My Premie

Thanks ladies I really needed that advice!!! But yes she's a piece of work but I love to death I see so much of her dad in her it scares me at times

They always get their front teeth first (top & bottom). If I remember correctly the rest start filling in shortly there after.

As for question number two...take a deep breath mama. She heading into the terrible twos. (Which is a misnomer because it lasts way longer than age two and starts before they hit two!) In my experience, girls hit their "terrible twos" around 18 months and grow out of them around 3 and a few months. And then they hit them again around 11...oh wait, that's the teen angst.

It'll be ok. I know she's your first and you're afraid something is wrong with her, but honestly, it's probably just the terrible twos. If her pediatrician doesn't think there's anything wrong, than don't worry.

*hugs*

Years and years ago, long before I became a mom, I met a mom whose daughter had been born at 20-some weeks. She (daughter, not mom) was one of a set of triplets, but the only one who survived. The way the mom described it, "Katie is a fighter. She had to fight to survive, and she hasn't stopped fighting since." You might just have a little fighter too.

If so, breathe deeply and relax. She'll be fine, she'll take the world by storm. She's just at the stage where she knows what she wants, but she can't articulate it yet. As she learns to speak and express herself, she may have an easier time.

Wow, 23 weeks! I am so glad your story has a happy ending.

As for the teeth, it can really vary when they come in. It's normal to get the front ones first. If you adjust her age, she's right on target.

I think she's too young to really have add. Sounds to me like she is a pretty normal toddler! Throwing fits, refusing to do what you want...sadly, that's par for the course at this age!

Do you have a developmental pediatrician? That would help you understand her development, and how it differs from a full term baby.

Regarding her behavior, you need to learn how to manage a toddler. Talk to your doctor and ask where you can go to help you deal with this. Since you don't have other children, you haven't done it before. All of us have been first time moms, but if you think that part of this is because she was a premie, then you need some help.

Good luck!
Dawn

You know what? the two questions MIGHT be related... those side and back teeth seem to be more painful to come in... maybe she's teething!

Either way, she's totally normal on both questions and even if she were ADD (WAAAY to young to tell), ummm... that won't change anything. I have some ADD kids, and I have adult ADD. You just live with it! (no medication- it only numbs them emotionally and takes away their spunk, ADD isn't "fixable")

LOL, I think that is pretty normal for 18 months. She has realized she is an independent person and now she wants to be in charge too! I also know there is a huge connection between being born premature and having ADD/ADHD. Odds are pretty high that she will have it. I think its too early to know for sure though because the same type of behaviour that is typical for ADHD is also just typical for a toddler. It will probably be a while yet until she can be tested. Your pediatrician should be able to give insight to when it makes sense to do some testing. For now, just make sure you are not adding to the problem by setting rules and being consistant about inforcing them! Kids figure it out FAST if you dont mean what you say, and they will throw tantrums to get their way if they think it might work.

Actually, she sounds perfect! She doesn't have ADD-she has a joy for life-don't stifle it! As she gets older, you will gently be able to redirect her behavior and modify it with patience and kindness. Please kiss her for me!