Seven Months Today

Greetings everyone.

Today, Xavier is seven months old! Thinking back to May is like thinking back years. He celebrated by having a growth and weight checkup as well as getting his second RSV shot.

One of the things denied preemies is a full dosage of Mom's antibodies. Because of their early entry into the world, many antibodies are not transmitted to the baby. This is one of the reasons preemies need to be managed differently than term babies, and it's a primary reason for limiting their contact with other people, children especially.

The RSV shot is actually an injection of antibodies for the respiratory syncytial virus. This is why Xavier needs one every month, to replenish the antibodies. He has four more to go until the RSV season officially ends. Costing $200 a poke (insurance picks up a significant amount, PTL!), it is much better than dealing with a full-blown infection, which can be deadly or severely crippling.

Here are his stats:

• Weight: 10 pounds 3.6 ounces, an increase of 8.6 (more than half a pound) in 10 days!
• Length: 22.75 inches. That is .75 inches since his last measurement on the 2^nd

This is impressive growth, and this past week he has been sucking down the formula to feed that growth! #3 nipples and a ravenous little boy means going back to bed sooner after his post midnight feeding. Lately, Xavier is going longer between his nighttime feedings, averaging two between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

It's not just the increased amounts he is eating, but Xavier is burning through clothing sizes as well. We are collecting a nice stack of clothes which no longer fit him. So many of you gifted him with clothes, for which we are thankful. We figure he has outfits through his first birthday, but his current growth curve may blow that estimate.

Since he was so growth-restricted in the womb, I wonder if this is his way of catching up!

Thank you all. Your prayers and support are evident every day. Great is our God and Father, Who always leads us in triumph in Christ Jesus!