tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post745175684542469898..comments2023-10-29T08:13:44.434-04:00Comments on Micro Preemie Twins: The Story of H & E: Two and a Half StatsBilliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589229199716201638noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-1818567642749754572007-10-25T19:26:00.000-04:002007-10-25T19:26:00.000-04:00*Random Reader*You have beautiful kids!! They are ...*Random Reader*<BR/><BR/>You have beautiful kids!! They are just adorable.<BR/><BR/>:)<BR/><BR/>Hope they have a good life! And by the way you seem like a very dedicated mom...lucky kids!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-59689534462062430172007-02-07T16:16:00.000-05:002007-02-07T16:16:00.000-05:00Hello to a fellow Mom of twins! I found your site...Hello to a fellow Mom of twins! I found your site on a twins blogroll....<br /><br />We, too, have had struggles with weight issues (our boys were born at 34 weeks and then had/have GERD). Since conception one boy has been in the 3rd percentile for weight (dropping below for a ocuple of months when the GERD was at its worst). The boys just had their one year check-up and the doctor said, "See you in six months." My husband and I were speechless and felt exactly how you described - how will we know if he's gaining enough?<br /><br />Anyway...enjoyed reading your post...<br /><br />Goodbye,<br />SeaBirdAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-16851339963888425502007-02-06T06:12:00.000-05:002007-02-06T06:12:00.000-05:00Hi Billie,
I'm sure you know that the CP is going...Hi Billie,<br /><br />I'm sure you know that the CP is going to keep the girls on the smaller end to start off with. What I also wanted to tell you is that Moo stayed only just on the charts until he was two and a half and then he just took off. I haven't weighed him recently but over a four week period in December he put on 1/2 kg alone. I'm sure he has put on a heap more weight because it feels like I'm carrying a tonne of bricks. <br /><br />Keep an eye on it but try not to stress about it. These things have a way of working themselves out.<br /><br />JacquiJacquihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03039454415384297225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-43153412842335792652007-02-05T20:38:00.000-05:002007-02-05T20:38:00.000-05:00Billie-
I know it doesn't help to say not to worry...Billie-<br />I know it doesn't help to say not to worry about their size (I worry all the time - and Nick wasn't even born prematurely!), but you and John were bound to have small children. I'm definitely no taller than you, and at 2 years old, Nick is at the 1% for weight and the 8% for height. <br /><br />His actual weight and height go up a little with each appointment, but his percentile keeps going down. Although it worries me, his doctor isn't concerned because I am short (even though Bryan's not), and I was always one of the smallest kids in school.<br /><br />Nick will be going in for a check-up at 2 1/2. Atleast if you're neurotic, you're in good company.Jimmiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00885360854320830685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-25916027390719973602007-02-05T15:35:00.000-05:002007-02-05T15:35:00.000-05:00I was just going to say that you and John are not ...I was just going to say that you and John are not big people in anyway so your girls are going to be smaller. But if they eat that is all you can do I am sure your pediatrician knows what he is doing but getting a second opinion is ok as well. Good luck! Do what you feel is right for you and the girls and your family!Kate Giovinco Photographyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04706763719847053772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-25575261112287246862007-02-05T12:23:00.000-05:002007-02-05T12:23:00.000-05:00I understand you worries about growth. We still g...I understand you worries about growth. We still go for weight checks and they really help me feel like I have more control.<br /><br />Love the picture of you and Holland coming down the slide!hallegracesmamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18330502847862607417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-2169212004563313842007-02-05T11:56:00.000-05:002007-02-05T11:56:00.000-05:00Billie--
I'm the mom of a one-year-old 24-weeker a...Billie--<br />I'm the mom of a one-year-old 24-weeker and a huge fan of yours. I love that you write about the negatives as well as the positives--some of the micropreemie blogs I read are so darn rosy that they make me feel worse about the struggles I'm having with my baby (eating is a HUGE one, by the way). Thanks for your honesty. You make me feel less alone.