18 month check up

Today the girls had their 18 month check up and all went very well. Dr. F was very impressed with what she saw from both girls. She even told us that the girls are doing half of the stuff they should be for their actual age which was great to hear.

Emma

head circumference 17" (below 3%)
weight 16 lbs. 14 oz.(below 3%)
height 29.5" (below 3%)
Abby
head circumference 17" (5%)
weight 17 lbs 4 oz. (below 3%)
height 30" (10%)

Emma has been walking consistently for about a month and a half. Here OT and PT are very happy and amazed with her since she had a grade 4 brain bleed. She can squat and stand up from that position. She has become my climber. I have caught her a couple of times in the kitchen chair. She is very good at problem solving. I have also caught her hanging onto the oven door and doing pull ups. We will be removing the handle on the broiler drawer to help keep her from doing this. We also need to add a shield to the top of the stove. Emma is a pretty good eater, but man is she messy!!! Emma has a few words...........momma, dadda, ball, Bella, and bye bye. She finally has 4 teeth. She signs all done. Abby has been walking for months. She basically runs everywhere she goes. Abby has a few words that she says.....momma, daddy, bye bye, ball, thank you. She also has learned the sign for more and all done. She loves putting hats or a bucket on her head. She loves to hug and give kisses. She also points with purpose. Abby loves to walk backwards, and she has started doing circles. I also have to add Abby's love for music and dancing. Abby is my little helper. She loves to close and open doors when asked. Abby has 6 teeth in, and has 2 coming in now.

Things the girls both do:

• can drink from a straw
• know head, mouth, foot, belly, clap hands
• help with dressing
• know where their shoes and socks go
• throw stuff in the trash
• LOVE the water
• follow simple commands
• love the vacuum cleaner....makes it hard to sweep
• love to be chased and tickled
• climb the stairs

Big news for our family..............the girls were discharged from the neurologist!! Yeah!!! The girls ventricles are still somewhat larger than normal, but the neurologist feels that this is not a significant issue. What a relief for mommy and daddy.

This year the girls will not be qualifying for the RSV vaccine. Knowing that it makes me a bit worried for the girls, but I know that we will do our best once again to keep them safe. The first of November we will be keeping the girls in hiding for the season (Nov thru March). We will however be a little lenient with traveling to see family.