Wednesday, Saturday, what's the difference? :)
Last week: 10.00 kg (22 pounds, 1 ounce), 32 inches
This week: 10.05 kg (22 pounds, 3 ounces), 32.75 inches
Week's change: +50 grams (2 ounces), + 0.75 inches
Net change: +2350 grams (74 ounces = 4 pounds, 12 ounces), +3.75 inches
These measurments were taken at the endocrinologist's office, so we may seem some fluctuation on the weight next week as we move back to our regular scale. And I'm quite sure that we'll see some fluctuation in the height, too, because that's how we roll, apparently. I do think that this is probably the most accurate height measurement we've had in a while. Since endocrinology follows many kids specifically for growth concerns, the nurses in that office are very well trained in taking height measurements. They've also got slightly different equipment that I think is more accurate. So, all of that is to say that Becca is indeed NOT on the growth charts yet, but she's making some great progress.
When we started growth hormone shots last summer, Becca was 3.79 standard deviations below average (a.k.a. the 50th percentile line). (If you don't know what standard deviations are, sorry, but I don't really know how to explain them. Just look at the numbers and be impressed.) After nearly 9 months of therapy, she has bumped up to 2.45 standard deviations below average. The 3rd (Or is it 5th? Crap. I think it's 3rd.) percentile line is 2.0 standard deviations below average. So she's getting much, much closer! Maybe in another few months, she'll actually be on there! She is at least no longer falling off the bottom of the paper, so that's better.
Becca is having a harder time with her daily shots, though. As hard as it is to see her upset, this is probably a good sign, because it (probably) indicates that her sensory integration therapy (OT) is kicking in and she's feeling pain more. Yes, that sounds crazy, but it's a good thing that she can sense pain. After consulting with my friend Bekah, who is a preemie mama and a Child Life Specialist at Vandy, we've started giving Becca a Band-Aid after every shot. The needle is so tiny that 90% of the time she doesn't need one, but she LOVES "bannai," so getting to pick which one she gets (right now it's Elmo or Pooh Bear) and getting to help put it on is a big deal. It not only distracts her, but it also empowers her a little. She doesn't have a choice in getting the shot, but she can choose her Band-Aid!
Are you allowed to move the shot location? If so, let her choose where she wants it as long as it isn't in the same place all the time. Location and band aid gives her a lot of control.
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