a perfectly normal baby....

We weren't supposed to see the neurologist until August, but they called on Friday and asked if we wanted to come in on Monday. Of course we did! I really have not been very worried about Cannon and the concerns that the NICU doctors had at the follow-up clinic. After talking to his therapists and being repeatedly reassured by them that they didn't think he had anything to be worried about, I was feeling pretty good about the appointment. On the other hand, there is some reassurance from hearing from the specialist that your baby is perfectly fine. And that is exactly what he said. He asked us a lot of questions and he did an evaluation and then he said "My diagnosis is that you have a perfectly normal baby." Even though that diagnosis was expected, it was still great to hear. He said that he did notice the increased tone in his arms but he was sure it was not anything neurological. He said that Cannon is very strong and that, combined with his prematurity, was causing the tightness. He also noted that his slight tremor appears to only be when he is upset and therefore caused by just stress and that he will likely outgrow that at anytime. Eric and I were so thankful to receive such great news yesterday. We are so blessed that even though we have had several of these "scares" with both of our boys, every time the outcome always ends up okay. We are constantly reminded how lucky we are that our boys and so "perfectly normal" for all that they have endured.

Both of his therapists came to visit him today. I was happy to share the news with them so that they would know they were right all along. Both of them just smiled and were happy that our minds were now at ease. They are so impressed with Cannon's progress over the last few weeks. He is doing great with his rolling and has really started to do a lot of weight shifting while on his belly. They have shown me some exercises to encourage belly crawling since they think he is ready for that. In fact, his PT believes that he is just about ready for discharge from her care since he is doing so well. Go Cannon!

In other big Cannon news, he officially has his first tooth poking through on the bottom. He has been especially fussy (and that is saying A LOT!) the past few days. I had a feeling this might finally be the real deal, but of course was not sure. This morning I started to rub his gums and sure enough, I felt the little sharp tooth coming through. I gave him some tylenol but that did not seem to help at all. I also tried some orajel - the jury is still out on that. I will try again tomorrow to see if I notice a difference. I usually don't get emotional about these things, but I was feeling kinda bummed today that his little toothless grin will soon be gone forever. I guess I better get busy taking some pictures before that tooth is noticeable.

Thank-you for all the prayers for our little man. We are so very appreciative and thankful for your support.

XOXO