Seven Months

Seven months old. I think I have such a hard time believing it because she's still so little. This month has been so much fun - she's smiling more, laughing a deep belly laugh, has started recognizing us and showing preference to us and certain toys. She is such a delight!

The sixth month (two months adjusted) was the hardest by far. We had some breastfeeding issues. Basically, Olivia figured out taking a bottle was much less work than breastfeeding and most feedings she refused to eat and cried until I finally gave in and let her have a bottle. At her six month appointment the pediatrician basically told me my tiny baby had become a master manipulator and was much smarter than I gave her credit for. ;) We spent two weeks battling it out exclusively breastfeeding to get back into our groove and it worked. There were days that were really hard and discouraging, but I am so glad that I stuck it out. She's eating 5-10 minutes each side about every two hours. Most days she gets a breast milk bottle in the evenings and then breastfeeds before I put her to bed.

The seventh month just breezed by. She really only gets fussy when she is hungry or tired. She can fight sleep like its her job. When she fights sleep she generally screams and cries. Last weekend about did me in so we've been working the past few days to get into more of a daytime routine. It has helped tremendously! She sleeps great in her crib at night, but daytime naps in her crib are a rarity. Like I said in the last post, she naps on me and I don't think either of us is ready for that to change. She's only little for so long and I want to take advantage of moments like this while I can.

She is still a very happy and easy going baby. Definitely prefers to be held, but we set up a new playmat for her that she absolutely loves. She's much happier playing on the floor with her toys than being strapped in the Nap Nanny or a bouncy seat. She's been sitting up in the Bumbo or with the help of her Boppy. She rolls from front to back and back to front. She has even started tucking her legs up under her to try and scoot forward. She loves being outside - on a blanket in the yard or going on walks. She is teething and is chewing/sucking on her hands/fingers constantly. When she's really sleepy or hungry she sucks her thumb. It is so, so sweet!

Most people think Olivia looks just like a "Bain" and that she bears a strong resemblance to her Pawpaw (my dad). Its fun because I see so much of my dad, sister, and myself in different expressions that she makes. I guess those "Bain" genes run strong! I do see a lot of Reid in her eyes. Like, the pictures below when she's wearing her bow. Honestly, we could have the "who does she look like" debate for hours, but at the end of the day she looks like Olivia. And, I think she's the absolute perfect mix of both of us.

One HUGE praise is that we got a great report from her eye doctor at her first vision screening. Right now her eyes are totally normal for her adjusted gestational age and she doesn't have any need for glasses. We were also "released" by the eye doctor who has monitored the health of her retinas. She was diagnosed with ROP at 33 weeks gestation. She had injections into each eyeball with the hope that the drug would help the abnormal blood vessels begin to mature normally. They have seen much better success with this drug than doing laser treatment. She was monitored by the doctor who did the injections every two weeks while still in the NICU. Since coming home we've seen him every 3-4 weeks. Each time he checks each eye to see how the blood vessels are growing. At our last visit he told us that both eyes have fully vascularized retinas! Everything went as well as we could have hoped and we are so thankful!!!

Her pediatrician is also pleased with the progress she's making. Two weeks ago she weighed 11 pounds 1.8 ounces. She's been gaining a little over 20 grams a day, which is more than he expected of her. Because feedings are going so well, he decided to wait until she's nine months old (five months adjusted) before introducing solids. She had her first Synagis shot and didn't like it one bit. As sad as those shot days are, I'm so glad that she's able to get antibodies that will strengthen her immunity against RSV.

Olivia,

We have spent another wonderful month together and I am more in love with you than I ever thought possible. You are my little sunshine, my love bug, my silly girl. I love the way you've started smiling at me when I come in to get you out of bed each morning. And, I love that sometimes when I'm in my own little world doing something around the house you make a coo-ing noise to get my attention and flash your big, gummy smile. It makes me melt. You have my whole heart, sweet baby. I love you more than anything... I love you fiercely.

Love,

Mommy