It's a One-derful Life

And just like that, Verity is ONE year old! The days (and nights) were long, but this last year really did seem to go by in a whirlwind.

After a whopping ONE hour of snoozing tonight, I gave up and brought my fussy girl downstairs so my hubby can sleep alone in our comfy bed. (He had Verity starting around 2:30am last night.) As I snuggled her on my shoulder, I marveled at how solid she feels now, all 13 pounds, 14 ounces of her. I am thankful for how she holds her head up so well I don't have to support her neck with my other hand (which makes carrying the feeding pump on a pole that much easier). I am thankful that her feedings are manageable and no longer causing her to vomit multiple times a day. I am thankful that on the whole, she is a fairly content, happy baby--something I honestly did not think we would be able to say when we were struggling to keep food in her belly and sleep longer than 45 minutes (or less) at a time.

We really have come a long way.

A snapshot of Verity at ONE year, ONE week, and ONE day:

• 13 pounds, 14 ounces
• 25 inches long
• Fed via g-tube 24 hours a day, soon to be a ratio of 1/2 breast milk and 1/2 Nourish (an organic, whole foods formula)
• Starting to try purees--we are not having luck with liquids, but two days of smushed avocado on a spoon have been a decent start to oral feeds! I have no assumptions or expectations, only excitement and gratitude.
• Rolls from back to sides and sometimes from tummy to sides
• Reaches for toys
• Tracks people and toys visually
• Loves bright lights
• Smiles and chortles
• Does silly things with her mouth: blows raspberries, sucks in bottom lip, etc.
• Loves her pacifier and holds it herself with her hands (still has a weak suck)
• Is not on oxygen at night...long story, but bottom line is we value sleep, and we think the reflux had much to do with the obstructive apnea. Waiting for another sleep study...meanwhile, the pulse ox assures us that her sats are great.
• Has physical and occupational therapy sessions once a week at home.
• Gets her workout from her day nurse, who faithfully helps Verity stretch and use her muscles throughout the day.
• Has a night nurse Sunday and Monday nights for 8-hour shifts. (Yay, sleep for Mom and Dad!)

I'm sure there are other highlights I should list, but it is nearly ONE in the morning, and since Verity has drifted off to sleep, I am going to lie down next to her on the couch and see if I can get some rest myself!