Friday, October 21, 2011

NICU Graduates

On Wednesday, Charlie and Lily had their very last NICU clinic appointment at St. Peter's. As always, they met with an occupational therapist, a speech therapist and a physical therapist to be evaluated. I am so proud to say that at not quite 28 months actual, both Charlie and Lily scored ABOVE their actual age in perceptive language and fine motor, somewhere in the 30-32 month range. I get teary just typing that. Two years ago when we left the NICU, Joe and I were fully prepared for Charlie and Lily to be developmentally delayed, even beyond their adjusted age. To say that they have by far exceeded our expectations is an understatement. Today we have two toddlers who talk to us in full sentences (full paragraphs, sometimes!), sing entire songs, can identify every letter of the alphabet, can count to 20, know all their colors and all their shapes (including things like hexagon and octagon), jump, run, dance, who tell us not only what they want for breakfast, but what they want us to have so they can mooch....

I could go on, but now I'm gushing. But anyway, Joe and I feel like the the luckiest parents in the world right about now. And even though we will no longer be visiting St. Peter's for appointments, our hearts will always remain there. Dr. Hiatt will always be our hero, and the wonderful nurses will always be our angels. And we will always be proud, proud parents, no matter what :)

15 comments:

Tracey's Life said...

Thats wonderful news Brooke, but please give yourselves a lot of the credit for all that you do with those beautiful children of yours. You make learning fun for them and you nurture and love them. Your roles make a huge difference.

Heather said...

GREAT NEWS!! Congratulations. :)

carrie said...

That's wonderful!!! Congrats on you little miracles!!!!

Stephanie said...

Wonderful news! You have a lot to be proud of. As a teacher I am always to impressed with all of the lessons and activities you do with your little ones. I think you deserve a lot of credit for their development!

Tiffany said...

Yay Charlie and Lily!! I have been following your blog since about halfway through your pregnancy, and I love reading about your little miracles and their progress! Congratulations!!!

Bec said...

Awesome news! You SHOULD be gushing!

Amy G. said...

You should be so proud! As a teacher I love all the activities you do with them. I believe parents are the first teachers their children have and you are a great teacher and parent!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Pumpkins... Enjoy that lifetime of pride Mommy and Daddy - and always know that they are where they are also because of you. You've done a great job with them so accept an applause for yourselves as well.
All My Love, Auntie :) xoxoxoxo

Lissa said...

Wow!! Haven't read your blog for a while but your kids are doing amazing!! Jen and I was born 12 weeks early but we're forever triplets, Emily died at 5 months old.

JoLynn said...

Big congratulations!

Anonymous said...

How wonderful. You should be so very proud and happy.

#1SAHM said...

congrats!

Lucy M said...

You're not the only teary one. :) I'm glad that Charlie & Lily are doing so well.

Lisa said...

congratulations Charlie and Lily!!!

Anonymous said...

long time reader here (started following your blog with DH & I started TTC ~3 yrs ago - not a regular commenter though). i just wanted to add that part of that exceptional score is because of YOU! you are such a great mother and have the opportunity/luxury to spend your days with your beautiful babies instead of dropping them at some generic day care. YOU go above and beyond with your activity planning and exposing the kids to all kinds of learning opportunities. keep it up! wouldn't be surprised to seem them graduate HS a couple years early. Here's to you and your rock star babies! So happy for your family. <3 - Sarah W. (Maryland)