Well Checks

Friday I took both boys to the doctor for their well checks.  Most people laughed at me when I said I was taking both of them, but it actually was not as bad as it could've been.  Don't get me wrong, I was apprehensive too and really if you think about it, this'll be the last time I will take both, because it just so happened that Ezra was 8 weeks old on Gage's 3rd birthday.  The appointment schedule won't line up after that.  We were there forever, however and I'm very proud of my big bad 3 year old for hanging in there through both appointments and Ezra's shots. 

Ezra at 2 months seems exactly like Gage, as far as size.  Everyone has been telling me he's such a big boy but he actually weighs almost exactly what Gage did, 12lbs. 11oz- this puts him in the 75 percentile.  See where that got us with Gage, ha.  Ezra is actually much shorter than Gage, measuring 22.5 inches.  Gage was 24ins.  Although all of us Moms know that measuring length is almost a big  fat joke when you watch them do it.  The nurse even made the comment- he's so wiggly, I'm not sure this is right.  In any case, Ezra checked out good.  We talked a little about his sleeping habits, his lack of routine, she cheked his hydrocell and his head.  We got a referral for an ENT that speaking of, I really need to call and she checked his tracking, head control, etc.  All in all, a pretty standard appointment being that Ezra has already decided he's our high maintenance baby.  Ezra did get 3 shots, plus an oral vaccine and did pretty well.  Of course he screamed but settled down way quicker than I remember Gage doing so.

Gage at 3 years is of course still the smallest kid around.  He weighed more than we thought however, weighing in at 26lbs!  ha...notice how this is only sightly more than twice his 2 month old brothers weight.  That's right, he has only doubled his weight since he was 2 months old.  That sounds crazy!  He isn't even quite 3 feet yet so as you know, we will have a permanent peanut it seems at this age.  Luke still wants to pretend he's going to be taller than him, but you never know.  We talked about potty training with Gage, which is mastered!  woohoo!  We talked a little about discipline and how he doesn't love his little brother.  We talked a little about sleep but Gage seems to get enough.  I really didn't have too many concerns with him since he's in general become a better eater in the last six months and seems to be great developmentally.  I have a feeling that something will pop up in the next year I'll want to call her about, but at this point, I'll take a healthy, although skinny, little boy.

After the hour plus long appointment we even went out to lunch and Gage was on his best behavior.  He is becoming such a little man it shocks me sometimes!

Today I am thankful for 2 healthy little men and although it's sometimes crazy in this house, I know it's all worth it and I can't wait to continue to watch them grow.

Yesterday I was thankful for all the people (30+) that came out to celebrate our little boy's birthday yesterday at the bounce house.  It was definitely a hit and complete chaos but everyone seemed to have fun.  Gage got far too many presents that we don't have room for, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

Day 17:  Although I love spending time with my children each and every day, I am also thankful for the wonderful (yet expensive) daycare that we've found for them.  It makes days like these (when Gage pitches fits ALL day and is super naughty) a little easier.  Plus because he is such a sponge, he learns SO much on a daily basis that I couldn't possibly teach him from home.  He loves his school and we hope Ezra feels the same in a few months.

2 Week Well Check

Today was Ezra's 2 week well check.  Things went as good as to be expected, he just seems already to be our high maitenance kid.  I'm pretty sure there was nothing to report at Gage's 2 week check up.  I know he had gained 1lb. and 9 oz. at 2 weeks and 3 days.  Ezra now weighs in at 8lbs. 8oz., a 1lb. 2 oz gain in 2 weeks.  Seems to be pretty consistent.  Both of my kids like(d) to eat and both of them were well fed at this point.  In fact, if you remember, I was feeding Gage too much, because I was an overproducer and today the Dr. told me I was feeding Ezra too often and to give him a Nuk instead.  She said we had to find some way of holding him off between feedings.  I do think he was in the middle of a growth spurt these last few days so I was pretty easy on him....but maybe introducing him to Mr. Nuk will change things.  I  like how almost 3 years later, Gage still has one....grrrr..

