Story Time at the Zoo

I think the dogs are starting to get into Charlotte a little more. They come into her room once in awhile for story time and to lick her head. One thing that I thought was kind of interesting is that yesterday when we brought Charlotte out into the family room for a change of scenery (on portable O2, of course), Bart was snarling at Amy everytime she would get near Charlotte. But if they're both in Charlotte's room Bart doesn't care what Amy does. Any suggestions on this one? Do I just let them sort it out, or do I reprimand everytime I see a snarl? I have to take Bart into the vet soon, so I'll ask then, but maybe one of you's has some valuable (i.e. free) advice.

Things have been going pretty smoothly around here. We finally finished with that supply of breast milk, so the freezer in the garage is now freed up for ice cream and chicken when it's on sale. Charlotte's reflux seems to have gotten better since we've switched to a strictly formula diet. She's a much happier baby and is even back to sleeping in her crib sans car seat or bouncy seat. Maybe it was that Mexican food phase I went through for awhile?

Medical Update - We went to see the Ophthalmologist last Monday and he said we didn't have to come back for 3 weeks! Yahoo!! Her eyes are looking better and now he just wants to check them a few more times. I'm pretty positive we've dodged that bullet.

Last Tuesday we went to the Neo-natal follow-up clinic, which is run by various members of the NICU staff as a way of checking up on the progress of the NICU babies once they're discharged. There was talk of starting to wean her off her O2 and maybe taking it down a notch this week. If they do decide to go that route I will be curious to see how she does. She's currently on a flow of 1/4 liter of O2. The next step down is 1/8, then 1/16 and the smallest is 1/32.

The final appt last week was with the Otorhinolaryngologist ("ENT") on Friday. They ran several tests on her ears and we really didn't find out too much information. The doctor doesn't think she has fluid in her ears anymore, but she still didn't pass the hearing tests. She is scheduled to go back in the middle of March for an extensive 2 hour test that will see which tones she can hear and which she can't. I'm hoping that test will give us a more definitive answer as to what direction we need to take.

Later this week we have a team of specialists (speech, audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, developmental therapy) coming out to the house from the Early Intervention program to determine if she needs any therapy at this stage. I'm interested to hear what they have to say. If they think she needs anything they will arrange for specialists to come to our house and work with Charlotte. That would be brilliant!

See that pic up above of me and Peanut? I just want to point out to you that in the background is my favorite item in her room - Bongo the dirty laundry hamper. He is awesome and I never tire of throwing dirty clothes in his mouth. I think everyone should have one.