One Year Update

It's been one year, and while Bella has been slow to grow and develop, there are a few things that she has accomplished.

Weight

at birth -

5 lbs 0 oz

Weight at 1 year - 15lbs 8 oz

Height at birth - 18 inches

Height at 1 year - 26.5 inches

We are still struggling to get Bella to hold her head up, she tends to prefer to just let her chin rest on her body and look around. She will roll from side to side, while on the floor. And occasionally she has rolled from her stomach to her back, and from her back to her stomach. She still does not like to push up with her arms, and also doesn't like to take any weight onto her legs (i.e. standing). She also doesn't do well sitting, although I think that has more to do with her not holding her head up. Meaning her head starts leaning, and the whole body just goes with it. Although she has gained more of a personality. She definitely has a social smile, and has a very adorable deep laugh.

A couple weeks ago we were fitted for a kidkart, basically a fancy stroller that acts like a wheelchair. It will better position her for feeding, and playing. We are still waiting for approval from the insurance company to see if we will get one. Now we are just basically waiting for her cleft palate surgery that will happen in December. I have a feeling that no matter what skills she learns between now and then, we will be starting all over once she starts recovering from the surgery. We also were a little frustrated with our pediatrician during her 1 year checkup. Our pediatrician is still worried about her weight gain, and wants us to look into using a feeding tube. Personally I think that's ridiculous since she eats fine. And plus there are children similar to Bella who at 2 years only weigh 16 lbs, so since she is already there at 1 year, I think she is doing great. I think transitioning to foods will be a whole other story, but we don't plan on tackling that feat until after the surgery. And besides, at 1 year we still have no teeth.