Not So Chunky!

Ever since Camden was born at a whopping 3 lbs 5 ounces, I have always been concerned with his weight gain. I don't really know why since he has always shown me that there is nothing to worry about! Ever since he hit about 9 pounds a few months ago, he has never really taken in the average amount of ounces for his weight. He got up to about 20 ounces a day and has been there ever since. He really should be taking around 30. Anyhow, since he has always gained weight fabulously I stopped worrying about it so much. We had our first home visit with the dietitian from ECI last week. The plan was to meet with her once for an evaluation and then probably cross that service off our list. I was looking forward to the visit because I was curious to see how much Camden weighed since it had been a month. Well, he weighed in at 12 lbs 14 oz. That doesn't sound too bad, huh? Exactly a month ago he weighed 12 lbs 9 oz. He has only gained 5 ounces in a month's time. Sigh. I guess it's good that he gained and didn't lose. We did stop the thickening with rice and that took away 70-80 calories per day. The problem is that he still drinks the same amount and now does not get those extra calories. So, now we are fortifying his formula to 22 cal/ounce and trying to offer him at least three more ounces in the day. We also get the dietitian added to our plan now for monthly visits. We have our 6 month check up next week so hopefully he will show some increase in numbers on that scale!

We had a therapy session that same day and Camden seems to be doing really well! His head control is getting much better and he is able to bear weight on his arms while holding his chest and head up. It's great to see progress even if it is baby steps. We are still working on rolling back to front, but I'm in no hurry really (apparently neither is he). If you ask me again in a month I'm sure I'll say something different.

Saturday we attended the 3rd annual B-B Ranch Down syndrome Round Up that is put on by some folks from the DSPNT. This was great because it was in Weatherford and that's actually semi close to us. It was also great because one of my cyber sisters and now close friend was there as well. There were various activities for all the kids like pony rides, a petting zoo, hay rides, and much more. They also served us dinner and it was such a great opportunity to meet new people. I got to talk to a few moms who had babies around Camden's age as well as moms to older kids too. The one thing I remember most is watching several adolescents with Ds sitting at a table together interacting. They were laughing, talking and having such a good time. It really made my heart smile. I know it may sound silly to some, but it really gave me a lot of hope for Camden's future. 

                           Getting ready to go to the Ranch Round Up!

 

 

Oh, the poor chicken!

 

Carter definitely had the most fun!

 

Me and Stephie, and Camden hiding in my pouch.

 

I was thankful for Richard being able to entertain

Carter for the day!

 

We finally got Carter back in his bed! Ever since I went in the hospital back in November, he has always slept with someone. This continued until last week. There was so much going on for three months straight so we never pushed the issue. Then it became a habit. We finally decided we needed some normalcy back, so back in his bed he went. Richard was so kind enough to let me have the job of doing it the first night. The poor boy cried until he fell asleep, but fall asleep he did. Yay!

We have a camping trip and some more dr appts coming up the next couple of weeks. Other than that we are trying find some indoor things to do since it's so stinking hot! It's been over 100 degrees here the last few days and dry as a bone. We got about 6 drops of rain (slight exaggeration, but not much) when those storms came through last week. We are in a major drought and we desperately need rain. Our garden looks pathetic, our stock tanks are drying up, and the wheat crop won't hold on too long without some wetness. Please do your rain dances everyone! 

                      Camden is always happy on his mat!

 

 

                            Such a sweet face!

 

 

Carter helping daddy split wood in this insane heat!