Doctor Appointments and more...

Having Ethan home has been wonderful! He seems happy at home and has gotten into a schedule pretty well. I sometimes wonder if he remembers anything about the "hospital life". I know he is young but I just wonder if something will affect him from his life there...for example a certain smell. As his mom, I know things like that seem to affect me and probably will forever.

I knew when we brought Ethan home from the NICU (back in Sept) that he would have a few more doctors appointments than the average baby but I didn't realize how hard it would be to do it with two kiddos in tow. We usually have two to three appointments a week. He is followed by a few specialists on top of his regular pediatrician. Here is a little insight of all the doctor little man has to see :)

First one...When Ethan was in the hospital this last time he ended up with an infection so he is currently followed by someone who deals with infections. He doesn't have the infection anymore and hasn't but they follow their patients for a few months after to make sure it doesn't come back.

Second one...He is also followed by his neurosurgeon and this will be for his whole life. Since he has a shunt, he wants to see him to make sure everything is okay. After the first year it should move to once every 6 months then to once a year.

Third one...GI specialist. Ethan has a slight case of acid reflux and since he is a little behind on his weight GI wants to see him. And speaking of weight, Ethan in now 14pounds 3oz! That it great because in the hospital he wasn't gaining any weight and left there at 9 pounds. Home was where he needed to be!

Fourth one... Physical therapy. Being a preemie automatically qualifies him for PT because they usually start off a little behind. Add the extra months he was in the hospital makes PT alot more important for him.  They said that he is on schedule for his adjusted age but has a little problem with being tight on one side of his neck and that is caused from laying in bed those extra months in the hospital.

Fifth one...His pediatrician. He sees him about once every two weeks...Sometimes once a week.  Add sick season and and ear infections with Brayden...I see that guy as much as my hubby!

Sixth one...I think you can count this as 6. When Ethan had his infection the doctors put him on a antibiotic that cause his liver to be inflamed. Now that he is off of it..they numbers haven't really gotten better. So poor little Ethan has been getting blood drawn like every week. In fact, he has to get some taken tomorrow before PT.

So as you can see life can get a little hectic but I am accompanied by two amazing little boys through all the school drop off/doctors appointments/blood work...they make me smile.

I am in love with these faces...

Oh and this face too!!! :) My wonderful hubby. Side note this a picture from when Ethan first came home this last time. Look how skinny he was...he has a double chin now!!