<br />MelissaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-44066484568968496342007-02-05T11:52:00.000-05:002007-02-05T11:52:00.000-05:00My daughter was only 5 weeks preemie and we didn't...My daughter was only 5 weeks preemie and we didn't have the feeding issues. She's small too (only 45 inches and 40 pounds at 8 years old). She is the smallest in her 2nd grade by far. I worried too but like the doc said "her parents aren't giants, so she won't be a giant". Some kids, and adults, are just small. Good luck to you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-60018955792397384972007-02-05T09:35:00.000-05:002007-02-05T09:35:00.000-05:00I looked and it doesn't look like the 2 1/2 year o...I looked and it doesn't look like the 2 1/2 year old visit is recommended by the AAP, but our ped does have us come in then. So, I would say that if you're neurotic so are all the moms and dads of NYC. (Which we are, so I guess that's not too reassuring...) I say if a ped visit would ease some of your worries, it's worth it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-42564712309445601552007-02-04T23:33:00.000-05:002007-02-04T23:33:00.000-05:00I am so sorry you are stressing and worrying about...I am so sorry you are stressing and worrying about their feeding. I can sympathize with your plight and can also understand the desire to ease the stress with a G-tube. Viscouse made a good point about stuffing them with empty calories making them fat, but I also worry that getting them used to fat/greasy food will give them a taste for bad foods as they grow up.<br /><br />My ECI nutritionist says that kids could literally live off Pediasure if they drank 3-4 bottles a day. Of course Pediasure is like $2 a bottle, but something to consider when 8 oz bottle gives them 237 calories. (I have probably told you about it before, I swear by it and that is where my boys get most of their calories since we have had similar feeding issues).<br /><br />*Hugs* to you and your family. Take care of yourself and know that so many people care about you and your little family. :) You are loved!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16466272950880850478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-17409088639173225032007-02-04T21:12:00.000-05:002007-02-04T21:12:00.000-05:00My ped let us come in for weight and height checks...My ped let us come in for weight and height checks (no charge even) as often as we wanted - we went weekly for a while as my son, A, was tiny. We finally went with a ng-tube for a few months when his height stopped growing. With the extra calories, he got a growth spurt and got back on the chart, height and weight. I kept watching to see that he kept growing, however slowly. Over time, while I wasn't watching so closely, he's hit the 25th %.<br /><br />I'd say as long as they are continuing to grow, I'd continue to watch and wait.owlfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16864203297228110988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-44729996106050811062007-02-04T20:04:00.000-05:002007-02-04T20:04:00.000-05:00Well, I can say that if she has to get a g-tube at...Well, I can say that if she has to get a g-tube at some point, it isn't that bad. The surgery is fast and there isn't a long recovery time. Our daughter doesn't eat and I wonder if the g-tube makes it worse but it doesn't matter since we don't have a choice. Her doctors and therapists tell me most g-tube fed kiddos eventually eat with gusto. They tell me one day she'll probably start eating and we'll never know why she started again.Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09973675798969590612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-18498110641557585572007-02-04T16:12:00.000-05:002007-02-04T16:12:00.000-05:00Ethan was under the charts for a while, and they p...Ethan was under the charts for a while, and they pushed a g-tube. We wanted to wait, because he could still eat by mouth and we just weren't ready to give up one of our last ties to "normal" life. One day he jumped onto the charts and has been in the 50-75th percentile ever since. I know he may need the g-tube someday, but I'd definitely like to wait as long as possible for all the same reasons you mentioned.<br /><br />You bring back memories... I used to be obsessed with his head circumference, as you are with their other measurements. I used to check it on my own and be so sad to see it was still wayyyyyy off the charts. (He has microcephaly and has never had a normal head size.) I kept worrying and being depressed about it. Researching those damn charts all the time.<br /><br />Finally something in me snapped and I just accepted it: my son has a small head. So what? He's healthy. He smiles a lot. He's 'active' in his own way. And he's growing - just at his own pace.<br /><br />I'd say the same for your girls. They look extremely healthy in their photos: glistening hair, shiny skin and gorgeous smiles. No sign of dehydration or nutrition deficiencies. I'd focus on those stats as much as you can.<br /><br />(Of course, you're The Mom. We're built to worry. I know exactly how you feel.)Metehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07276808432623125931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-67788414476502218992007-02-04T16:10:00.000-05:002007-02-04T16:10:00.000-05:00My children were not preemies, but my middle child...My children were not preemies, but my middle child still makes me nervous because I think he is very thin… but I try to remember that if he seems ok (energetic, not lethargic, happy, learning, etc.) then he probably is ok. From what I can see from the pictures of your girls is that they are happy, energetic, sweet little girls. You are doing a wonderful job. I give you and your husband so much credit! But, I realize it is hard not to worry…but you are doing the best for then always. Good luck and God bless.