Chloe's Best Friend

This is a picture of Barrett during one of her visits to see Chloe at ACH. More recently, Chloe and Barrett dined at Bonefish Grill together!

Chloe's new friend

Chloe visited her new friend Jackson when he was only a day old!

Take Cover! Chloe is eating

Here is Dad feeding Chloe at the crowded waiting room at ACH. We held our breadth that she wouldn't have a projected throw up while we were there. Always prepared, Mom had a diaper bag weighted-down with extra towels and clothes! Chloe made us proud by finishing her bottle without any problems and then slept through the first half of her exam. We think she was worn out from the tantrum of the previous evening.

11 Pounder!

Well our little girl is getting big FAST. The doctor, nurse, and nutritionalist were thrilled with Chloe's progress and said that she had far exceeded their expectations and was moving up the growth chart. This was such a relief for mom and dad as they have certainly worked hard for Chloe's growth. She also got 'high marks' for her ability to sleep all night without breathing problems. (Wouldn't it be great if we could all get such praise for sleeping and eating?!)

Chloe gets Mad!

Her mother says it is the worst and only big tantrum that Chloe has thrown and she threw it at me! Having not seen her in two weeks, I grabbed her up for a big hug and it did not suit her. She got red-faced mad and threw a fit. Even her mom's soothing didn't help and she finally settled down when she fell asleep(see picture). This is her first showing of spunk and it makes me proud! Actually, I think she was grumpy because she had gotten hot riding in her carseat, but I have accepted the blame and shame of her first fit.

14 Weeks Old Tomorrow

Chloe will be visiting for another ENT doctor visit at ACH on Wednesday, so there will be new pictures and an update coming soon. Last week she started seeing an occupation therapist and a physical therapist on a twice a week schedule. So far they have worked on making her new splints which are to be worn when she is resting. I think they want her moving her hands and reaching for objects when she isn't wearing them. They also will work on some "mid-line" problems - I'm not sure I have the correct terminology for this, but she always lays her head to one side and her arms are most often out from her body. She needs to be more centered.

She weighed-in last week at 10 lbs. 7 oz. so she continues to gain. Her feeding schedule is the same with more required ounces each week. She spits up frequently (this description is very dainty-she really throws up and often with some projection!) She sleeps on the wedge to help with with the reflux and to insure she doesn't choke. She still sleeps well for a six hour period each night.

Last week she visited her newborn friend Jackson on his first day of life. She was happy to just visit a hospital and not check in!

Chloe's First Swim

Chloe went swimming today! She really liked her cute swimsuit, but the sunscreen made her mad. For some reason, the more her mom put on her, the madder she got! It was overcast but she still squinted and just endured the brief water encounter. She is 13 weeks old today.

12 Weeks Old!

Chloe had a visit with the genetics physician at ACH and he was very pleased with the growth in her jaw and the opening of her hands. There was nothing in the genetic tests that point to problems other than the physical ones she has. He believes the theory that the small jaw caused the cleft palate and the contracture of her hands was from lack of movement inside Mom. He told Mom and Dad they could watch her developmental progress with the same concern as most parents.

The next day Chloe had her first appointment with the occupational therapist in Rogers. She was moved to the top of their priority list and will be fitted for new splints and a schedule for OT.

She has great problems with reflux but continues to gain weight. Numerous formulas have been tried as well as a different bottle. Nothing seems to change the condition.

At three months old, she is growing beautifully, smiling, and maintains a very happy disposition. So far she only cries when something is wrong and stops crying as soon as it is fixed! Mom is at home full time with a busy schedule. Dad gives late night or early morning bottle and can be caught sleeping with Chloe snuggled on his shoulder many nights. She is sleeping for a six hour stretch at night so Mom, Dad, and Chloe all feel better. Retta and Pearl don't bother her, but seem to sniff and check on her during the day.

Oh my! we are so blessed.

Chloe is growing!

Chloe weighed in at 9 and a half pounds so the feeding method must be working!

Happy Baby !

All Smiles

Chloe is now smiling! Her eyes are more alert and she reacts with a grin to attention and silly talk. I haven't been able to get a good picture of her smiles, but did catch a few on a video.

She loves the bright lights and the cart ride in Walmart and rides in the car without fussing. She gained weight last week so she is progressing. Mom and Dad are in a routine and both learning to get by on less sleep.