Help Me Grow

While Mia and Ava were still in the NICU, a representative from Help Me Grow stopped by our room to share some information about their program.  Since preemies may be at risk for developmental and physical delays, Help Me Grow provides health and developmental services to these children.  Although we were confident that our girls would be just fine, I was willing to give the program a try.  My goal is to be completely honest while writing this blog (the good, the bad, the ugly) so I have to admit that accepting "help" from a government agency was a little difficult.  In my mind, we were perfectly fit parents, more than capable of raising smart, healthy children on our own.  Then, I got over myself.  We are not above anyone or anything. 

As a result, Help Me Grow has been a great addition to our lives.  The process started slowly with paperwork and evaluations.  After a few months, we began regular visits with our social worker and intervention specialist.  What everyone quickly realized was that our girls were absolutely fine.  Most families are seen every other week.  Our visits happen every other month.  I often question whether or not we should continue with the program.  The main reason for sticking with it became Ava's thumb.  If needed, being a part of Help Me Grow would give us access to in-home occupational therapy.  It doesn't look like that will be necessary, but I think we'll stick with the program, anyway. 

I like hearing that the girls are doing well.  I enjoy interacting with the ladies when they come for their visit.  I appreciate their knowledge and insight.  During their last visit, they watched in awe as Mia and Ava both built towers with their blocks and brought me book after book to read.  Apparently, building 3+ block towers is a skill usually reached between 16 and 18 months.  My girls are only expected to be reaching 12 month milestones, since that's how old they should be.  I try really hard not to brag about my children (I don't find it particularly appealing when parents think their child is the smartest, cutest, etc).  Anyway, I'm making an exception this time.  I love that my girls are outperforming expectations.  I love when they crawl to me with a book in hand (okay, after about the 20th time in a few hours, I do secretly wish they'd find something else to do).  I love that I feel a tiny sense of accomplishment when they learn something new.

Like I've said before, I have one shot at this parenting thing.  It's important to me that I do my best everyday.  Sometimes, my best is putting on Sesame Street so I can shower.  Sometimes, it's leaving the girls with family for a couple of hours so Mate and I can have an uninterrupted conversation or just a conversation that doesn't involve the word poop, for that matter.  Regardless, we are trying to do our best for these little girls and I appreciate anyone who wants to help.

Homemade play-doh

Mia

Ava

Working on our motor-development