Anyway, even though Ezra is perfectly healthy, there are a few things that need to be followed up on in the next year or so, so I thought I'd write them down as not to forget to ask at the next appt.  By the way, they did no length measurement or head circumference, so I'm a little disappointed in not knowing all his stats.  Anyway, Ezra was born with a skin tag on his ear (sometimes indicative of a hearing and/or kidney problem). At this point, we think both are working fine, but we do have to follow up with a renal ultrasound in a few months and a hearing test between 6-12 months.  We also have to follow up with a pediatric ENT in a few months to see if they'll want to remove the skin tag or let it be.  We already know we won't get it removed if he has to be under general anesthesia; however, if they can do it locally, we might consider it.  Apparently, there is some magic window we have to get it done in before they will consider doing it w/o general.  Also, Ezra has already decided he has a favorite side to sleep on and constantly rolls to his right side when we put him down.  We have to be careful and make sure to switch him over to his left side every other time we put him down so he won't acquire torticollis or get a misshapen head!

Lastly, Ezra has some kind of fluid filled sac down south we have to keep an eye on to make sure it doesn't turn into a hernia.  Again, the doctor said not to worry about it and they'll check it again at 2 months.  Unfortunately it doesn't seem like they can do much for Ezra since he's so uncomfortable after feedings.  Gage had the same problem and we ended up with reflux medicine but they don't think E has the same thing.  Maybe because he's not actually spitting up (by the way guys, if I can have a baby that doesn't spit up EVERY feeding, I don't know what I'll do) or because they have changed the way they diagnose it, but they don't feel he has reflux and instead they think it's just gas and will go away in a couple of months.  That's all fine and good, but I HATE to see him in pain after eating.  As I said before, we are going to introduce the Nuk and I'm going to start pumping to build my freezer supply and because it's such awesome weather, I plan on taking Ezra for a walk tomorrow and yay!  I'm free to drive! This time, cabin fever has been killing me!  I think that's it for now. 

When I take him back for his 2 month appt, Gage will be going to his 3 year appt....should be fun times for all.  Part of me wanted to take them in seperately because it would be easier, but really, why should I drive to the dr's twice in one week if I don't have to?  Plus, I'm now the mama of 2, so I better get used to having both of them in tow!  AND Gage doesn't have to get any shots (he just had his flu shot last week) so we should be good to go.

Here is my sweet boy at 2 weeks, can you tell he's plumped up some?

First Weight Check

Ezra came home from the hospital with a little jaundice. The doctors didn't seem overly concerned but sent us in to see the pediatrician on Saturday anyway, just to make sure no further testing needed to be done.  When we left the hospital, he seemed to be a little behind on the elimination front.  I fed him constantly, but maybe because my  milk wasn't fully in, he wasn't peeing as much as he should've been.  Regardless, things have changed quite a bit since we've been home and he's now peeing/pooping like a breastfed champ.  Also peeing on himself, but that's another whole issue.

In any case, Saturday, they determined there was no additional testing needed, but to bring him back this week for a weight check just to be sure he was getting the nutrition that he needed.  Since Saturday it has been obvious that my milk has come in and that he is getting lots of it.  As much as he wants to be fed, if he wasn't gaining weight, something was seriously wrong.  Today at his weigh in, I was hoping for him to be back to his birth weight, although they give breastfed babies up to 2 weeks.  (Gage was back at his birth weight at his 4 day checkup, so we were hoping for the same success with Ezra.)  We were so proud that Ezra weighed in today 14 ounces! more than Sat.  He has gained almost a pound in 5 days.  He is now 7lbs. 12 oz. and as healthy as can be.  Wonder if he'll be an 8lb baby by his 2 week check up!  Gage was 9lbs. at a little over 2 weeks....crazy he's such a peanut now!

18 month well check

Yesterday I took my little munchkin (literally) to the doc for his year and a half checkup.  I was a little nervous when making my question list b/c we won't visit again for a well check for 6 MORE MONTHS!  What?  You mean,  I have to figure out this terrible two's thing on my own??  Oh Lord...we'll see how that goes.  Anyway, the appointment went much better than the last when he got the dreaded MMR vaccine.  In any case, I didn't have too many concerns this time, so maybe that's why.  I did remember a few things after I left that I might email about.  Without further ado, Gage's 18 month stats are:

21lbs. 5oz. (5th %ile)
31 ins. (10th %ile)
head circumference in the 50th %ile!  woo hoo!

So yes, Gage is small and that's fine with us....what I am not fine with is the 12 mo. summer clothes that I bought him about a mo. ago that he can barely fit in now.  Somehow his belly and legs are growing exponentially.  We thought we had found a good fit in 12-18 mo. clothes from Old Navy and now realize we might be going back to 18 mo. Carters/Target....which is ok, b/c it's on the cheaper end. 

