Kennedy Krieger

Nathaniel had a follow up appointment with Dr. Leppert and PT therapist Liz on Monday. I must say this was probably our best visit yet! Although Nathaniel screamed and threw a fit when he realized we were in a doctors office he eventually settled down and did great. Dr. Leppert tested Nathaniel's cognitive and fine motor skills and says that he is averaging at the 18 and/or 19 month skill level with a couple skills at 20 months. She was thrilled as was I since they only expect he perform at his adjusted age level of 17 months. He will be 20 months on the 7th so by their scales he is actually ahead.

The main purpose of our visit was for Dr. Leppert and Liz to evaluate his progress with his braces. They were both happy with the way they fit and glad to see Nathaniel balancing on his own and walking behind a walker toy. Other than needing to increase the amount of time he wears them, we are doing everything right. So the bottom line is the only area he is behind in is gross motors skills. Both Dr. Leppert and Liz believe that he should be walking with the braces in the next several months and told me they don't need to see him for six months. I was so happy to receive this news; the longer he goes between visits the better the doctors think he is doing and six months will be the longest we have gone since we started with Kennedy Krieger.

They did take his height, weight and head measurements during our visit and here are the stats:
Weight: 21lbs 6oz - 50th percentile on preemie chart
Height: 30 3/4inches - 30th percentile on preemie chart (this measurement may be off since its the same as his 18 month well visit and he was kicking and screaming while they were trying to take measurements)
Head: 49cm - 80th percentile on preemie chart

It was such a pretty day here yesterday (58 degrees and sunny) so after nap I took Nathaniel outside to swing and check out the agility equipment. He thought the weave poles were pretty neat! It may be a while till we can get back outside to play - it's only supposed to be in the 30s the next few days.