Reasons to Smile

Dear Ellie,

I'm not sure if you've been getting better or if we're just getting used to your little fussy quirks, but either way, life is getting easier.  Constipation isn't an issue anymore, your gas isn't so bad, and the reflux isn't quite as nasty.  Still, you only sleep soundly on your back for about 3 hours out of the day without grunting or fussing every 15 seconds.  Coffee is my friend.  My very, very best friend.  Believe me, though, I'm not feeling sorry for myself!!

We had a bit of a wake up call a few days back.  Or perhaps more like a slap in the face, a shake by the shoulders, and a loud speaker to the face: "Be grateful, damn it!"

Your mother took you back to St. Mary's hospital for a doctor's appointment and on the way through, you both swung into the NICU.  The doctors and nurses, of course, were interested in your progress.  When your mother gave them the scoop, they were amazed at your growth and that you were exceeding most of your important milestones.  For babies of your adjusted age, you are now pushing into the 70th percentile for weight, 70th for head, and 20th for length.  You've nearly doubled your weight since you came home and hover around 11 pounds.  As for your alleged "problems," when we told them about your reflux issues, one of the doctors asked how many times we had to change your clothes per day (he presumed you were soiling them with barf on a consistent basis).  When your mother said, "uhhhh, once per day?" the doctor laughed.  According to them, if we don't have to change your clothes 3 times a day, then you don't REALLY have a bad reflux problem.  Fine by me.  So far, you are shaping up to be one of their big success stories.    

The most important development thus far, though, is that you are now smiling like a maniac.  All kinds of smiles, too.  Coy smiles for Daddy and Grandpa, boisterous smiles for Grandma, and mischievous smiles with a perked eyebrow for Mommy.  It looks like you already know how to pull our strings.