21.1 Pounds!

How do I maintain my cool when Beth is tipping the scales at a mere 21.1 pounds! I took her to Maternal Expressions on Monday after our return from vacation because the sight of her tiny legs is scaring me. I was not pleased by what the scale revealed. Beth has gained over a pound since January so I suppose that is acceptable but I just keep hoping she will surprise me and hit 22 pounds.

I keep getting reassurance from all sources. The kind lady at the maternity store where I weighed her remarked about how tall she seemed and that her skin, hair and eyes are healthy. Two moms at My Gym told me stories of their tiny kids (one 4 year old only weighs 33 pounds). All my friends remind me that at 5 feet tall, I’m not exactly a giant myself.

I think the issue – well two issues, really – is that she is a lousy eater except when she decides to go on a BEEF BINGE. The other is that we mothers of preemies never get over the panic of seeing such tiny babies fighting for their lives. I have read of Holocaust survivors who have eating disorders all their lives. I’m not saying that our ordeal was as horrific as the Holocaust but I can attest to the long-term scars wrought by extremely stressful situations. And when they go on for a long time like a 90-day NICU stay preceded by the horrors we experienced, it is sometimes difficult to find where normal lies.

Each day this week, I have threatened to call our doctor to get his opinion on Beth’s growth. I keep saying to myself that if she eats well today, I won’t call him. Guess what? Beth is eating very well this week so Dr. Arab has been spared my paranoia.

Let’s see what she weighs in two weeks, eh?

Next up... vacation photos from Tahoe. What fun we had!