Tummy Time

Kira on left on her tummy. Alana laughing and smiling at her. They are just starting to realize that they have a sister. It is still hit or miss though they mainly pay attention to us and not each other.

Kira on left in the darker pink

Kira and Ellie (Ellie loves tummy time and sometimes runs off with their toys)

Kira

With the girls being 2 months early Jim and I knew that they would need to be evaluated and that they would probably be a little behind. After numerous doctors and physical therapists evaluating them - sure enough they are behind in their gross motor skills and they will need weekly physical therapy. While Jim and I were not surprised by this it was still hard to hear that at 7 months (adjusted to 5 months old) they were only scoring at the 2.5 to 3 month range for their gross motor skills. Gross motor skills include things such as rolling, moving their head from side to side, reaching up, touching their legs, etc.....

We were told to make sure to give them plenty of tummy time to help them build a lot of strength which would help their gross motor skills. Jim and I have been fitting this in at night (most days) and the girls really seem to enjoy tummy time. They do get tired quickly but each night they can go a little longer.

We start physical therapy tomorrow so wish us luck.

A few other quick things to note. The girls had a doctor's appt. on February 10th for their 4th round (out of 5) of Synagis. This is a highly recommended medication for premies in day care to prevent RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). They both have been doing fantastic and they have not missed one day of day care. The day care room has had pink eye, RSV and the stomach bug and our little troopers have remained healthy. RSV is scary because treatment for severe RSV may require oxygen therapy, and sometimes mechanical ventilation. One day they were the only 2 in the entire room because all of the other kids (6 other kids) were all home sick. Kira weighed in at 15 lbs. 9 oz. and Alana 14 lbs. 3 oz.

Lastly even though the girls are identical Jim was noticing tonight that their ears are a little different. It is hard to explain but Alana's top of her ear curls more then Kira's. The family as well as Jim and I have also noticed that their hair line is a little different. Kira's hair is a little thicker as well. This may be due to the fact that when they were very young Alana's hair fell out on the top of her head and then grew in very nicely while Kira's did not really fall out.