9 month check up...

Today was Stella's 9 month check, and everything looks great. She now weighs 16 lb. and is 26 inches long. The NP said that even though she's a preemie, developmentally she is right on target at 9 months. Stella is a tough little girl, she's not going to let a major heart defect, NEC, or her prematurity set her back. Her little body will keep pushing until she's all the way caught up. Today was also RSV shot day, which she seems to hate more and more each time. Everybody at the Dr.'s office LOVES her! They think she is just the cutest little thing. She was smiling and clapping her hands to all the nurses...she already has them rapped around her finger. The NP suggested that we look into possibly getting her a head molding helmet, it would be strictly for cosmetic purposes. The back of her head is still a little bit flat, nothing major, and she would probably only wear it to bed, and for long naps. We might give it a shot and see how she handles it, if it bugs her too bad, forget it. Next Friday we also have an appointment at PCMC for a cranial ultrasound, to make sure her fontanels aren't closing too fast. Well, I guess this covers everything for today...and for all the other heart friends out there, just know that we are always thinking of you and your families, and hope that you continue to make great progress.

Love-Stefano and Sara

It has been forever since our last post...

Sorry it has been so long since our last post. Life just has a way of getting in the way sometimes. Stella is funnier and more beautiful everyday. She has come a really long way these past couple months and we could not be more proud of her. Our last visit to Primary's to see Stella's Cardiologist was a great visit. He is so pleased with how well she is doing that we don't need to go back for 6 months. She's been having some issues with loose stool that is a direct result of having half her colon removed. We will soon be seeing a Gastroenterologist to help us out with that. She has been getting her monthly RSV vaccine and so far so good. Just a few days ago we were very excited to see our little monkey's first tooth!! She makes us laugh now when she smiles with her one shiny tooth. Her hair is really starting to grow and it is dark like her Daddy's. She was also lucky enough to get his olive skin. Next to Stefano and Stella I glow because of my paleness. She is sitting up on her own lately and really seems to enjoy not laying down all the time. She also stands as long as we are holding her hand. It is astounding to us how she blossomed when she came home from the NBICU. No child has ever talked as much as Monkey. She constantly has something to say, and most the time she is bossing us around. She loves to clap her hands, and her newest trick is clapping her feet. Stella has a smile that lights up the room and warms the soul. Everyday Stefano and I say how lucky we are to have her. She has made our family complete and we literally don't remember life before she came along. Her nine month check up is this Friday and we will update with her weight, length and so on. Thanks to everyone who cares about our beautiful baby girl. You have all been wonderful friends to us.

Love, Sara and Stefano

She can stand on her own!

The girls



She's SO cute!



Stella at work...



Her first tooth




Little video clip of Stella having a blast