We took Josiah back to the pediatrician on Thursday. Josiah is doing incredibly well. We were greeted by hugs from our favorite nurse and big smiles from the MD. Josiah weighed a mere 8 lbs 5 oz, last Thursday (one week prior). Amazingly, he weighed 9 lbs during the follow-up visit. The MD was thrilled!!! (as were we). It is well-known that children with DS are slow weight gainers, and Josiah has been no exception to this rule. Add several heart defects, open-heart surgery, and Lasix, and weight loss becomes a given (as was the case w/ Josiah - dropping from 9.3 (at his heaviest) to 8.5 (last week). BUT, it looks like the tide is changing - we are delighted. Josiah is finally gaining weight. On the "normal" chart, his weight currently places him in the 0% (yes, you read that right - the 0th percentile for children his age). On the DS growth chart, he fairs better - he's falls slightly below the 10th percentile for weight). We have turned a corner :)
Josiah received 2 vaccinations and we were given an updated synagis shot date. Jesse got his five-year check up, and passed with flying colors. He's gained 6 lbs this year and grew 3 inches. The pediatrician tells us he will be 5.9/5.10 as an adult - just like his uncles. All the while, James sat in the office and cried - he was quite dramatic, given that he wasn't being seen today. Once the other boys had been examined, and everyone had their jackets back on, James was then willing to blow a kiss to the MD - it was so funny <3.
When I got home, I called my lactation specialist, KF. She has been an incredible support. I started working with her at the end of my pregnancy with James. Breastfeeding didn't work out so well with Jesse, and I was determined to make it work with the next one :) KF and I spoke frequently until James's first birthday. I reconnected with her during my pregnancy with Josiah, and I am so thankful that I did. Given everything that's happened with Josiah, it's been a real blessing to have her support. Without it, I don't know that I would have continued to breastfeed Josiah - it's very frustrating to feed a baby that seemingly doesn't gain weight for weeks/months at a time. Her never-ending support has allowed me to 'stick with it,' and I am so glad that I did. She has never let me lose faith in myself or my ability to nourish my child. She is amazing.
Today has been a quiet day at home. Tomorrow, we are going to see a dear friend of mine (assuming the snow doesn't foul our plans). Sunday, We'll likely see my folks who have been away for a couple of weeks. Monday, Josiah meets with early intervention again. But, I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. I'm enjoying being in the moment.
When the world says, "Give up,"
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
~Author Unknown
The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. ~Author Unknown
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