Andre's Medical Journey To Date
Diagnosis: At 6 months of gestation, he was diagnosed with Ebstein's Anomaly; by the time he was born, he was diagnosed with Critical Pulmonary Stenosis, Dysplastic Tricuspid Valve , Enlarged Right Atrium.:: May 1st 2008 - Minutes after he was born, he spent 5 days in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU);:: June 18th 2008 - He underwent a heart procedure called Valvuloplasty/Valvoplasty. Spent 4 nights in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU);:: August 4th 2008 - He underwent open-heart surgery called Glenn Shunt. Spent 2 nights in PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit), then 3 nights in recovery unit.
You can read more about Andre's heart story and detailed medical journey on the right hand side of this page, starting from the bottom.
Andre's Current Medical Lifelines
:: Garden City Pediatrics Assoc
:: Floalting Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center
:: Boston Children's Hospital
Next Medical Appointments
:: Cardiologist» February ?? 2010 (took place on December 2nd 2009 as a precautionary measure prior to trip to Australia. Next appointment date: June 2010):: Pediatrician» January 8th 2010 (postponed until we return from Australia)
Andre's Tid Bits
Last update: 10/13/09:: What is Andre's birth date?» May 1st.:: How much does Andre weigh and how tall is he?» 25.2 pounds (as at 04/16/09) and 28 inches» 24.44 pounds (as of 06/05/09) and 30 inches.» 25.12 pounds (as of 07/07/ 09). » 28 pounds and 31 inches (as at 09/18/09)Updates:» The pediatrician wants to see Andre again in July for weight check because he seemed to have lost some weight. This weight loss is to be expected but because of his heart issues, he wants to ensure we are not overlooking anything.» At the appointment on 07/07/09, pediatrician was very happy that Andre gained his weight back, i.e. 25.12 pounds.:: How many teeth does he have now?» In November 2008, 2 came out on the bottom.» In January 2009, another 2 came out on top and 2 on the bottom, all at once!Updates:» In April 2009, another 2 came out on top.» In June 2009, Andre had his first molar on the bottom right. That was painful!!» In July 2009, two new molars came out, the two top right. We were not having a fun time with those!» In October 2009, too many! All his front and bottom teeth came out, a few more molars to go!!TOTAL: too many!:: What does Andre eat and drink?» Wholemilk - 8 ounces - 3 times a day» Vegetables with or without chicken or with brown rice - 3 tablespoons once a day» Fruits - 3 tablespoons once a day» Yogurt - 4 ounces a day» Snacks - American Cheese, Cookie, Rice Puffs» Apple Juice - 4 ounces a dayUpdates as of 10/13/09»WholeMilk - 1 to 2 cups a day diluted with water 50/50;» Vegetables with or without chicken/meat or with brown rice - 4 tablespoons once a day;» Fruits - 3 tablespoons once a day;» Yogurt - 4 ounces a day;» Snacks - American Cheese, Cookie, Rice Puffs, Gerber Snacks;» Apple/Orange Juice Diluted with Juice served throughout the day.» GRAPES - LOVES HIS GRAPES!:: What fruits and vegetables does Andre eat?» It's a mixture of 2-3 different fruits and vegetables alike. They are all home-made based on Gerber suggested menu and pediatrician recommendation.» Fruits are: bananas, apples,pears, strawberries, blueberries, black berries, pineapple» Vegetables are: squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, green beans, corn, carrot, peasUpdates as of 05/01/09He eats small pieces of white bread with cheese, pizza crust, whole banana, meat, any table foods really -- not a fussy little guy so far!:: Does he eat any meats? » He only eats chicken for now.Updates as of 05/01/09» He eats meat as well.:: What are Andre's sleeping habits?» He has one morning nap around 9:30am and afternoon nap around 2:30pm. He is ready for bed at night around 7:30pm and wakes up around 6:30am. He has been sleeping through the night (since the age of 6 months) but the duration of his naps vary between 45 minutes to 1h30 minutes.Updates» As of 05/01/09 He has one morning nap around 9:00am and afternoon nap around 3:00pm. He is ready for bed at night around 8:00pm and wakes up around 7:30am.» As of 06/05/09 Andre is skipping his morning nap, has much between 12pm - 1pm, naps around 3:00pm for 1.5 - 2 hours, then he is ready for bed at between 8:30pm - 9:00pm and wakes up between 8:00am - 9:00am.:: What words can Andre say?» Dadadada (the very first one he ever said)» Babababa» TatatatataUpdates» As of 05/01/09 - Lalalalala» As of 06/03/09 - Mamama (FINALLY!!)» As of 10/13/09 - As per pediatrician's advice, early intervention is set for 10/14/09 because his vocabulary for a 17 months comprises of only consonant sounds, no specific words are articulated yet. He is able to recognize words and point to them but that's how far it goes. He also makes a lot of high and low pitching sounds as if he was having a conversation.:: How many words can Andre relate?» By asking to show the following words, he either reaches for the object or points his eyes towards the person or object.» These words are so far: mamma, dadda, balloons, pretty lights, cat, dog, bird, blanket, rattle, ball, toes, fingers, bib, winnie (the pooh), frog, phone, bananas, monkey, bunny.Updates:» 3/28/09 Andre shows his tongue when asked;» 3/20/09 Andre shows his nose when asked (only to his mommy so far); daddy did sneak in to watch once.» As of 4/2/09, Andre does it all the time with anyone.» 