This morning Liam had his 6 month follow-up appointment at the the High Risk Clinic. Just like the last appointment when he was 5 months old, he was seen by several doctors to assess his over-all progression, development, nutritional growth,
neurological development and hearing. I figured he would do well since I am amazed by him daily, and no one seems to think he has any delays (other than being small), but I don't think the doctors and therapists thought he would do as good as he actually did.
Hearing - He passed with flying colors! Where he was at on the chart was much higher then what they deem "normal or average".
Nutritional Development - He is 16lbs. 14.7oz (let's just say 17lbs and with no clothing), height is 27 1/4". So he is definitely growing great according to where he is on their charts. He is still breastfed, and I told them that I planned on going at least to 14 months as that is his adjusted year mark, but they encouraged me to go to 1 1/2 years actual just because he will receive an extra boost of nutrients before switching to whole milk. We'll see how he does by 14 months, and if he is still nursing at all, then we'll continue as long as he allows (within reason of course).
Physical Development - He was tested both on his adjusted and actual age. They tested things like his hand/eye coordination, standing, getting down, crawling, pivoting, backwards, getting to something they set out for him, etc. He did great with where they graded him adjusted, and is in the 90% for his skills there. Then on his actual age, scored at 50%. I think that the stairs incident yesterday actually bumped him up a little since that proves that he has right/left, hand/knee coordination. They said where he got dinged, which I wouldn't consider it losing points, is how wobbly he still is when attempting to take steps. But again, way over average on his adjusted age, and average on his actual age. Not too shabby considering he's only been standing/getting down for a few weeks and is just starting to takes steps in a frontward motion.
Neurological Development - This assessment really surprised the therapists! They did a series of tests, and questions as far as knowing his name, parents, siblings, words like NO, following directions; such as come here, or down, etc. Then just watched him play and follow their cues as to what they wanted him to do, all the while they were scoring him. For a full term baby a score on each individual test between 85-115 is considered normal-above average. On his adjusted age, he scored 105+ on each test, and had several perfect scores of 115. On his ACTUAL age, he scored 95-114 on each one! They said they typically stick to the adjusted aged tests, but he did so well on that, that they also did his actual, and again, was WAY higher than they expected.
When Dr. Bharti came in to see him, he was blown away that this was the same baby that required so much support for the first month of his life. Knowing how rough Liam had it in the beginning, to showing off all he has accomplished made Dr. Bharti very happy!
We all know how amazing Liam is, but it's such a great feeling when people that are looking for anything out of the norm, think that he is doing just as amazing as we do! I'm not surprised, just very proud! They will follow up with him again in three months just to make sure no other high risk appointments are needed, but other than that, they said to continue everything we are doing and that for the most part they already consider him "caught up".
It is funny though, that even though he is 11 months old - that no one in these clinics use their real age. Therefore, I have a 9 month old and NOT an almost one year old! :)
Good report, good to see the doctors and way to go Liam!!!
Shylah
neurological development and hearing. I figured he would do well since I am amazed by him daily, and no one seems to think he has any delays (other than being small), but I don't think the doctors and therapists thought he would do as good as he actually did.
Hearing - He passed with flying colors! Where he was at on the chart was much higher then what they deem "normal or average".
Nutritional Development - He is 16lbs. 14.7oz (let's just say 17lbs and with no clothing), height is 27 1/4". So he is definitely growing great according to where he is on their charts. He is still breastfed, and I told them that I planned on going at least to 14 months as that is his adjusted year mark, but they encouraged me to go to 1 1/2 years actual just because he will receive an extra boost of nutrients before switching to whole milk. We'll see how he does by 14 months, and if he is still nursing at all, then we'll continue as long as he allows (within reason of course).
Physical Development - He was tested both on his adjusted and actual age. They tested things like his hand/eye coordination, standing, getting down, crawling, pivoting, backwards, getting to something they set out for him, etc. He did great with where they graded him adjusted, and is in the 90% for his skills there. Then on his actual age, scored at 50%. I think that the stairs incident yesterday actually bumped him up a little since that proves that he has right/left, hand/knee coordination. They said where he got dinged, which I wouldn't consider it losing points, is how wobbly he still is when attempting to take steps. But again, way over average on his adjusted age, and average on his actual age. Not too shabby considering he's only been standing/getting down for a few weeks and is just starting to takes steps in a frontward motion.
Neurological Development - This assessment really surprised the therapists! They did a series of tests, and questions as far as knowing his name, parents, siblings, words like NO, following directions; such as come here, or down, etc. Then just watched him play and follow their cues as to what they wanted him to do, all the while they were scoring him. For a full term baby a score on each individual test between 85-115 is considered normal-above average. On his adjusted age, he scored 105+ on each test, and had several perfect scores of 115. On his ACTUAL age, he scored 95-114 on each one! They said they typically stick to the adjusted aged tests, but he did so well on that, that they also did his actual, and again, was WAY higher than they expected.
When Dr. Bharti came in to see him, he was blown away that this was the same baby that required so much support for the first month of his life. Knowing how rough Liam had it in the beginning, to showing off all he has accomplished made Dr. Bharti very happy!
We all know how amazing Liam is, but it's such a great feeling when people that are looking for anything out of the norm, think that he is doing just as amazing as we do! I'm not surprised, just very proud! They will follow up with him again in three months just to make sure no other high risk appointments are needed, but other than that, they said to continue everything we are doing and that for the most part they already consider him "caught up".
It is funny though, that even though he is 11 months old - that no one in these clinics use their real age. Therefore, I have a 9 month old and NOT an almost one year old! :)
Good report, good to see the doctors and way to go Liam!!!
Shylah
