The Fourth Trimester

Many people say that if our bodies would allow it the gestation period for a baby would be 4 trimesters. They really need that fourth trimester to finish major developments. Many times after those first 12 weeks of the newborns life many changes take place. When they were once fussy they become calmer, they fall into a natural routine, etc.

Well 12 weeks came and went and I wasn't noticing a huge change. Then I remembered that I have to add 6 weeks to that since he was born premature. The fussiness has gotten much better and all of a sudden a few weeks ago he started taking his naps right on schedule and in his crib! As a newborn he slept all the time and wherever, then around a couple months old he fought naps. In order to get him to catch a few zzz's during the day I had to resort to putting him in the swing for naps. It worked every time but I hated getting into that habit. About 3 weeks ago I started just putting him in his crib and he fussed for about 5 min or less and then I checked the monitor and he was sound asleep. This has been going on now for about 3 weeks or so. I thought back to when it started and it was wight about week 18...the end of his fourth trimester!

PT

When we went in for Jackson's 2 month appointment, Dr Bergman pointed out the right side of his head is a little flatter than the left. He prefers this side while sleeping. At his 4 month appointment he commented on it again and referred us to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for a head scan and physical therapy evaluation. Jackson has Torticollis which is basically when one side of the neck muscles is tight. Because of this he prefers not to stretch the left side of his neck. They say that this began in utero when he was likely pushed up against something inside me.

We haven't gone in for the head scan yet but went for our PT evaluation. On a scale of 1 - 5 (5 being the worst) he is a 3. We have a weekly PT appointment to work on his stretching and muscles and we also have stretches we do at home with him everyday. Jackson is supposed to spend much more time on his side or belly and as little time as possible on his back in order to help him strengthen these muscles. He does sleep on his back which they still recommend. The head scan will determine how he is doing and if it is likely his head will round out on its own. If not he will be fitted for a helmet to help do the trick and will have to wear it anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months. Let's hope the PT and stretches work and we won't need a helmet!

Rolling Over

Jackson rolled over all by himself last Friday. He did it twice while I was at my mom's group. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get it on video but hopefully will catch it soon.

Beach Baby

Jackson went on his first beach trip! We went to Flagler Beach for Labor Day weekend. He did fantastic in the car on the drive down. It was about a 7.5 to 8 hr drive and we only stopped twice! He was fussy some but I was able to calm him down fairly quickly.

The weather was great! We normally go every 4th of July weekend and it is so much hotter then. We would get out to the beach around 9:30 or 10am and come back in around 12 and then go back out around 4ish. Jackson spent some time snoozin on the beach, putting his toes in the sand, hanging out in the pool and sitting back in his stroller watching all the action. I think he really enjoyed it and loved having his legs in the ocean. He hung out in the pool some too but his pool float was still a little big for him.

We had such a great time and look forward to many more fun beach trips with him. Sorry for all the pictures - I just had too many I liked :)

Talk, talk, talk

Go Dawgs!!

Go Dawgs!! Jackson hanging out for his first two UGA games.

Almost got it...

While we were at Rising Roll today for lunch, Jackson got a bit fussy. I gave him his pacifier even though he usually just spits it out. He actually kept it in for a bit and then takes it out and attempts to put back in himself.