Settling into a routine

Annelise and I are getting settled into a routine now that she's been home almost a month.  The first few weeks were difficult.  She is medically complex, and her reflux is pretty severe.  She was doing well at first, and then the surgeon tried to wean her off of one of her medications.  That made her reflux A LOT worse.  We were having alarms on her heart rate monitor, and she was spitting up several meals a day.  We went back up on her medication, and she's doing a lot better.  Only a little bit of spit up each day, and our happy baby is back!

She's gained a lot of weight already!  At last doctor's visit, she was up to 8 lbs. 9 oz!  I think she's gained more since then, but we don't have an official weight check until next week.  I'll let you know!  I have to change out her clothes though.  All of her newborn clothes are getting small on her.  3 month outfits here we come!  :-)

We're being evaluated by Early Intervention Services.  Because Annelise spent so much time in the NICU, and was premature, she's a little behind on her milestones.  She's almost 4 months old, but should be hitting the milestones of a 2 month old due to her prematurity.  However, she spent almost 3 months laying in a hospital bed.  So we have some time to make up!  Early Intervention will be sending an Occupational Therapist to our house to work with Annelise and teach me how to play with her so she develops and hits those milestones (rolling over, lifting up her head, grabbing for stuff, etc.)  They say that she's going to do very well with therapy because she's trying to do things now, just doesn't have the strength.  We meet with everyone on November 7th to decide our ultimate goals and small goals along the way.  They will also tell me how many times per month they're coming to work with her.

As always, here are some recent pictures of our cutie pie!  She's getting so big so fast!

 I know, I know....babies shouldn't watch TV. 

BUT, Annelise loves watching NFL RedZone on Sundays with Daddy.  She really likes football!

Aunt Adrienne made a surprise visit home last weekend.  Annelise loved hanging out with her!

Just the other day, Annelise fell asleep while looking at herself in the mirror!  Haha!

Times flies when you're....

......Home with an infant!

......Feeding, pumping, changing diapers, sleeping, feeding, pumping, changing diapers, sleeping!


Insert either of the above phrases and you may understand why this blog hasn't been updated in a bit.  Being home with Annelise is a full-time job!  My schedule revolves around her schedule.

We had a follow-up visit with her surgeon, Dr. Flake on Thursday.  She's gained some weight!  Yay!  8 lbs even now - so she's doubled her birth weight finally. 

Aunt Denise came over last weekend and took really nice pictures of Annelise.  She is an excellent photographer.  I'll share my favorites....

Cold Season Rules at the Hallinan House

The doctor's office is working on getting Annelise approved (insurance) for the shots to prevent RSV.  She is too young to get the flu shot, as it's only effective from 6 months and older.

Some information on RSV and why we're being vigilant to protect little A from it:

Nearly every child has had the RSV virus at least once by age two. For babies born full-term and without complications, it is typically a bad cold. But, the highest risk factors for contracting RSV and developing complications like pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and other sometimes fatal complications are: being born premature, being born with a lung condition, or being born with a heart condition.  Annelise is at a high risk!  Preventing the spread of RSV is very difficult. Thus, we must be vigilant about keeping Annelise safe during RSV season (October through April). The virus is spread through physical contact, in the air via a cough or sneeze, or by touching an infected object. The virus can live as long as six hours on hands, and up to twelve hours on objects. If Annelise contracts RSV she will likely be hospitalized since she does not have the necessary immunities to fight off infection like the rest of us. Last year alone, over 125,000 infants in the US were hospitalized due to complications from contracting RSV.

At our house, please be prepared to take off your shoes and wash your hands upon entering our home.  Use the antibacterial hand gel frequently also.  Please refrain from coming over if you are currently experiencing any illness symptoms, or have been in close contact with anyone showing symptoms.  If you haven't had a flu shot, please refrain from visiting. (I mean, it just makes sense to get a flu shot.  Who wants to be sick?!?!)

Please do not let these precautions frighten you or stop you from making contact with our family. They are simple precautions that every loving parent with a fighter like ours must take during this season. 

THANKS!

First week home

Well, it's been a little over a week at home.  Things have been going well.  Annelise is very happy and adjusting well to life at 8 Ray Smith!

I just got back from a visit to Annelise's pediatrician.  While she's home and  happy, she is not gaining weight like they would like her to.  She has only gained 1 ounce in her first week at home.  They'd like to see her gaining 1 oz per day!  Only time in her life she'll be advised to eat more!  haha!  She's currently 7 lb. 10 oz.  Little peanut!

 

The doctor advised us to keep her away from big groups until the Spring.  No Target, church, etc.  Doctor's visits only.  Boo.  Good thing I took the year off to be home with her!  We're allowed to do walks out in the fresh air, so you can bet that stroller is going to get some use.  We do not want to end up back in the NICU at CHOP!

Here are some recent pictures of our happy girl!

 

Family pic!

Taken at Mom Mom's house on our way home from CHOP

You wouldn't believe how happy she gets at her activity mat!

She coo's and smiles at the turtle who lights up and plays music!

I've got to try to catch a video of her.  It's just too cute.

Watching the Phillies win the first game of the NLDS.  The bib is the size of her body!

Watching the Eagles with Daddy this past Sunday