BIG little guy

Liam had a weight check with the doctor today. Based on how his eating has changed the past few weeks we were suspicious that he must be having a growth spurt. We could tell he was getting bigger but we were not sure how much bigger. We thought he was probably gaining about an ounce a day and we guessed his weight was about 7 pounds now since the last time we were at the doctor he was 5 pounds 13 oz (2637 grams). You can imagine our surprise when they weighed him today and was 8 pounds 4 ounces (3742 grams)!!! This means he put on roughly 3 pounds in 3 weeks!!!

The doctor was thrilled with this weight gain. Liam's original due date was tomorrow. Had he remained in the womb he would have put on an average of a pound a week the past 3 weeks. This means his development remained normal despite his premature birth. His height is now 20.75 inches (55.2 cm). The doctor told us this means Liam is now completely caught up on height and weight with a full term baby born on his due date.

Overall it is still expected that he will be completely caught up developmentally by 12 months, but the doctor says his major systems are now considered to be functioning normally. To put this in perspective, the doctor told us he saw another preemie on Tuesday who was born the same time as Liam (at 33 weeks about 7 weeks ago) and this baby has not been able to put on weight since it left the hospital. We are very lucky that Liam is doing as well as he is!!!

Liam still remains a little yellow in his face and upper body. If this has not cleared up by his 2 month appointment they will need to test his bilirubin levels to make sure everything is OK, but the doctor said he was not too concerned about this.

We are so thankful for all the prayers and support that have allowed Liam to grow and develop so well. What a blessing!!

And, while we are on the topic of weight, I had my 6 week post op visit on Tuesday. I was very thankful to learn that everything has healed properly without complications and I am free to start exercising again. Along with this good news I found out I am 5 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight and I fit back into my pre-pregnancy jeans. It was a good day!!

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We are having a great visit with Mami and Papi (aka Oma and Opa). In addition to lots of fun, good eating, and shopping, we have enjoyed having extra support with the night shift.

Now we are just waiting for Christmas when Onkel Christof meets Liam Christof.