BA's Corner: Our Medical Marvel

Leah,

I can already tell you’re a leader. Doctors have doubted you – you were smaller than they wanted you to be all along. But you have proven all of them wrong. You are so strong….kicking up a storm, moving your head all around, waving your arms around and shaking your fists like you have something to prove.

When you were 2.5 days old, we took you to the pediatrician for the first time. We said you were rolling around and were concerned about your sleeping arrangement. He said we shouldn’t worry because you can’t roll that much yet. We laid you on the table on your back, and you rolled immediately onto your left side. He paused and said, “Woah, I’ve never seen that at this age.” We said, “See…I told you.”

At that same appointment, the doctor gave you a Hepatitis B shot in the leg. We all braced for the screaming, and your mom couldn’t even watch. After the doctor finished, he said, “She’s going to hate me now.” You began crying, so I scooped you up into my arms. Then you gave 2 shouts, put your head on my shoulder, and immediately stopped crying. The doctor stopped in his tracks and said, “Wow.”

Doctors were concerned with your weight after the first day. You were put on an every 2-hour feeding schedule, 24 hours a day during the first weekend. The goal was to get you back to 5 lbs. 10 oz. by Monday morning. You hit 5 lbs. 12 oz. You weren’t supposed to be at your birth weight until 2 weeks old. On Wednesday (1 week and 1.5 days), you were 6 lbs 1 oz. The doctor said we didn't need to come back for a while.

Also at this appointment (1 week and 1.5 days), we had the doctor check your umbilical cord stump. He said they don’t fall off for several weeks. Then he looked at yours and said “Oh, this is coming off in the next few days.” It came off that night.

You are also courageous. You are willing to be the first child for your mom and me. You patiently wait while we learn by trial and error, and you forgive us when we make mistakes. Thank you for paving the way.

Welcome to the world, little one. We are so excited that you’re here, and that you are ours.

Love,
Dad