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!