NICU follow-up appointment

This week we had our second NICU follow-up appointment at the CCMC clinic. While the first visit was about a month after our discharge to check her medically, this appointment was to test her neurodevelopment. We were really excited for this appointment because not only was it with one of our favorite neonatologists, it's known as the "fun" appointment because it is about 60-90 minutes of play time!

At 7 months old, Gabriella is measured as a 4 month old, which is her adjusted age. Some of the activities they did with her were tummy play, watching her follow lights, startle and turn to noises, respond to voices, grab objects, and look at images in books. We were really happy to find out that all of her motor skills are falling in the 4-6 month range! This means that she is right at or above where she should be for her adjusted age and catching up nicely for her real age.  Another area she was tested on was her verbal skills and much to our (happy) surprise, Gabriella is in the 6-9 month range! She babbles on and on, has a variety of pitches and noises and at times will try and "converse" with someone; sort of listening and then "talking" back. It was really cute to see her "talking" with her doctor and they were so happy!

They did feel some tightness in her hip muscles- especially on the left side which is the leg that she had a bit of trouble with at birth. When she was born, her left leg was gray and there wasn't good blood flow. Eventually, her vascular system adapted and her leg grew normally with good pulses. The doctor and physical therapist said that they don't foresee long term problems, but we should continue with tummy time and avoid her bouncy seat so she isn't too stiff trying to hold up her head and legs.  We'll go back in October and then again around 18 months old to continue to track her progress!

And one last smile from the appointment... they put her weight on the growth chart and for her adjusted age she is in the 50th percentile and for her real age, she actually made the chart!!! 3rd percentile but we'll take it!

xo,
Mary

Memorial Day

We had a fun and relaxing Memorial Day, spent walking to the parade in town, seeing family, and then went to a friend's house for a BBQ.  We always try and remember the real meaning of Memorial Day but it is always nice to have a long weekend to kick off the summer.

We hope you had a relaxing weekend!
xo,
Mary

Swimming lessons

On Saturday morning Gabriella started swimming lessons for the first time. It's a parent/child class and she absolutely loved it! Learning to swim has always been important to us and this is a perfect introduction to the water. The class is really cute, they sing songs, bounce up and down in the water, and play.

The water was a little chilly so we got both Gianni and Gabriella swim shirts for next week. But besides the cool water, it was a ton of fun and it was the perfect Dad/baby bonding activity. I'll try and take a video one week!

xo,
Mary

7 months old!

I'm a few days late but Gabriella turned 7 months old on Saturday! While some of our days are long due to the start of teething and resisting naps, these months are flying by.  She is a very observant little girl and studies her toys, surroundings, and people. She likes to do things at her own pace, and even at a young age, is very opinionated and will let us know when she is not happy with something!

And as always, a look back...

She makes us laugh everyday- she will literally be crying/ yelling/ sort of whining and then just like that, will break out in a huge smile and make the cutest cooing/ talking noises. When she gets "talking" she babbles for so long and will have long conversations.  She giggles and gets so excited when she sees something she likes. She loves her high chair and loves eating.

Foods: Apples, bananas, pears, avocado, oatmeal, peas, butternut squash, sweet potato, broccoli, prunes, and carrots

It turns out that she has an allergy to peaches- when she tried those for the first time, she broke out in a rash, got really red cheeks and lips, and was licking her lips a lot which usually indicates lip numbness or tingling. She is too little for Benadryl so our pediatrician said to avoid apricots as well and we'll retry peaches and apricots when she is big enough for Benadryl and see if the reaction is still there.

Sleeping wise, we're doing okay. For the most part, Gabriella is sleeping through the night but she has woken up in the middle of the night several times over the past couple of weeks, sometimes ending up in our bed for a couple of hours. So, it's a work in progress :)

Here are a few more photos of our growing girl!

xo,
Mary

The Perfect Day

Sunday was as close to a perfect day as I could ever imagine! Not only was it my very first Mother's Day, but it was Gabriella's Baptism and we were surrounded by so much love. Our road to parenthood was long and rocky, and celebrating my first Mother's day with family and friends was more than I could have asked. The weather was beautiful, albeit HOT, so Gabriella went bonnet, sock, and shoe-less during her Baptism but she still looked beautiful!

The Baptism was so nice; Father McHugh who married us, performed the ceremony and Sandy and Thierry are Gabriella's godparents. We are so thankful to them for being her godparents; they are so important to us and Gabriella is very lucky to have them in her life!

For our family and friends that read this blog, THANK YOU. Having grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins present for such an important day in our lives meant more to us than we can ever express. Ever since Gabriella was born, we have been surrounded by so much love and support and we are forever grateful.You gave up your own Mother's Days to spend the day with us and we loved celebrating with you! And a few special shout-outs- to my Mom for coming over at 6am to walk Gabriella while we set up and got ready and for making Gabriella's gown (out of my wedding dress!!), to my Mother-in-law for making the most beautiful cake, to my aunt and Godmother Marilyn, for taking amazing photos,and my sister-in-law Rachel for setting up all of the food and taking control of the kitchen during the party. 

Four generations

Nana and Grampy

Great-Nana

Nana and Nonno

Love this family photo!

xo,
Mary