Nate recently had an appointment with a developmental specialist in Boise. The NICU likes to keep track of their super tiny babies by having them see these specialists over the course of their lives to track development and help us find help for any concerns that they may find. The lady we saw was the same occupational therapist that saw Nate every day while he was in the NICU. It was really fun to see her again and she was very surprised with how big and healthy Nate is. We didn't learn anything that we didn't already know - he's behind on speech and a few minor physical things. It was mostly just to have someone else take a look at him.
Todd wasn't able to come along this time so it was just me and Nate Bug. We visited lots of friends and, of course, went to the NICU as well. It is always so much fun to visit all of Nate's nurses and doctors. They are always so excited to see him and totally spoil him with hugs and cuddles. He loves showing off his tricks and being the center of attention. He showed off his walking skills and told everyone how much he "loved them" :)
We were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House again. I haven't mentioned too much about the RMH but I can't say enough good things about it! They have been one of the biggest blessings to our family over the past 18 months.
We were able to stay at RMH for 130 days while Nate was in the NICU and have stayed every time Nate has had to return for appointments. It is located right across the street from the hospital so I was able to walk over every single day. They have 19 rooms that are set up like hotel rooms with 2 community kitchens, a living room, and 2 laundry facilities. The kitchen is fully stocked with food that can be used anytime. They also have volunteers come in several times per week to make dinner or treats for the guests. They provide all of this and only ask for $10 per day. You can find more information about the RMH on their website (rmhidaho.org). If you are able, please please please visit their website and find out how you can help this wonderful charity! There are many ways to volunteer or donate and the website has list of things they are in need of right now.
This last stay was the first time Nate was big enough to play in the huge playroom that they have there. He absolutely LOVED it! I'm sure he could have lived there and been completely happy :)
18 Month Appointment
Nate also had his 18 month appointment at the begining of this month and it went really well. We saw a new doctor this time since our regular doctor just had a baby and was on maternity leave. He was super impressed with how great Nate was doing. He said he would have never guessed he was a micro preemie without seeing his typical "preemie scars". He was happy with his weight and his eating and didn't seem super concerned with anything. We did talk about this winter and what the plan is for RSV season. We are waiting to hear if our insurance is going to cover the Synagis shots this year and I'm super nervous that they won't. We certainly can't afford to pay for them on our own (they are $1500 each and he has 1 per month for 5 months!) so if they won't cover them, Nate will have to prove that he can stay healthy on his own. His doctor was great and helped me realize that it has been a miracle that Nate hasn't been sick yet and WHEN he does get sick, he'll help us get through it. I'm hoping this is how Nate's appointments go from now on! It's so nice to leave feeling confident instead of worried about ANOTHER thing.
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