A trip to the NICU & Stepping Stones

Today we had an appointment at the hospital where the kids were born. They are in a program called Stepping Stones. This program is to follow their development as well as help provide service if needed. All NICU graduates are able to participate in this program. The first time we went was when they were 6 months (corrected age). This visit was their 18 month (corrected age) check-up.
Since Jeremy is working close to the hospital it made sense for him to go to work as normal and meet us there for the appointment, so that means mommy had to be on top of things this morning to get us all dressed, fed, shoe and coats on, & packed in the truck. We actually got out of here only 10 minutes after my planned time. I did not think that was bad considering I had one child unrolling the toilet paper in the bathroom as the other two ran around the kitchen as I tried to clean up breakfast. Pratically a normal morning, just under a time crunch...lol.
It felt strange to be driving to the NICU. Almost felt like I may have forgotten the directions but they were in my head just filed away. Although the kids could have walked in, we did end up carrying them to get there faster. A very different scene compared to our first time coming in with 3 carseats and a diaper bag. Today the schedule is a LOT more flexible than it was the last trip. The kids were able to play with the toys in the waiting area.
The check-ups went well. They were seen by a physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist. They evaluate them at their corrected age. They all were in 19 to 20 month range for thir results, which was good. The neonatologist was happy with their progress as well as the therapists. Alex weighted 25# 2oz, Liz weighed 23# 6oz, and Zach weighed 26#. We have their 21 month appointment with their pediatrician in a few weeks where we will get more accurate weights as these were done fully clothed.
After we were done with check-up we head to the NICU. We were lucky enough to see two of the primary nurses, Judy(Alex's only primary nurse) and Joanne(Liz's primary day nurse). They were very happy to see us as well as some other nurses that help in caring for the kids while we were there. We love seeing them as they were a huge part of the kids lives and ours. Lots of memories came back when I heard alarms going off as well as seeing a little one in an isolette with nothing but a diaper on; just like the kids were when they were born. Lot of memories there that will always be there. We took a few pictures and then headed out as the kids were quite tired. The ride home was uneventful as the kids were all asleep within a few blocks of the hospital.
Love, Jen