Today was another day to get shots for all three boys. We are lucky enough that they qualified for RSV shots (see link below to read more about RSV and its serious effects on infants, especially premature infants - www.rsvprotection.com - these shots are over $4,000 each and they need them for the next six months so we are lucky our insurance approved them). If you haven't already heard us say this before, premature babies are at higher risk for having serious complications from simple viruses like a cold because they didn't get the "virus blockers" like a full term baby would have because they were born early, this is why we require hand washing before handling any of the boys. This shot will help protect them from getting RSV which developes deeper in their lungs and could become very serious. Although the shot will not protect them 100% anything helps to prevent RSV.
Mitchell was the first to get weighed and get his shot. He weighed around 11 lbs. He handled the shot fairly well just like he did with his 3 month vacinations. He was kind of sleeping in Chrissy's arms when the nurse gave it to him but he only wimpered for a couple seconds and then was just fine.
Jake was next. Jake weighed in at around 14lbs 3oz. Matt was holding Jake to keep him somewhat still and when the nurse gave him his shot he screemed for quite a bit longer and harder than Mitchell. He actually cried so different than normal that Chrissy and Matt couldn't stop laughing (it really was a strange cry).
Aaron was last. Aaron weighed in at 14lbs 3oz also just like Jake. Chrissy held him while the nurse administered his shot and he did pretty well - more crying than Mitchell but less than Jake.
Next week they get their 4 month shots and then will get the next round of RSV shots early November. Poor boys!
Since today was such a beautiful day we couldn't help taking the boys for a ride in the truck to find a place to take fall pictures. We took some family pictures and some of the boys individually. They turned out great - click on the baby pics link to see them!
Aaron started to babble this evening! Matt and Chrissy were just playing with the boys and Aaron was in a smiling kick and all of a sudden he just started cooing and babbling quite a bit and wouldn't stop. They are all getting so cute and developing their own distinct personalities.
MITCHELL HIT A MILESTONE!!! HE ROLLED OVER TODAY!!
After eating his late afternoon meal he was laying on the floor on his blanket and strechting like he always does and all of a sudden he strecthed so much on his right side that he rolled over! We think he was quite stunned afterwards because he just layed there very quietly (which is not like him to be quiet). He also started standing with just a little assistance today (picture on baby pics page). Pretty fun day for Mitchell!
Today they go in for their 4 month shots. Hopefully it will go as well as last time with no serious crying and no reactions to the shots.
Everything went well at their appointment today. Everyone got their 4 month shots without any major issues, just a little crying. Aaron weighed in at 13 lbs 13 ozs, Mitchell at 10 lbs 13.5 ozs, and Jake at 13 lbs 9 ozs. They are starting to get onto the regular growth charts now. Aaron is 18% for height and 30% for weight. Mitchell is 15% for height and not quite on the chart for weight yet. Jake is 50% for height and 30% for weight.
If you are wondering why their weights are lower than they were back on 10/8, the home health care nurse's scale was off. She said it normally weighs a little heavy, so we are going by the weights from the scale at the pediatrictian's office.
Today they turned 4 months old. Check out the 4 month pictures on the baby pics link.
Well the boys are 5 months old today already! Time really has flown by.
Check out the 5mo pics on the baby pics page.
Today Jake went int to the pediatric Cardiologist at Childrens again for another checkup. The doctor said his murmur is gone (as far as he can hear). The echocardiogram showed that the valve was still open but hardly. So that is great news. The doctor said he would like to see him back in 2 years (after he is out of the terrible 2s because it is very hard to do an echo on a terrible 2. At that point if the valve/duct is still slightly open than he will give us the pros/cons of putting a stint in the valve to close it off. He did mention that this is a debated topic in the medical field because some doctors say to just leave it as is because why bother with something that really isn't broken. Other doctors say that it is a risk because the child could get the valve infected by dental cleanings, invasive surgeries and it could cause more harm so they think to just close it. So when we go back in two years he will discuss the pros/cons with us at that time if it hasn't completely closed on its own.