Failure to Thrive

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted anything. I just wanted to give a quick update on all that has been happening over the last two weeks. First of all, about two weeks ago Jackson was diagnosed with failure to thrive. Ever since his surgery for his shunt placement in March his weight has basically stayed the same. We are now giving him everything through a bottle so we can accurately measure what he is eating. We are also seeing a nutritionist and a speech pathologist. The reason we are seeing the speech pathologist is to see what Jackson's muscle tone is like in his mouth. Often kids the hypotonia (poor muscle tone) also have poor muscle tone in their mouth. We want to make sure that we can give him solids without him choking and to decide if we need to make his formula more concentrated (so he can get more calories in fewer ounces). Currently, it takes Jackson 20 minutes to drink just 4 oz and then he seems to just tire out and not want anymore. Thankfully though, Jackson has started to gain some weight. Last week we also drove to Chicago and saw the pediatric dermatologist. We really did not learn anything new. When Jackson turns one we will revisit the issue of the port wine stain on his face and decide if he needs laser treatments. We are also busy with physical and occupational therapy. They both come weekly and Jackson is usually exhausted when they leave and he sleeps all afternoon. We are all throughly enjoy the nice weather and Annika wants to go outside the moment that she wakes up. Annika and I love it that Jackson sleeps so well in the afternoon so that we can spend lots of time playing outside. Thank you Grandpa for the scooter!!! We love it!!

On a roll

Last week Jackson started to roll from his back to his stomach. We are so excited to see him hit another milestone! He will only roll to the left side and he usually does it when he gets mad and wants to be picked up. Also, this morning Jackson held his head up for about 20 seconds while he was laying on his stomach. I feel like we are slowly making some progress.

Jackson has also started physical therapy and occupational therapy. They each come once a week and so hopefully Jackson will continue to improve with his strength. Annika also likes to participate with the therapy and makes it even more fun.

Thankfully our doctors appointments are becoming less regular and I actually got to experience a week with no appointments at all! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers!!