Preemie Developmental Clinic

We went to the Austin First Steps (preemie developmental clinic) on Thursday for our second appt. Brant went once when he was first born to get an initial evaluation. This time he went for his 2 month check up (even though he is 4 months old). The cool thing about this clinic is that they see the preemies based on their corrected age vs. their actual age. So this time we could see how he was comparing against milestones for a 2 month old as well as for a 4 month old. They have doctors and nurse practioners on staff, as well as a dietician. These appts do not replace his regular pediatrician appts...they are just another way for us to track his development, have another set of eyes on him, and get another perspective.

The appt went very well and they said that Brant looked great. They were surprised at how strong he was and how well he was holding his head on his own. He was pushing off of everything like a little jumping bean. :) They said that developmentally he is definitely between the 2 ages which was exactly what we wanted to hear. :) Eventually he will hopefully be at his real age with his development but that is a lot to ask for a 7 week premature baby to be able to do right now. I am sure he will catch up fast with big brother around to help! HA! :)

They were impressed with his alertness and how he held their gaze, cooed and talked to them. :) And also how much he smiled and paid attention to objects in front of him. We were proud of our little man for sure! :) He is such a stud!

And he is growing! YAY! His adjusted age 2 month stats were:
Weight-11 lbs 3 oz-25th percentile
Height-22 1/2 inches-25th percentile
Head-75th percentile

We were thrilled b.c at his 1st appt he was in the 2nd percentile for his adjusted age and he has already jumped to the 25th!! HOORAY! :) We will get to see his stats again on Tuesday at his 4 month well check at the pediatrician.

I try so hard not to compare the boys to one another but it is difficult sometimes b.c my only experience is with Braden. I try to put prematurity into perspective sometimes, and I think about how Braden was 12 lbs 5 oz at his 2 month appt (which is about the same weight that Brant is at for 4 months old). I also think about how Braden was sitting unassisted at 4 1/2 months old. Then I have to remind myself that Braden did not start his life 7 weeks early and at 2 lbs 4 oz. :) Brant had to make up a lot of ground so we need to give him tons of credit for how great he is doing. :) I know our little man will catch up b.c he has already shown us he can do it with his incredible growth! :)

Our next appt at the preemie developmental clinic is when he is 8 months old or 6 months adjusted age. Looking forward to seeing all of the things he is doing at that point! :)