Developmental checkup

When leaving NICU at Children's we were told he would be required to do developmental checkups due to his treatment and the small amount of time he had a lack of oxygen to his brain. Today was our first of those appointments. I was really nervous going back to the hospital and to have the doctor look at him. It brought up a lot of sad memories and I was scared he was not developing as he should. On the way there, I saw that Baby Parker had passed. It broke my heart. We were so thankful to being going on a simple checkup while this other family was grieving. It really put our experience into perspective and made me thankful for every second I have spent with Mason.

Side note - on the way to DC we saw two Mustangs racing. They were driving in the opposite direction, towards Annapolis on 50. As they passed us one tried to pass the other. With the high speed and swing, passing maneuver he was doing he lost control and slammed into the guard rail in the median. His car then bounced off the rail and shot across the road, barely missing oncoming traffic. Moral of the story... DON'T STREET RACE! Loosing your car and possibly your life is not worth the "I am faster" bragging rights.

The doctor did a series of "tests" that showed her how Mason was developing. While sitting in our lap she had him grab and hold objects, look at himself in the mirror, and reach for items. She looked for his ability to hold himself and his head up, reach for and hold items, and his alertness to sounds. He hasn't learned how to hold objects for a long time or reach far to get them. He also didn't slam the toys on the table. She said we needed to have more table time with him to help him learn these things and that he should be doing them with ease by 6 months.

She got down on a play mat with him and did a lot of the same tests. She was pleased with his head control and that he could lift his head/torso up off the mat and look around. She said we should give him more tummy time and teach him to reach for toys. He also needs to practice getting himself back to his back, sitting up, and crawling.

I was glad to hear Mason met the normal 5 month age expectations and that no specialist was needed for now. However, I did leave thinking I was not doing enough for Mason's development. I know she talked a lot of "future" stuff but I felt like she expected to see these milestones sooner rather than later. There were a lot of "Don't do this" (no tv, no laying, no toys hanging over him, no walkers, no helping him get things, etc) and "Do more of this" (table time, tummy time, crawling practice, etc). Doug and I try our best to teach him and play with him. Now, with these appointments, I feel like the pressure is on. I don't want Mason to be behind and I don't want to be looked at like a bad Mom. Mason had a great time playing and Mom came home with all the homework and stress.

Our next appointment is at the beginning of February. Is it too early to hire a tutor? :)