I can't believe how fast my boys are growing up.
Jackson had his two month well-child visit today. I was dreading the visit, knowing that no matter how much good news we got on his growth and progression, it would ultimately end with three shots and an oral dose of clear fluid (that Jimmy hated taking) to prevent rotavirus.
Ever since Jackson caught the virus a few weeks back he has struggled more than ever with feeding. While he was sick, it was expected. He barely had the energy to finish a bottle and the addition of heavy congestion made him lose interest after just a few ounces. But after the virus had passed, his sleeping and eating patterns became even more erratic. He was falling asleep at every feeding, waking every two hours during the night, rarely napping for more than an hour during the day, and grunting for hours after bottles. His stomach would well and harden, and he would scream at the top of his lungs while eating. No matter how many times I burped him or what position he was in, Jackson was in extreme pain. Jimmy went through something similar and thankfully my mom remembered that the solution was a switch to Nutramigen. Since the switch, he's eating better and sleeping more, but the grunting is still present. I was worried that he had not gained any weight because of his lack of eating.
The pediatrician was pleased to announced Jackson was indeed gaining weight and growing in length. He's now 22 inches long and weighs 12 pounds 4.4 ounces. For a preemie who has suffered the past few weeks, this was a huge achievement. She also eased my mind about the gas pains and told me to give the Nutramigen a few more days. If that doesn't do the trick, she loaded me up with another formula that is even more gentle on the stomach. The good news: he will most likely start sleeping through the night when his gas pains subside. Big news for a tired mommy.
Jackson also hasn't been smiling or cooing as much as he should be due to the discomfort. However, as the Nutramigen takes effect, his face beams with a beautiful smile. He smiles a lot at Jimmy and it seems he's also trying to talk to him now.
As for Jimmy, his little mind is a sponge. Everything we say or do he picks up immediately. His love for books and reading keeps us both on the floor for hours a day reading about trucks, shapes, colors, and much more. I often make him read to me, allowing him the opportunity to try new words and let his imagination run wild.
His vocabulary is also on the rise and he repeats almost everything we say. This is as much a good as it is a bad thing, as we have had to modify word choices to be more kid-friendly. Jimmy's vocabulary now includes bulldozer, mine, no, yes, moon, Amen, James, Na-na (for grandma), good girl (for Brinkley), outside, what's that, what's this, book, truck, car, yes, dance, hello....and the list goes on. He speaks very clear, too. I'm so impressed with how fast he catches on to concepts and can't believe his comprehension level.
But my absolute favorite part about the two boys growing up is their increased understanding of each other. Jimmy is not as rough with Jackson and instead tries to give him his pacifier if it falls out of his mouth. He also tries to feed Jackson his bottle and gives him a million kisses a day. Jackson, in turn, watches Jimmy's every move and turns his head in the direction of Jimmy's voice. He loves to watch his brother play with toys and sits in my lap while we read books. Tonight was the first time both boys slept for a period of time in their room together. It warmed my heart to walk in the room and hear the sound of their breathing. I bet Jimmy slept all the much better knowing his brother was just a few feet away.
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