On Track!

Today we have Fiona’s NICU developmental follow-up. She did great. I was really surprised because she is very shy and doesn’t “perform” in front of strangers, or even close friends and family members for that matter. But today, she did everything. She climbed stairs and also walked down the stairs, she retrieved balls and shared them, followed directions, stacked blocks, used pens and crayons, put pegs into little holes, climbed onto and off of furniture, ate Cheerios, and talked. All in front of the Occupational Therapist. Fiona responded really well to the same woman last year, and I can’t help but think that somewhere, buried not so deep in her mind, is the memory of this person visiting her daily in the NICU. Fiona even said bye-bye to her unprompted (as we were leaving) and blew kisses! I can’t even get her to do that all the time. Did I mention she climbed up and down the stairs? We couldn’t keep her away from them. The other amazing thing she did was uncap, then recap, a pen. Uncapping is not difficult, but capping a pen is takes a lot of concentration and fine motor skill, and Fiona did smoothly and repeatedly, as though it was a normal thing she does. I don’t let her play with pens, so where she acquired the skill I have no idea.

The development team declared her on track in every way for her ACTUAL age, meaning that she is officially caught up. We  suspected this for a long time, but it’s nice to have professionals confirming. Fiona is an average 20 month old. That is more than we could ever hope for, considering she was born two months early and has been developing averagely for her adjusted age. Sometime in the past, she made great strides and closed that gap. I mean, last time we saw the team, Fiona was barely sitting up on her own, and today she was tap dancing for them and handing them things, and saying “ball” when she wanted a ball and “uh-oh” when she dropped something.

My amazing little love:

 

 

To celebrate, we went to the mall and spent a gift card at Baby Gap. We also bought some bubbles at Gymboree and gifts for a couple of people who are having gift receiving events in the near future. We purchased cute sunglasses that she tolerated on her face and some new sandals because the old ones are too small and she cries whenever we put them on her feet.

Fiona had a blast running around The Gap, chasing a ball with John while I debated the merits of various clothing choices. I also saw a mom friend of mine. We came home and Fiona ate a really good dinner she hasn’t been eating a lot lately, mostly fruit and we are out of that), then played more and read books, and...got another hair cut:

Believe it or not, she tried to smile for the camera, but it was too slow.

Here is the hair I cut:

Sigh, all those curls. But at least her hair will be more manageable now. It was getting unruly even if it was cute. I am sure her curly locks will grow back soon enough.

Here she is with my friend’s daughter, Madelyn:

The perspective is a little funny, so Madelyn looks much larger than Fi, but in reality, Fi is much larger than Madelyn. Fiona had a great time visiting little M, who is 6 months old, and going up and down the stairs 20 times. My child loves stairs. Not sure why. Maybe she feels deprived? Did  mention how we couldn’t keep her away from the stairs at her NICU follow-up?

She is sleeping now. I love her so much. John and I can’t believe how much joy she brings to our lives, and we are so thankful for it every day.

Have a good weekend!