Both tomatoes had established habits of napping 45 minutes and then shouting to the world that they were all set. Knowing them, and babies, as I do, I was pretty sure they were mistaken. Of course getting Roger and Sara on the same page took a bit of discussion.
Working with parents, children and babies leads to theories, ideas and insights that aren't as obvious when your doing things with your first or second child. Maybe if you are Michelle Duggar, mom of seventeen children, you can ay that you have your own theories, ideas and insights that are proven. And I'd be extremely interested in getting any tips, ideas or suggestions. I'm not averse to learning, or trying new things, when there's a chance they come from a tried and tested source.
Back to the napping topic. With a little compromising Roger, Sara and I found a balance between what I thought was best and what they thought they'd be able to do, and agree with. Every morning they go down at the same time and get up at the same time. We have regular meal times, three solid meals per day now!, and an afternoon nap that begins and ends at the same time each day. If they are tired or their naps have been choppy or short they have an optional third nap which, despite what time they fall asleep, must be done with by 5:15 pm. Then we have dinner and as we finish Roger and Sara return from work.
It's taken awhile for everyone to get used to. In the last two days both Jackson and Tabitha have slept more than forty-five minutes during both nap opportunities. It feels good to think we might be on a good road. Of course, everything could change tomorrow, but with two great days under our belt I thought I could share where we are and enjoy being here, if only for today.
Other news . . .
Jackson had his follow up with the urologist. The hole that his pee comes from is still smaller than the doctor would like to see. We should put vasel!ne on it a few times each day and remember to pull his skin back regularly. Luckily Jackson doesn't mind either thing at all.
Tabitha seems to have developed a cold. Her nose is runny and drippy. So far only clear snot, nothing green and for that we are grateful. I've heard of the flu going around as well as some stronger stuff. Of course we want to keep Jackson and Tabitha as far from these germs as we can, but were they to contract something more severe I think they'd come out of it pretty well.
I know this is hard for other preemie moms to hear, but these babies are doing well. I think they are the exception to the rule. Sara jokes daily that Tabitha has forgotten she was a preemie. And yes, Sara says "was a preemie". Tabitha is in the 50th percentile for her a.c.t.u.a.l a.g.e ! She was born at twenty-five weeks gestation, that's unheard of! She's big, she's beefy and she's jolly. Our Tabitha is one amazing baby. Jackson is smaller but still within the realm of normal. His weight gain is slower, although he's been gaining at the same rate these last two months, and was slower because of his reflux. Obviously if you can't keep it in you can't get as many nutrients, calories and fat as someone who does keep it in. He'd also eat smaller amounts because of his reflux. Being smaller and more social this smaller volume doubled itself when Roger and sara were involved. A pattern of not eating became their norm. Luckily, as he has grown, Jackson has realized that he doesn't mind eating and will get just as much love and affection whether he eats or not. He still eats less for his parents but only mildly so and keeps a pretty consistent daily intake amount.
Life is good here and I'm looking forward to the change of seasons, upcoming holidays and life with these growing tomatoes.
