16th Month Evaluation
Desmond is at 16 months (14 months adjusted) now and it was time to get his High Risk Check-up at the UW Center on Human Development and Disability (CHDD).
This was his 3rd visit to CHDD and I was a little nervous. Well not that I was nervous about what I’m going to find out, but more like, how the heck is Des going to perform well if he hasn’t had his nap yet? The appointment was scheduled in the middle of his nap time and we couldn’t really reschedule it because it’s hard to get all the specialists together at one time.
So for this appointment. It was scheduled for about 5 hours with an hour break in between. We went there with my mom in-law, which I was really happy about because I didn’t think I could do it by myself. Nick is saving up all his vacation days for our trip to Manila (that’s for another post) so I was thankful that I had some help with me.
There were 3 evaluations, Audiology, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics and Psychology. Des passed his hearing and pedia check-up with flying colors. MIL and I had some lunch while Desmond fell asleep in his stroller. I brought his giant stroller to make sure he gets his nap so he’d do really good on his next evaluation. And he did. During the Psychology evaluation we were told all the things we already knew about Des. So pretty much, needs help with gross motor – because he’s not walking yet, and to continue working on his left side, which is the weaker side.
His right hand is doing so good with fine motor so it will take a bit of time for his left hand so catch up. His language skills are appropriate for his age as well as cognitive skills. So all good news! Yay!
Who knows how long we’ll have to do PT and OT with our little guy. I don’t really care how long it takes to get him to where he’s supposed to be. He might not run or walk or dance like everyone else, he’s still our miracle baby. We will keep on believing and praying for him. I know that he will grow up to be a smart man. He will be gracious and he will be a warrior. God has big plans for this boy. I know it. And I am proud to be his mother.
Knowing what I know now about this journey, will I do this again? Yes, over and over and over and over again. I will not change anything that happened to me because this miracle boy is where he should be. In his mommy’s and daddy’s arms.
Hi Tanya, our sons were born around the same time (mine was born at 30 weeks last March). He is at his 18 months (16 months adjusted) now and still not walking. He takes his steps when he’s cruising through toys and gates and walls/etc or when he is assisted but he is still not walking on his own. I am not surprised, since he is late with all of his milestones. And I’m not worried because I can see his progress (slow but consistent). We are not in any early intervention program (not sure if we will be put to one based on our next pedia visit). I can bore you with a lot more details bottom line is, I decided to post a comment coz I can very much relate to your posts. Low weight, late milestones, etc. There was a point when I was always so worried and I was obsessing on every oz gained or lost. But I have learned to relax about it. At some point I told myself I will not let any measurement/test/milestone define my son’s growth. What’s important is he is not getting sick and he is happy (and I thank God for that every day).
One of the best things about this journey is we have learned to appreciate every small progress in our son’s life. The simplest things like the first time he was able to bottle feed, I’m sure that was a big milestone for your soon too. These are things most parents tend to take for granted since it’s so natural. But not so much for premies like our sons.
Keep writing, you are an inspiration!
(BTW, I’m a Pinay too and I’m based in Southern California)
Thanks for leaving a comment Rosherie! I totally get you on appreciating our the small things. The small things for others are such big deals for us! I hope you look into Early Intervention and even ask for it if you can. It does help a lot. Slowly but surely!
I love you Tans!!!! From here to the moon and back… Des’s small victory is a HUGE VICTORY for us too!!!! I love you and cry with you my dear friend and celebrate with you guys.
Mua.
Me