Joshua Daniel: Five Months

I can't believe we've had this little guy with us for five months already!

This was quite an eventful month for little Josh in regards to doctor's appointments. He had his four month check-up at the beginning of last month and because his head circumference had jumped exponentially from his two month check-up his pediatrician recommended a head ultrasound to make sure things were fine. We schedule an appointment for a head ultrasound and got that done. He wasn't too fond of that once he woke up ha. His pediatrician called me that same day, although I wasn't expecting to hear from her 'til Monday (his appointment was on a Friday), and told me the results. 

Josh had a brain bleed when he was born and now we were looking at possible hydrocephalus and dilated brain ventricles. His pediatrician told me that could mean he may need a shunt and things to watch out for. It was pretty nerve wracking and I was doing alright until Dan started to be concerned. He's rarely concerned so when he is it's a big deal. Because of this we were referred to a neurosurgeon. We saw her the next week and got some good news, thankfully. She said he doesn't show signs of hydrocephalus and that he looks completely normal to her. The bleed could turn into something but it's very unlikely. We'll continue to monitor it and him so we have a follow up with her again in a couple months.

The other appointment he had was at the NICU follow-up clinic. His head shape is a little off, but that's because he likes to lay to the right side and we just need to be diligent about having him look to the left to help correct it. His pediatrician also referred us to see someone about possibly getting a helmet for him. I was given some exercises to do with him to help his neck strength as well. 

Besides all that things have been about the same as last month. He's still in size one diapers and 0-3 month clothes. He's not eating as much as he was and therefore eats more frequently sometimes. His nights have regressed a little sometimes too. He will go one night for six hours and the next barely make it three. He's kind of all over the place so I'm taking naps when I can and am pretty exhausted all the time.
Josh isn't spitting up as much as he used to, which is nice. He had some eye crusties for week or so from getting clogged tear ducts. Nurse Aunt Nikkole told me about lacrimal massage and that helped clear it up. I guess it's common for preemie babies to get clogged tear ducts. Who knew.
Josh is pretty close to laughing. I got a tiny little giggle out of him once and I can't wait 'til it's a regular thing. He smiles at his dad, his sisters, and me all the time. He's good about smiling at strangers too if they talk to him. He's a happy little man. He likes to coo and babble. He started making bubbles when he blows his lips together. He self soothes himself by making little cooing noises and I love listening to him fall asleep to himself haha.
Josh seems pretty close to being able to control his hands and intentionally grab stuff. He can unintentionally grab at things. It's fun to watch him concentrate on what he wants to get. He really likes sucking on his hands. He kicks all the time, especially when he's excited.

My little workout buddy.

Getting some meat on those tiny bones.

The girls dubbed him the baby King.

It's been hard having a baby again, but Joshua is worth it and he melts my heart. I love him so much!