Anyway, we discussed discipline a bit, the way he walks (bowlegged), his diet, getting rid of the Nuk, when to go to a toddler bed, etc.  Nothing out of the ordinary and she seemed pleased with him overall.  I'm a little nervous not getting advice from her for the next 6 months, but luckily she's available by email, so I'll try to limit it to only one 21 month email!  ha.  So our little man is doing fine and learning new things every day!  All in all, a 'well' check up this time...........if you don't count breaking down on the way home and having to pay $500 for a new alternator.....

15 month well check up (a week late)

I mentioned in my post over the weekend that we had our 15 month well check up last week.  'Well' is a relative word, it seems.  I didn't think it went 'well' at all.  I'm pretty sure that Gage didn't think it went 'well' either.  Anyway, the doctor wasn't too concerned that Gage didn't walk yet.  She said at this point, he just had to be standing....so check that off.  Although, I do feel like he should be walking, since EVERYONE else his age is and his moving up to the toddler room in 2 weeks depends on it.  Oh well, no stress for now...alot can change in 2 weeks.

Of course going into the appointment I was pretty proud of my 'I-have-30-words' 15 month old.  I mean, he isn't walking, so I gotta be proud of something, right?  I was going to be proud that he knew 5-6 body parts and that he repeats just about everything we say.....but then, the dr. didn't even ask, didn't even care that he could say anything, other than Mommy and Daddy.  Which, as you all know, he doesn't say Mommy.  29 other things, but not Mommy....well he says 'Bobby' when he sees a picture of me, but does not call me by name or call for me....ever.  Boy, did that take the wind out of my sails!

On to the stats....Every time we go, Gage get this little sticker that says "I've Grown..." and I've saved them all in the front of his baby book.  He got one this time; however, it's a little funny, b/c he hadn't actually grown...at all, in fact, he lost weight.  At 15 months, Gage weighs 20 lbs., 5 oz., and is 29 3/4 ins. tall.  Officially teeny!  I was super concerned b/c he hadn't gained anything, but b/c he's so short too, the dr. explained that he's proportional and that unless I want a fat kid, it's ok that he hasn't gained weight.  She said he was probably following in his Daddy's footsteps and would most likely be short and small for good. 

The part that didn't go so 'well' was the shots!  As I think most people would agree the MMR shot is the DEVIL!  My poor child was sick for 3 days w/ a fever and just feeling like general crap.  It sucked.  I had NO idea it was going to be that bad.  He hadn't reacted to any of his other shots like that.  And silly me, got it confused with the DTaP vaccine and thought it was a series he had already had one of.  I won't be blindsided again.  I can't believe I hadn't heard from anyone else how bad it was. And to think that some kids get it at a year!  Not that he was any heavier now, but a year is sooo young to get hit that hard w/ the shots.  Plus he had to get 2 more AND they gave them to him in his twiggy little arms instead of his fat legs.  He SCREAMED like it hurt and I just felt awful. Anyway, I will forever dread and hate the MMR- at least I have a good 3 years before he has to get it again.  I think that's everything.  Have a wonderful weekend. Happy Friday.

Another week....

Another week has flown by since I last posted. Only 32 days 'til I get to spend the 1st summer w/ my little man. On Sunday we had Jamie and Brad over for Jamie's 32nd birthday. Gage and Jake hadn't seen each other in MONTHS so it was pretty fun to watch them interact. Gage kept wanting to touch and pet Jake and Jake was just more interested in cruising around a new place. There's only 15 weeks between them but in baby land it is an amazing difference. Jake has 2 teeth, is crawling, pulling up, cruising, and eating table food while Gage is just now deciding that he might want to try and move when on his belly. I've heard it numerous times but wasn't sure I believed it. Being mobile makes a HUGE difference in chub, check out the difference in Gage and Jake's legs. Pretty funny. Here are a few more pictures from Sunday, although we couldn't get a good one of the boys b/c Jake is constantly on the move.





This week was long and short all at the same time. SOL's have started at school so the schedule was all jacked up and the official end of school is coming quickly. I can't complain though, another week under my belt and that much closer to the summer time. We tried to make it to the pool again this week but didn't have much time.

Yesterday Gage had his 6 month dr's appt. and everything checked out great. Dr. Bauer said he was 'perfect' and of course she is right! He wasn't quite as heavy as we thought (he sure seems like he's gaining weight) but I guess what can you expect having us as parents? His head is still small and he apparently is right on track for height.

