The Pediatric Neurologist's Report

The pediatric neurologist visit was informative and seemed an overall positive. Based on the MRI we had a couple of weeks ago, the doctor thought there might be some 'fresh' inter-cranial bleeding. Zoe will be undergoing some tests in the next few weeks to see if there is a bleeding disorder. They are also going to check if she did indeed have a stroke, which is suspected to have caused this whole event. So we are praying that whatever the results, it can be fixed with little to no effect to Zoe.

When it comes to her growth and developments, as for now, she is on track. Only time will tell though where we will see the challenges she will face.

The areas for concern though are loss of vision in her left visual field. Basically she only only sees out of the right halves of both eyes. Because she won't know the difference, Zoe will learn how to compensate for this. The other concern is the brain's ability to take in images and understand what they mean. This one I had a hard time understanding, but the doctor explained it like this, "The inability to read the emotions of a face of a person that you see." Again, none of this is for sure, just things we will be watching out for... among many other things.

Positively he (the doctor) thought her frontal lobe (higher brain thinking, like math) seemed in good condition and the concern for the motor development should be there but not as dire as we once thought. Again though this was tempered with the fact that only Zoe can determine her outcome and based on her history and the current data that seems to be where we are at.

So we continue to pray that the Lord cares for Zoe and gives us all the strength and patience to handle whatever comes next.

Kimberly

My Week

... nothing too exciting to update. I have a neurology appointment on Monday, the doctor wants to meet with Mom and Dad and me because of the abnormal MRI. (Well, abnormal in the sense that there is damage.) We expect it to just be informative and more tests, but as always mommy dreads these meetings and the rehashing of the potential outcomes. Well, just keep praying for that little brain of mine (and her peace of mind).

I am doing great on the weight gain front, 6 lb 14 oz on Thursday. They adjusted my feedings so they are not so heavy, but I am still a finicky eater. I bet they hope that these adjustments will help me with my gassiness, pooping and gruntieness. This seems to be my biggest challenge and really limits what Mom and Dad can do for now.

I hope you all are having a good weekend.

Zoe

Midweek Humor

Our Second Week Home

As Friday arrives, Week Two is coming to a close and we are slowly getting into the routine of parenthood.

As of today Zoe is now 6 lb and 8 oz. We seem to have a routine, at least when appointments don't interfere.

Zoe began her Physical and Occupational Therapy this week. Her assessment was great. Some milestones she is achieving or working on;
turning her head left to right and vice versa while on the tummy, grasping objects in her hand, and slowly working on sucking her fingers.

We will have to continue to keep up her exercises and therapy to keep her on track with her corrected age group. (Corrected Age: The age at which she would have been if she had been carried to term.) We have yet to get a good cry from her, but we hear that this is something we should enjoy while it lasts.

Well, have a great weekend.

Kimberly

An Eventful Week

This first week has flown by, especially as we try to get used to Zoe's schedule.

We have been busy eating, exercising, reading, tummy timing and of course sleeping. Getting this into a 24 hour schedule is tough and then throw in the doctor appointments. Whew!

Also this week, we had our first pediatrician visit. The typical check up with the added task of handing over a medical history that is over 100 pages long. We also had an MRI on Thursday. Apart from being extremely loud, Zoe did very well and did not have to be sedated for it. Nothing surprising came from the MRI, damage to her brain is still there and thankfully the left side looks normal. We see a neurologist in March to get their perspective and possibly set up an EEG.

Zoe begins in-home Occupational and Physical Therapy next week. They will asses where she is at and provide the tools to keep on track with her developmental milestones. Zoe also gets two nurse visits a week, for a measurement check and general, "How are you doing?" So far, 6lb and 3 oz., 18 inches and grunty as ever.

We are still on lock-down at home, doing our best to keep the germs and viruses to a minimum. Lots of hand washing and antibacterial goop. The average preemie emergency room visit is 3 but I would like to avoid any since we have lived at the hospital for 100 days already.

Right now we are just getting ready for Grandma Casmer's visit and a quiet weekend.

What a blessing to be home finally.

Love to you all,

Kim, Phil and Zoe

And Phil Writes...

"This is what Moses' basket would have looked like if he had been a girl."

Not so sure about that one, Pastor Casmer...but if it is indeed Moses, then I guess downloading a GPS app on that I-Phone is going to come in handy on that future trip through the desert.

In any event, ZAC sure looks comfortable in her new surroundings. Welcome home little girl. It has been a long, hard trip but you are home at last.

- ZAC's GP

Guess Who Got To Come Home Today

"Mommy, I love my new car seat,

- And I love my new outfit,

- And I love the ride home,

- And I love my new house,

- And I love my new room,

- But most of all I love you and Daddy!"