4/12/09 Andre opens and closes his eyes or fingers when asked.» As of 05/01/09, other new words he either reaches for the object or points his eyes towards the person or object - books, truck, bus, cars, juice (his sippy cup), shoes.» As of 05/13/09, other new words he either reaches for the object or points his eyes towards the person or object - truck.» As of 06/05/09, ther new words he either reaches for the object or points his eyes towards the person, object, body parts - Shannon and Ken (next door neighbors), Lynda (heart mom), ears, head, hair, leg.» As of 08/02/09 - other new words he either reaches for the object or points his eyes towards the person or object -heart, tummy, cheek, toes, teeth, mouth, plane, birds, trees, kiss (he gives you his cheek to kiss him).» As of 10/13/09 - we follow Your Baby Can Read program, don't watch the DVDs often but only the cards and books, and so far he knows all the words from Vol 1-4.:: Can Andre roll over/crawl/stand up/walk?Andre can:» roll over on either sides;» put himself on all fours but has not learn to crawl yet but we can tell it is very imminent;» pull himself up to stand up with a little of help. He stands well on this two feet, even does a little dance routine for us.» not walk yet.Updates:» 3/7/09 - Andre finally can pull himself to stand up!» 3/11/09 -It is confirmed - Andre can crawl now!» 5/01/09 - Andre crawls like a champ, stands up using one hand, stands on his own until he realizes it, then falls down again on his behind - his confidence is not quite there yet but he is progressing.» 06/05/09 - Andre is walking like a champ using his Fisher Price walker!» 07/26/09 - Andre is walking all on his own!:: What else can Andre do?He can:» do high five;» gives big hugs by eskimo kisses (nose-to-nose);» play peek-a-boo (his version is "where's Andre") and he puts his head into our hand to cover his eyes or he takes our hand with his hand;» he imitates some the sounds we make, like coughing, and making sound noises through his lips, leaning on one side to another when he is sitting in this booster chair;» do "bye bye" by opening and closing his hand;» laugh a lot when we make funny gestures with our heads;» laugh a lot when his diaper is changed and we use the word "poooooey", signifying to him that it stinks by also pinching our nose while we are at it - it's the funniest thing to watch;» play on his own for a significant amount of timeUpdates:» bring his toys to us when he wants us to play with him; goes to this bedroom to fetch more toys to bring in the living room or kitchen to play.» goes to do what we tell him to reach or do - like bringing the ball, truck which are in another room so that 'mommy' and 'daddy' can play with him.» finally learned to clap his hands, and raise his arms in the haor with the song "If you are happy and you know it, shout hooray"» knows who grandpa and grandma are via Skype. He even give them hugs (hugs the computer monitor), and brings them toys and books.:: What else Andre likes to do?» He loves his books, especially the story about 5 little ducks which has a button to make "quacking sound" which can be pressed when needed throughout the story. He also loves a book with all the animals A - Z and he loves to the turn the pages all by himself. His third favorite book is a touch-and-feel book about a duck, dog, pig, sheep, bunny rabbit, and a cat.» He loves to chill in this Fisher Price bouncer, watching the fishes, and play with the ornaments; when he gets bored, he knows how to bounce himself really hard by pushing on his legs.Updates:» 05/01/09 -Andre no longer uses his bouncer because he was getting too heavy for it. He now has new infant/toddler chair and he is yet to get used to it because he would rather be on the floor playing;» With the warmer weather, Andre loves his walk in the stroller,watching everything that is going on around him;» He also like to play outdoors with his toys.:: What are Andre's Favorite Toys?Andre's favorite toys are:» Fisher Price Jumperoo;» Fisher Price Sing-Along Musical Stage;» Learning Frog Musical Table;» Soccer ball, empty plastic bowl, crinkling-sound book, rattles, Baby Einstein Jaques The Peacock.Updates:» Andre received new toys for his 1st birthday and loves to play with all of them. They are: Fisher Price Interactive Baby Grand Piano, Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Learning Musical Puppy, Tonka Monster Truck (his favorite of them all!).:: Does Andre watch any TV?» The only thing Andre is allowed to watch his Your Baby Can Read DVDs once a day. On very rare occasions, he is allowed to watch Clifford, The Big Red Dog and Curious George.:: Finally, are there anything concerning about Andre's baby skills, after have been through so much in 2008?» Since his open-heart surgery in August 2008, he had to be picked a certain way for a while. Therefore he missed out on a lot of tummy time that were expected at that age. Once he was allowed to have tummy time, he completely hated it. We decided that we will not interfere, and let his little body recuperate by itself.» It was not until the age was 8 months old that he rolled over his tummy to sleep, all by himself. He now has no problems with being on his tummy time which he also does all by himself while playing with his toys.» We are little concerned about the progress he is making in terms of his ability to crawl/standing up/walking; as far as we see, he is really trying, he gets frustrated at times, and for us, that is progress and that is all we can ask for.Updates:» The pediatrician wants to evaluate Andre if he is not walking by the age of 15 months.» Andre is finally working on his own on July 26th! He went to pick up his Monster truck in the kitchen and walked all the way there from the living room. He made it by 5 days before the pediatrician wanted to intervene. Woo hoo!! Now mommy needs to wear her sneakers to keep up with his running feet!» Early intervention is set for 10/14/09 because the pediatrician suspects that he may be falling a little behind and he does not want Andre to be frustrated by it when he reaches 2 years old.
You can read more about Andre on his blog-the link is listed to the left. Please visit his blog and learn more about him!
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