lbs. when she was born." When I do tell people that, they are stunned.
Amy met with a physical therapist, who was happy with her development. Amy played some games and pointed to pictures in a book. The only issue that came up was her language development. She doesn't have as many words as a typical 2-year-old should have at this point and they suggested that we enroll her in speech therapy. I am hesitant of course but the doctor we saw later said there's really no disadvantage to it. If Amy starts talking in the next two months (by the time she turns 2) and the speech therapist decides she doesn't need therapy, then we don't need it. But it can be helpful and useful for her if we decide to proceed.
The doctor came in next and was real happy with how Amy is eating and sleeping. Then the nurse came in to weigh and measure Amy. This is always our favorite part. Amy is 25 lbs and 35 inches long. She's in the 95th percentile for height and the 50th percentile for weight. I've joked all along with her pediatrician that instead of a basketball player, she's going to be a volleyball player - long and lean. But now, it seems that she's putting on some weight. Maybe she will be Matt's power forward after all! It was a very exciting revelation! :)
The social worker came in last (before the nurse returned to stick Amy with another round of Hep B) and asked how home life is. The only concern that she had was that Matt and I don't go out enough. I told her we were going out tonight to a concert and that I was very excited about it.
It was a great visit and we will go back in a year for her final preemie checkup. A little sad, but glad that our little person is doing so well!
3 comments:
It really is hard to believe that that tiny little preemie has morphed into such a big, strong girl!
Way to grow Amy! Ethan was only 4 weeks early, and he's still only 34lbs at 5 1/2. That's right the 3rd Percentile.
Hurrah for Miss Amy! Nothing's going to stop her!!
Post a Comment