More appointments

Over the past two weeks Jackson has had more appointments and tests. Last week Tuesday Jackson had an abdominal ultrasound and echocardiogram. I never found out the results of these tests and so I am just hoping that no news means good news. He also had his blood drawn for a AFP level. His level was elevated but we were told that this is common in infants and we will know more when it is drawn again in three months to see if the level is decreasing.

This week we had appointments with the plastic surgeon and the neurosurgeon. Both of these appointments went well and actually kind of seemed like a waste of time. I felt like I drove all of the way to Grand Rapids to see the doctor for 5 minutes and to be told that Jackson is doing fine and then got back into the car and drove all the way home again. I guess I should just be thankful that everything is going well and that we do have such great doctors. Jackson always does great at all of his appointments and just smiles at the doctors. I think that he likes all of the attention.

Right now my biggest concern is Jackson weight. Ever since his surgery Jackson seems to be getting thinner and thinner. He is now 4 months and weighs 13 pounds. That really is not that great especially since he weighed 10 pounds at birth. His weight is now down to the 25 th percentile (he had been at the 95th percentile). The doctor told me not to worry yet and that we will just keep monitoring it , but like every mom, I want to see Jackson with some rolls of fat and looking chubby and healthy.

Jackson is trying at times to hold up his head, but it does not last very long. We enduringly call him our little bobble head. We should be starting physical therapy this week so hopefully this will help him gain some strength in his neck and upper body.

Well Jackson is crying once again (it usually takes multiple attempts for him to fall asleep for the night) so goodnight. Hopefully Jackson sleeps through the night tonight (: