Developmental Pediatrician - First visit

The pediatrician I met today was simply amazing. She definately knows her stuff. Of course she specializes in children with Down syndrome so it's no big surprise I find her wonderful. She was fantastic with Nathan and very thorough. She noticed Nathan has thrush and so he is now on medication for that, she also changed his reflux meds to something a little stronger. She was teaching a med student today, and Nathan was his first infant with Down syndrome. So they took their time with my permission to go over Nathan's Down's markers and general health. I of course listened in and learned a few new things. I had no idea that a crooked pinky was one of the markers. Brian and all my children have this trait so it was a complete surprise to find out it was also a sign for ds. She mentioned it is common for the average individual to have one marker it does not point to ds unless there are several all together. Huh, learn something new every day!

So far develepmentally Nathan is doing well. He is doing all the things a typical 2 month old would be doing. Yea Nathan! I learned that typically a child with Down syndrome is a few months behind on the typical milestones. So instead of sitting up at 6 months like a typical baby, he may sit up at 9 months. Walking might not happen until he is two. Interesting. We will just have to wait and see what Nate decides! I am looking forward to every new thing he ventures to try! And I will be sure to encourage many more..hee hee..

Nathan will be schedualed for hearing tests every 6 months, so I was told today. His and most children with Down syndrome 's ear canals are small. Fluid can get trapped easily and it is not uncommon for them to have issues with hearing or to require tubes. Nathan will also be getting his eyes checked, and be having an ultra sound on his hips. While moving his legs about, a regular type thing doctors do..Apparently checking hips..The med student noticed a "click". Now the doctor doesn't think it's anything but would like to rule it out so Nate will be having an ultra sound. I guess issues with the hips are also common with ds children. And blood work too to check his thyroids. And I think that covers it. Besides, all the stuff for his heart.. I have never seen so much of doctor's in all my life! I like doctor's and all, but I really don't want to see them this much.. Although Nate is totally worth it!

I find it interesting how with all these people I am meeting for Nathan, they all say the same thing. "He is lucky to have a mom like you" . And I have to say that it is I who is the lucky one. I am a little baffled at to why I feel that I am blessed to have a child with so many complications. Maybe it is because I am so happy that he made it here, and that I did not have to go through the sadness of a miscarriage. Perhaps it is because I am truly learning the importance of "stopping to smell the roses". I don't know, all I do know is that I love him to pieces and I am so lucky to be a part of his life.