10 pounds here we come!

Okay... I have be somewhat of a slacker on the blog the last week or so.

Our weigh in last Thursday was great! 6 ounces in 7 days - he was 9 pounds 12 ounces. We go back tomorrow morning for another weigh in if we have a three week upward trend we can rule out the g-tube for now. yeah!!!

A baby receives most if not all of their antibodies in the third trimester. Legare's antibodies have always been low and we are continuing to monitor his IGG levels (antibodies) - they have continued to slide downward. To summarize, Legare had numerous infections in the NICU so we started monitoring his IGG levels while he was in the NICU and gave him supplemental IVIG (antibodies) while in the hospital. His last treatment was Memorial Day weekend and we have had his IGG levels checked monthly since then and they have continued to slide downward. The issue is IVIG is a blood product and can only be transfused by IV over a 6 hour period. When we were in the hospital that did not pose as much as a problem plus there is always risk when doing a transfusion. Long story short we are hoping that since his nutritional intake has been improving that he will start making his own antibodies. Also, October through March, Legare will be getting a once a month vaccine called Synagis for RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus). My thought along with my pediatrician is that his biggest threat is RSV, a cold or the flu and since he will be receiving that vaccine we may be able to hold off on the IVIG unless his levels continue to decrease significantly.

Answered Prayers...

A little delayed post...

we had a great week! Two good doctor's appointments in one week! On Monday we went to the High Risk Developmental Clinic at MUSC. First, a premature baby has two birthdays - the "real" birthday and an adjusted/developmental birthday (due date) so his birthdays are February 17th and May 26th. He is respectively 6 1/2 months and 3 months. The doctors were very impressed with Legare, and had nothing negative to say (which is a first!!!) developmentally he is around 4 1/2 months - which is great for a preemie to be so far ahead of their adjusted age. He can roll over, has awesome neck control, sits up in his Bumbo chair....the list goes on and on - I won't keep rambling - I am a proud mommy he is doing so well. We go back in 3 months - yeah one less weekly trip to MUSC.

Next, Thursday we went back to Dr. Traynham (pediatrician). Legare gained 7 ounces in 9 days- really probably 4-5 days since he was sick last week and didn't eat much. We were thrilled! He is 9 lbs 6 oz. We still need to continue with weekly weigh ins to make sure he continues to have steady weight gain, but right now there is not a tube in our future. We all did a little dance in the doctors office :) !