Stats:
Weight- 15lbs. 13oz. 30%ile
Height- 26.25" 50%ile
Head circumference- 17" 30%ile

We are now starting 2 meals a day, I can't believe how much he eats these days! He can start to have a larger variety of foods and start on pureed meat....sounds yummy! She says that at 8 months he can start on Cheerios and puffs...OMG, my baby will be eating real FOOD before the summer ends!! Also, she said to give him a sippy cup soon so he can get a feel for it before he actually starts using it around the end of the summer! Everyone says it and it's so cliche, but it's really true....babies grow up soo fast! We cherish every moment with Gage and thank God every day for our perfect little boy! Gage did ok w/ his shots, but seems a bit sore today. He slept alot yesterday and was a little cranky today... hoping for a better day tomorrow, BECAUSE......

Tomorrow Gage has his 1st Picture People appt. scheduled! That's right, hopefully tomorrow evening I will have some super cute new professional pictures to share! We are super excited to see how he does! As for the rest of the rainy weekend, we'll do lunch w/ Howard, Sherri and Evie on Sunday. That's all for now. Keep you updated on tomorrow's pictures!

4 month dr's appt....

Today Gage went for his 4 month well checkup and as we had hoped....all was well. They told us he would roll soon...check....and that by the time he is 6 months old he should be able to sit up on his own for a few seconds...check...and that he won't crawl until after he is 6 months old...I beg to differ on that one. In any case, our once fat boy seems to have begun to slim down and thin out. He only weighs in at 14lbs 3oz (50% percentile) and is 25.5 ins. long (75%ile). He still has a teeny head and its only grown 1/8 of an inch in the last 2 months, which puts him at the 25%ile again for head circumference. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to be affecting his intelligence!

Wow....so we got alot of advice on schedules, sleeping, napping, etc. We absolutely love our doctor and she let us ask tons of questions today, although I think eventually she was trying to hurry us along. We have chosen a variation of the Ferber method for getting him to sleep so we'll keep you posted. Tonight he ate right before going to bed and it wasn't a problem. Perhaps if we can get him on a schedule of eating somewhere around 7pm we can avoid the insomnia. He also slept sooo well last night.....from 7pm-430am and then he went back to sleep and let Daddy sleep 'til 9am. He napped pretty well also today but we are still working on that. I have to figure out a nice way to talk to the sitter about napping him in a swing. He always naps so well for her so I have a feeling that he doesn't nap in a crib. However, we did find today that he can nap with the door and windows open...probably because it is never quiet at daycare either.

Our little boy is growing up so fast! We can't believe the doc told us today he is ready for rice cereal and possibly solid foods! WE haven't even bought a high chair yet. I was planning on buying him one next month so that he could sit with us at the table and watch us eat before he started eating himself, but now I guess I gotta get on that! It's so amazing that we are at this stage and I'm so excited to see him exploring new things! It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend so hopefully we'll get outside to enjoy!

2nd Dr's. Visit + Cowboy Outfit= Large Child

Ladies and Gentlemen- We have a fat kid! Gage went to the dr. today for the 2nd time. He was very uncomfortable after feedings and had recently begun to throw up and spit up more often. They thought he might have acid reflux and I didn't want to wait and see and risk something getting worse over the holiday. However, it turns out the problem is, Gage is eating too much and I am what is considered an 'over producer'. He is supposed to be getting about 3-4oz. per feeding, which is about 10 mins. per side. However, I am producing that in about 5 minutes and Gage is not regulating himself and doesn't know when his little belly is full. We are on a trial and error basis to find the right amt. of food for him to see if we can satisfy him, yet not over feed him. Of course, the whole reason they figured this might be the problem is because last week at the dr. he weighed in at 7lbs. 10oz., his orignal birth weight and today he was 8lbs. 9oz., a whole fricking lb. more than last week! In 7 days, he has gained 15oz! Crazy! So for now, we pump and we wait and we don't allow him to eat to his pleasure and we cross our fingers that we figure out something that works and satisfies all of us.

Since Gage is such a fatty and will be out of his newborn clothes soon, we have to in the next couple of days dress him in all of the clothes he has not worn that he will soon outgrow. Our friend Jessica bought him a cowboy outfit and it is quite amusing, although quite over the top as well. See what you think.