2.19.2013

Jacob - Nine Months

Stats: 16 lbs, 28.5 inches

This is a problem.  The pediatrician is concerned by his lack of weight gain.  He weighed 15 lbs at his last checkup and was 25 inches long.  He started Jacob on some medicine for reflux because he spits up so much.  He's also having me change his feeding schedule to add more calories to his diet.  I must admit that I have struggled with lots of guilt over not bringing him in sooner for his spit up issues and also anxiety over "what ifs" as far as his growth and development.  I am trusting that the Lord has a plan in all of this and that no matter what, He loves that baby boy even more than I ever could.  We go back in three weeks to see how everything is progressing.  I know there are SO many worse things that could happen, but your prayers are certainly appreciated!

Sizes:  size 3 diapers, 9-12 month clothes

Schedule:  We are still on a four hour schedule, but have are giving him a "Dream Feed" bottle around 10 p.m. since he needs the extra calories. 

Sleep:  He takes three naps a day, one of which is a "catnap" around 5:00, and goes to bed around 7:00.

Eating:  So, the doctor wanted me to cut back to nursing Jacob only two times per day.  For the other  feedings he's having me make calorie packed bottles.  Usually, you use one scoop of formula per 2 ounces of water.  He is having us mix 1.25 scoops per two ounces of water.  So basically, he's getting 25% more calories in the same amount of volume.  He is eating baby food three times a day and we are starting to try and work in table food, although he is not a fan.  I blame it on the no teeth.  He finally came around to Puffs about a week ago.  So far he has only tried bananas and cheese without much success.  Since I'm only nursing twice a day, I can already tell my milk supply is dropping quickly.  I think he will be completely weaned in a day or two.  This is a little sad for me, especially since he may be my last baby.  It makes it easier for me knowing that he's probably better off with the calorie laden formula now anyway.

Likes: MOMMY (sometimes a little too much ;), daddy, paci, lovie, pop up toy (you know the ones that have knobs and things to make animals flip up and then you flip it down?), baths

Dislikes: playing alone, tummy time

Milestones:  He seems SO close to crawling, but hasn't made the move yet.  He seems stuck in this pattern of pushing himself backwards when he's trying to scoot forwards and he gets really frustrated.  As I mentioned, he can pick up food and put it in his mouth now, but chewing still isn't great.  He is drooly, drooly, drooly, but no sign of any teeth yet.

Everywhere we go and everyone we leave Jacob with always says, "He's such a good baby!  He's just so content."  Huh?  This is not the case at home.  Don't get me wrong, he is so sweet, cuddly, and I love him to pieces, but when it's just us at home he screams every time I put him down.  If I can get him to play on his own for more than three minutes it's a great day.  I know one of these days I'll miss him wanting me all the time, but for now it can be pretty exhausting.  I am very glad that he's good for others though.  I'd hate if he cried the whole time I left him with someone!
 
It's hard to believe that Jacob is so close to being a year old!   Happy nine months, sweet Jacob!

2.04.2013

The Greatest Show on Earth

Last week, my dad and I took Miller to the circus.  It was priceless to see the awe and wonder in his eyes as he took it all in.  We went on Thursday night, because we couldn't go on the weekend.  Next time we'll definitely plan to go to a day show.  It was pretty late and Miller was exhausted.  Totally worth it, but I think a day show would be even better.

Waiting patiently to go in!
We got there early and were able to go down on the floor to meet some of the clowns and do some of the activities they had set up.  This may have been one of Miller's favorite parts.  
My little clown :)
Making his clown face I guess...
 Cheesing it up!
 Love this sweet picture of Miller and my dad.  He was waiting to walk on the tightrope. 
His absolute favorite was the bouncy house with a slide.  He went on it no less then twenty times and only stopped because they had to shut it down to move it off the floor before the show could begin.
Showtime! 
 All he could talk about in the days leading up to the circus was getting popcorn and "cold water".  We do not typically give him hot water, but for some reason he always specifies the "cold" part.  He was pretty pumped when it was time to get some.  Thankfully he didn't seem to notice the barrage of overpriced snacks and treats that bombarded us at every turn.
 One of the few shots of me with him.  He was getting very sleepy by this point...
 Dad tried to perk him up with this fun toy.
We didn't get him in bed until 10:00 which is crazy late for him.  Thankfully, he slept until 9:00 the next morning and took a great nap the next day.  It was so much fun and I'm so grateful I was able to share these memories with him and my dad.  Thanks, Poppy!  When asked what his favorite parts were he'd say the bouncy house, the elephants, and "when they shot that big girl out of the cannon."  This is so funny to me.   He just meant "big girl" as in a grown woman.  She was actually quite petite.  However, everyone he told this to got this confused look on their face as though they were shooting large women out of cannons.  Haha!  Can't wait to go again and to take Jacob for his first time!