Early Intervention Re-evaluation

It was the same OT that evaluated her at 2 months old. She said she was shocked that the RC (regional center) denied services even though she recommended 2x a month until DD was 6 months old. She said they usually approve everything with preemies and have at times approved services when she recommended against it. Basically she feels as though Hailey's case was overlooked and fell through the cracks.

I was pissed. I didn't show it to her because it's not her fault. If at the end of the evaluation if she said she would still recommend services I would be bitching out the RC until my face turned blue.

The OT said she doesn't see anything from the evaluation that makes her think she would need services and seems right on track. Not everything to 9 months old but definitely 8 months old. Although she would have to input all the info and see where she falls and then would know for sure where she stood.

This makes me happy, of course, she's not too far off from her actual age and the OT gave me some pointers on how to work with her on the things I was concerned about. OT was happy Hailey is catching up to her actual age so quickly (her adjusted age is about 7.5 months). I will have her full report in a week.

I am glad I called. Puts my mind at ease even though I am still pissed at the RC. She could be farther along then where she is if she would have gotten the services the OT recommended. I was ready to appeal their decision too but my pedi recommended to wait until she was 6 months old and then appeal if I still felt the same way. Now I wish I just would have appealed anyway. But I am glad Hailey is doing so well!

Hailey is 4 months old!

I cannot believe Hailey is 4 months old! It doesn't feel like 4 months ago when she decided to pop into our world 7 weeks early!

Hailey is experiencing her first cold. It's actually not to bad and I think it's starting to get better. I tried to get some happy photos of her today but she's not feeling 100%. My poor baby!

Christmas is almost here! Hailey loves to look at Christmas lights! They always catch her attention. She is also really enjoying the swing and absolutely LOVES her play mat. She's such a happy baby on that mat!

She has her 4 month appointment a week from Tuesday. I am hoping she is growing and progressing normally! I plan to appeal the Early Intervention denial and am currently working on that.

I am back at work (Boo!) and Hailey spends two days a week with her Nana & Papa (my dad & stepmother, Diane) and one day a week with Grandma Wiesman. On the weekends it's daddy time and she's with me the other 2 weekdays. I work weekends now! Yipee. But it prevents us from having to put her in daycare. She seems to be handling this new transition well!

I had to make fun of myself for these silly sign pictures!! haha

I wanted to show a great example of how much Hailey has grown! The first picture below was taken shortly after Hailey came home. She is 1 month old and probably weighs around 7-8 pounds. This was the first time she experienced the swing. The second picture was taken today and she is roughly around 12 pounds! Such a growing girl!

One month old


4 months old


And another adorable picture of Hailey where in the midst of chomping on her hand, she has found her thumb!!

Early Intervention: DENIED!

I got a letter from the Regional Center today. Early Intervention services were denied because Hailey is functioning at an age appropriate level. She is not considered a high risk infant because she shows no signs of developmental delays.

This is great right? Then why was I slightly disappointed? Don't get me wrong, I am beyond excited that she is functioning at an age appropriate level and shows no signs of developmental delays! But I was comfortable with the OT coming on a regular basis to ensure she is STILL progressing the way she should. I am surprised that after ONE evaluation that they have made this decision.

BUT this IS good news so I am going to take it as that and trust my pedi to pick up on any delays she may be having, if any! So Hooray for a denial!

Early Intervention

Since Hailey was released I have been in contact with the regional center in my area regarding Occupational Therapy (OT). An OT worked with her in the NICU with her eating but now she will be evaluated with her reflexes and other development.

The OT came by today for the first time. She tested various reflexes in Hailey. She said Hailey did well and had all of them except for one. The one she didn't have she did in the NICU before she was released but that's ok. Hailey was upset because she was rudely awaken from a nap and stripped of her clothes and then tested. She wasn't a happy camper by any means! She fussed through the entire thing. Poor girl!

The OT recommended someone come out 1-2x a month for the next 6 months to make sure she stays on track. Of course I am ok with this. I actually worked with a few OTs in my behavioral therapy days so I am comfortable and understand what OT is about!