MAXIMO

Lately, we've just been enjoying being home and all Maximo has had to endure is physical therapy (and we don't even need to leave the house for it). Before our trip to Argentina, he has a few appointments, but for now it's muy tranquilo.
We think (hope) that therapy is beneficial to Maximo, but it also shows you all the things he isn't doing (which stresses us out). It is very normal for preemies to have developmental delays and to "hold on" to their newborn reflexes longer. Yesterday's therapy was one of those days when it just felt like he'd never progress. Part of it is that I can't imagine him walking, talking or even crawling (though he will). So yesterday the therapist worked on his neck strength by putting him on his belly on the table and on the exercise ball. She's also rolling him a lot, getting him used to feeling that movement and using his side muscles to change positions. He's also hanging on to his newborn clenched fists, so she's trying to put rattles and toys in his hands to loosen his steel traps. When she left, she said that we need to put him on his belly as much as possible and he's being carried too much. (Okay, this is when defensive Mama Bear comes out.) Okay, we definitely wants what's best for Maximo and his development, but days full of "workouts" can't be that enjoyable. It's like between eating and sleeping for us, we ride a stationary bike. He actually does pretty well on his belly for about 15-20 minutes, if he's full and has slept well. But, he does get tired and then he gets wound up. We want him to feel loved and trust us. As far as holding him too much - he definitely needs to be cuddled too - what we believed helped him get so strong and leave the NICU at a mere 5 pounds was lots of love and touch with the kangaroo care. So, we're trying to find a balance between cuddles and tummy time. My mind is in constant motion wanting to do what's best; I guess this is what parenting is all about. I just wish I didn't have to think so much!