Thursday, July 14, 2011

Our Happy, Fat Little Baby


After going two and a half weeks without a doctor’s appointment, Jason, Sam and I became human again! We decided that it was time for Sam to get out and experience the world...in a relatively germ-free way, of course. Sam has attended Fourth of July and birthday parties. He’s been grocery shopping, Babies R’Us shopping, and out to dinner. He’s been to the pool, but not in the pool, and I am slightly embarrassed to share with you that Sam’s first movie was Bad Teacher. Luckily, he slept through most of it, as did much of the audience.


Our leash to Children’s Hospital is a little longer now that Sam has undergone the Glenn (his second surgery); instead of going to a 5-hour high risk clinic every week, we now go to a normal, 2-3 hour outpatient appointment every two weeks. And to be honest, much of those 2-3 hours is spent socializing with the doctors, nurses, clinical assistants, and custodial workers that formed our hospital family for the eleven weeks that we lived there. Our most recent appointment was on Monday, and when we went up to visit the Cardiac Progressive Unit, Sam was immediately surrounded by such a large flock of hospital workers that I wondered who was taking care of the actual patients on that floor.

According to our pediatric cardiologist, Sam has now earned a degree of “fame” at Children’s Hospital, so he has several sets of eyes examining each of his echoes. And while nobody really wants his or her child to be "famous" for uniquely challenging illnesses at a children's hospital, I’m happy to report that all eyes were pretty satisfied with his echoes this time around. As of Monday, there is nothing new or “remarkable” or “impressive” to report, which is a good thing in doctor lingo. All looks the same as or better than it did two weeks ago! Most notably, Sam’s oxygen levels are rising, which means that we can start the process of weaning his oxygen a little.

Actually, the doctor’s only complaint is that Sam is slightly overweight! I am apparently overfeeding him a little. He’s fine right now, but if he continues on this growth curve, he could be on the track towards obesity—one medical issue that Sam certainly doesn’t need added to the mix. When we took Sam upstairs to say hi to his girlfriends, the nurses laughed at the notion of Sam being chubby. They said that it was a “problem” they welcomed, and one that is pretty rare for cardiac babies. I have since lovingly nicknamed him “Chunky Monkey,” “Chubby Bubby,” and “Chubs.”

Despite his multiple surgeries, Sam is luckily still hitting his development milestones. He is starting to reach for things, grasp them, and bring them to his mouth. Unfortunately, his favorite item to do this with is his nasal cannula; at least 50 times today, I looked over to find Sam looking like a happy baby vampire with the two prongs of his nasal cannula tucked under his upper lip.

His neck strength continues to build, as does his ability to bear weight through his arms and legs, and he’s able to eat more and more by mouth. Perhaps, a bit too much…

Still, he's a happy little guy.

20 comments:

  1. What an awesome post! I am smiling as I read all the good news about your chunky little monkey. Keep up the good work little man!

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  2. So much good news! He looks absolutely stunning! Quite a handsome little fellow! ;)

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  3. Love the last pic as the frog seems to be looking up at Sam and smiling - as am I at the wonderful progress Sam is making. Praying that Sam continues to impress his docs with his remarkable recovery. God Bless. NKL

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  4. Chubby babies are the bestest! this post is great, thank you for the updates even as it takes up your time-you're in my thoughts and prayers all the time, God bless your family! Mary Madar

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  5. Great update. He is more handsome than ever. I am so thrilled that you and Jason can enjoy so many happy moments with your little guy. There is nothing quite like being a parent. Thanks for so generously sharing your joy with us.

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  6. Obese?!? Phooey. He's just catching up quickly to where he is supposed to be. (p.s. He might take after his momma who was a bit of a chunky monkey herself as a baby.) Very fun to see the new photos and to hear that he is getting out into the world.

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  7. I love hearing 'unremarkable' coupled with glazed over eyes when our son's cardiologist reviews his echos. He even once called him boring. His heart maybe, but the Kid is anything but. Yay for good updates!

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  8. you took him to a movie?! you two are so awesome! Sam looks so healthy and happy. can't wait to meet him sometime soon. xo jules, joe, & sam's best friend in oakland - max : )
    ps thanks so much for the message about your OT - can't wait to hear more

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  10. Sam is simply beautiful. He looks so athletic, so intelligent...truly a stud. Thank you for your posts, and please continue to keep us informed about his progress.

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  11. So glad to hear all the great news! He's looking super cute and healthy. Thanks for keeping us updated- you all remain in my prayers :)

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  12. So great to hear all this positive news! Sam's smile is just precious and I love to see it in the pictures you share.

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  13. I was so happy to see a new post. Thanks for taking the time to update us and share Sam with us. He looks great! If it weren't for the nasal cannula and knowing his condition, I'd say he looks like a healthy, normal baby! Our doctor actually told us that HLHS babies tend to do better if they have a little weight since their hearts have to work harder and burns more calories. Of course, you don't want them to heavy but Sam looks perfect!

    Love the pics of him, too. We'll continue to pray for him.

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  14. I'm so excited to hear how well Sam's doing! He's so freaking adorable and I can't wait to meet him. Miss you. Love, allie

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  15. Yay Sam! I love the rolls in his little arms! Glad to hear he is doing so good!

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  16. So very happy to read how well Sam is doing. GREAT news. He is adorable. Enjoy! xo
    Sarah & Steve

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  17. Jason and Kristin, I was so excited to hear that Jason was a dad and when I saw your blog I was so moved. Sam is lucky to have you as his parents. Children have much more to teach us about life than we have to teach them! Lots of love, Michelle

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  18. Backstreet Boys and now Bad Teacher!!?? Seriously Kristin - hasn't he been through enough!? ;-)
    I just wanted to say that I love you and miss you! Am glad to hear that he is doing well and that you have a chubby baby growing at home...
    Had dinner with Jen tonight and we were both thinking of you. Lots of Love, Naysh

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  19. Hi Kristin! Jen Tosti just shared your blog with me - congratulations on little Sam. You and your husband are an amazing duo and an inspiration. Sending you thoughts of continued strength and health for your whole family! Love, Ariel

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