Number 2 pencils please.

As preemies, we are closely followed by the team at the Infant Special Care Follow-Up Clinic. Because of their rough starts, preemies are at risk for developmental delays. The team tries to follow all of the at risk babies that graduate from the Infant Special Care Center (NICU). We've had several follow-up appointments in the last two years and they always fill us with a mix of anxiety, worry and apprehension. And really, we shouldn't feel so up tight about the whole thing. I tell Scott that all the time.

The developmental follow up has us taking a standardized test, called the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. If you don't know how I feel about standardized tests, I hate them. I hate them in our public schools. I really hate them when they are used on my babies to determine if they are 'normal'* or not.

One of the big problems with a test like this, done on babies and toddlers is, they are in a clinical setting, with strange people and if they are like Evan, they are afraid of situations like this. (they usually end with painful shots or tests)

During the test, the child is given "tasks" to perform, from the simple to the more complex. As they get something "right" they move on, if they fail to perform five tasks in a row the test is finished. The tasks range from stacking blocks, or putting blocks into a cup to following two step directions (get the ball and give it to daddy), or completing a simple puzzle. They also have to point to pictures of objects or actions with a verbal cue. It's hard work, and it can be very frustrating for the child. They just want to play with that puzzle, or the doll. "Why are you giving it to me and then taking it AWAYYYYY!!!" Plus if you are a twin, you've either been sitting in the waiting room for an hour and a half before you can start the test, or you'll have to wait for your brother to finish!

It's excruciating for the parents too, because they will ask your child to do something, or point to something, that they CLEARLY KNOW. AT HOME. and they will NOT point to it, say it, or do it, no matter how many times the really nice lady asks them.

All that being said...Ryan and Evan are doing REALLY, REALLY WELL!!!!! Cognitive scores place them at 22 months (they are 22 months!!!!!) Language scores have Ryan at 20 months and Evan at 19 months (we all know that Evan's language is much more developed than Ryan, he just refused to do the tasks on the test) Gross and Fine Motor scores have Ryan at 21 months, and Evan did not complete his test, but what he did had him at 18 months.

This is all really great news, we still adjust their age for tests like this to 19 months, but they are really close to not needing it! They are REALLY close to being caught up to 'normal' 22 month olds!

I think Scott and I have finally stopped holding our breath. We still have so many challenges ahead, (getting Evan to chew and swallow) but it is SO encouraging to see, that even when not at their bests, our boys are doing so well.

*I don't buy into the whole 'normal" label. I think every person can have something to offer, something to contribute. With what my boys went through just to be alive? 'normal' is a bonus. What I do worry about is how the boys lives will be. Like any parent I want them to be happy and healthy. In our society, 'normal' might get you less teasing on the playgrounds, it might make it easier for you to enjoy a productive life. That's all I really want for these boys, happy, healthy and productive lives.