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-28817604106199430022007-02-04T16:03:00.000-05:002007-02-04T16:03:00.000-05:00I feel your pain. We have only one bad feeder, I ...I feel your pain. We have only one bad feeder, I can only begin to imagine how much MORE stressfull it is with two! Something that should be so easy, like feeding your babies, consumes your life. Every night when I come home from work, I don't ask how are the babies, I ask how much did Cole eat today. Seriously, how can a growing kid survive off of 8 ounces a day?<br /><br />After all the craziness that's happened to our babies since their early entry into this world, the one thing you would think we could help influence would be their eating. There seems to always be something else you should or could be doing to help them grow. I guess that's the mark of a good parent, always making sure you are doing everything possible for the well being of your children.<br /><br />Take care!Ehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052197274679639669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-16493261832790778062007-02-04T11:53:00.000-05:002007-02-04T11:53:00.000-05:00I know all too well the feelings you are having wi...I know all too well the feelings you are having with their growth. BTDT! At over 4 years old, my 24 weekers are still on the very small side at 27 & 29 lbs. I looked back to see where they were at at age 2, and L was 19 lbs. 12 oz. and S was 20 lbs. <br /><br />There are things that we still do to keep up the calories, like staying on whole milk. Back then, they were still on the generic pediatric drink like Pediasure. That's a whole other discussion.<br /><br />It's hard to give up the worry, but I've always been told and always tried to focus on the fact that they don't have to be ON the chart/curve, but just following the curve, their OWN curve, and you have to look at it over time. Which is exactly what my girls have done.<br /><br />Your girls are such cuties!Minnesota Mommahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338536328015242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-67910108095506815542007-02-04T11:17:00.000-05:002007-02-04T11:17:00.000-05:00I hate that I have to wait a full year between vis...I hate that I have to wait a full year between visits, too. I want to make sure D is growing darn it!<br /><br />We have the constant worry about enough calories, etc.., too. Darsie, I think, is about the same stats as Holland. I'm very small (5'1" and 100 lbs. usually) but my husband is a big boy. I just figure she is taking after me (at least to rest my nerves).<br /><br />Both Holland and Eden are as gorgeous as ever!Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16787015524264816490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-43658530860189355892007-02-04T10:36:00.000-05:002007-02-04T10:36:00.000-05:00We have been/are still going through the same deba...We have been/are still going through the same debate over the G-tube as you with our son. Luckily we have been able to avoid it up until this point because it does have so many disadvantages compared to advantages. Our neuro-developmental doc mentioned evaluating the babies at 24mo for growth hormone if needed. I have not done any (not a drop) of research on that yet as it is still a year away, but has anyone mentioned anything about that to you? I'm sure there are cons to HGH as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-79209736772579161332007-02-04T08:25:00.000-05:002007-02-04T08:25:00.000-05:00Sorry been awhile since I last posted. A couple t...Sorry been awhile since I last posted. A couple thought ran through my head though...<br /><br />Growth: who's to say that if you pumped a whole bunch of calories in them that they'd be used for growth & not getting, well, fat? (I'm not a nutritional specialst, so I could be way off base here).<br /><br />Is their weight gain harming their health in any other ways? Do they look/act malnourished? (I don't think so, from what you describe).<br /><br />These are the things I am keeping an eye out for in our girls. They aren't breaking any growth records, but they seem healthy, and are growing (however slight).<br /><br />G-Tube: there was always something in the back of my head not liking a g-tube. If they feel full and nourished, they will have even less incentive to eat, no? (just a guess)<br /><br />Normality: as for getting them to grow up normal, we will all grow up and be normal. It's the rest of the world that will perceive us as abnormal.Viscousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01440090717648962042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-48983654751829275952007-02-04T08:20:00.000-05:002007-02-04T08:20:00.000-05:00Some kids are just going to be petite and that's o...Some kids are just going to be petite and that's okay. I don't blame you for worrying though, I have a petite daughter too...we had her tested and tested when she was 1 yo - and found that she is just always going to be on the smaller side. She eats though - everything. And she is still small.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915600.post-77054221011484859642007-02-04T07:06:00.000-05:002007-02-04T07:06:00.000-05:00thATPICO F YOU AND EDEN IS SO CUTE AND THE SAME WI...thATPICO F YOU AND EDEN IS SO CUTE AND THE SAME WITH THE 1 OF HOLLAND AN YOUAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com