The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Day 84:

Big day today, Boy'O. You had your first appointment with the Developmental Specialist at Arlington Hospital since being discharged on January 2nd. And let me tell you, the news was good! Your Doctor was very pleased with your progress and even how you're advancing to surpass expectations! She talked about your eyes being able to follow objects, how you're visibly soothing yourself, your hands being relaxed (this was new to me also, Son) indicating you're comfortable with your surroundings... Mommy had to explain this one to me, though after she did it made sense... Turns out infants are more likely than not to keep their hands clenched into fists and up around their head and neck giving them a sense of protection as they're unaware of their surroundings and who's handling them. In your case the Doctor noted how your hands are more generally relaxed, not clenched in fists, and even welcoming. All this indicates your growing comfort level as you mature. It seems many babies will do this well into their third month (past full gestational age). But not you! Looks as though the Lion Heart is a chip off the old block(s) in that you're already becoming quite the social butterfly!

The only concern mentioned had to do with the way you tend to favor turning your head to the right. Rather, not being in balance with turning it toward the left. The supposed reason for this has been explained as likely how you would lay in your isolette, constantly facing the right. Looks as though that's carried over. So it's our job to be sure you're focussed on keeping that big ole' noggin' of yours to the left for a bit for both familiarity and to even you out. Not all that daunting a challenge... Certainly not for Conor the Lion Heart. Not for my Conor an croí Lion...

After your appointment Mommy had you out and about and all over NoVA, so by the time you got home, you were spent, Boy'O... Nothing a little nap couldn't fix. And when I came home from work, the picture above is what I saw. That's about as sweet to come home to as anything I can imagine, Son.

Goodnight, Conor. Sleep tight, Buddy. I love you.
-Dad