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Showing posts with label monthly memes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label monthly memes. Show all posts

Thursday, June 17, 2010

The stats of 18 months old

DSC00715.2Saw Connor’s pediatrician this morning…

At his last well-check (at 15-months) he was 19 lbs. 13 oz. and 27” tall.

His current stats:

Weight – 21 lbs. 2 oz.

Height – 30”

Head Circumference – 46.75 cm

So, for the growth charts, this puts him in:

GROWTH CHARTS Adjusted Age (15 mos.) Actual Age (18 mos.)
Weight 10th percentile 5th percentile
Height 20th percentile slightly below 5th percentile
Head Circumference 50th percentile 25th percentile

Pediatrician’s pleased, we’re pleased…  it’s all good.

For development, according to the tests the pediatrician grades on, for social/personal, fine motor, and language, he’s testing at his chronological age of 18 months.  For gross motor he tested out at 9-12 months.  {?!?!}  Whatever.  We’re seeing a PT on a regular basis, and I think Connor is doing just fine.

We have a referral to go see a pediatric dentist about his teeth coming in.  Sadly they’re stained (we hope that’s all that’s wrong with them) from the antibiotics and vitamins he’s always been on… and might be decaying from the meds.  Yay.

Next appointment with the pediatrician?  Not until he’s 2 years old.  Yay!

My friend, Teresa, who had 26-wk preemie twin boys over 10 years ago (and a full-term boy over 2 years ago), made an interesting comment the other day.  She said that when you bring a full-term infant home, that’s it… no one’s intervening, you don’t have a dozen different opinions coming in from everyone about what’s going on.  But, when you have a preemie, no matter what level of complications they endure, you have a barrage of people constantly telling you what to do, and what you’re doing wrong.

Don’t misunderstand me… I believe that the intervention can be good for the entire  family, if it helps the baby to progress.  But, with so many different opinions… it’s such an intrusion sometimes.  (And running from appointment to appointment is beyond exhausting.)  You constantly have to measure it against your own parental instinct and intuition.  It can make you so weary!

The good news is that Connor’s pediatrician is now questioning whether or not we need ongoing follow-ups with his neurologist and ophthalmologist.  Goodness knows we could certainly handle 2 more specialists off our plate!

And on that note… we’re back to our previously scheduled posts.signature5

18 months old

Dear Connor,

Just 18 short months ago, you surprised your father and me with your miraculous birth, and ever since, you’ve never ceased to amaze us.

Because I don’t want to forget how fun you are at this stage:

  • You know how to give the best kisses and hugs – they’re so sweet (even the open-mouthed ones you offer)!  You’ve recently associated “love” with kisses – and it’s to die for. 
  • I don’t want to forget how you love to giggle, and are developing quite the sense of humor right now.  Sometimes, you’ll cruise on over and just start laughing out loud, for no reason, until I chime in, too. 
  • You love to be tickled, and will guffaw over the slightest touch on your back. 
  • You have to try whatever we happen to be eating, and are adorably relentless until you have a morsel of it in your mouth.  Your current favorites are yogurt, kiwis, and strawberries.  You’re getting much better about drinking fluids, and just recently figured out that the sippy cup is not the enemy. 
  • You absolutely love to go outside, and checking the mail is one of the highlights of your day. 
  • You’re just beginning to enjoy storytime… which is good, because there are a lot of books we want to read to you.
  • Baths are a special time for you and Daddy – he lets you splash and play and be silly (whereas bathtime with Mommy is all business). 
  • When you go to sleep at night (and you are such a good sleeper – nearly 12 hours every night with 2 naps during the day), it’s so funny how you “require” at least 2 binkies – one for your mouth, and one for your right hand, which you tuck behind your back. 
  • You love to play catch with Daddy – catch with Mommy doesn’t bring the same amount of giggles and joy to your face. 
  • You’re cutting at least 3 teeth at once right now, and one’s your first molar – which explains a lot about the mini tantrums and fussiness you’ve been having lately… I’ll have to remember to cut you some slack. 
  • When you’re around other kids, we love how talkative you become – you definitely want your voice to be heard.  You understand so much right now, but for some reason still insist on calling Daddy “Yayaya”.  You’ve also started “singing” lately, and new syllables come out of your mouth every day. 
  • You’ve mastered quite a few animal sounds, know how to locate several body parts, understand which room is where in the house and which toy is which, and we’re so impressed!
  • You get excited at the prospect of going shopping (probably because we still don’t take you out very much), and are such a good boy to sit so patiently in your stroller until we’re through. 
  • You have a keen eye and adoration for anything electronic… anything with buttons to push.  One of your favorite toys is the spare, battery-free TV remote, because it looks just like the one that operates the TV.  You already understand that seeing the DVR menu means that your show will come on and you shriek in excitement until it plays.  You absolutely adore “Yo Gabba Gabba”… DJ Lance is your favorite… you’d be happiest if I let you watch it all day long.  When Daddy’s working from home, you love to pop into the office to say hi… but we can’t leave until you’ve had a chance to play with the mouse. 
  • Now that you’re mobile, you’ve figured out that you can run from the camera.  So, for the next while, many of the pictures I’ll be able to get you to hold still for will happen while you’re strapped in your high chair. 
  • And how you love being mobile!  We have to make sure you’re all gated in, or not take our eyes off of you for a second, because you’re much too quick these days… and you’re not even walking yet!

There’s so much more I want to remember, I’ll have to start keeping a list.  If you would just slow down… for a few minutes…  ;)

Connor, you’re a wonder and an absolute joy!  We’re so grateful that you are our son!!

Love, Mommy & Daddy

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DSC00634.2June 11, 2010

DSC00647.2Always on the move! – June 16, 2010

DSC00672.2What… doesn’t your kid kiss the TV remote, too?? – June 16, 2010

DSC00609.2Spike. – June 10, 2010

1  Latest Blog Pics7Scenes from the High Chair – June 16, 2010

DSC00674.2Taking a break from his new friend, the sippy cup. – June 16, 2010

DSC00632.2The face he gives the camera about 85% of the time now. – June 11, 2010

DSC00653.2Big, 18-month-old BOY! – June 16, 2010 signature5

Monday, November 16, 2009

11 months old




Happy {almost} first birthday, Connor!

Today, you are 11 months old!

No official stats this month, since none of his doctor visits are requiring vitals.  If we had to estimate, I'd put him at right around 20 pounds.

Some of the things Connor's been up to this month:
  • He's cutting his 2 bottom teeth simultaneously...  F.U.N.
  • He's rapidly outgrowing the 1st stage of his jumperoo, the highest level of the crib mattress, the baby aisle at Target, the swing, the infant carrier car seat...  this all makes Mommy sad!
  • He still lets me hold him for his first morning nap, just after the first bottle everyday.  Hands down, my favorite part of every day.
  • He now cries for attention... and we're on to your fake cries, buddy!  ;)
  • He's also getting pretty attached... and gets upset when you leave the room.
  • Get so excited when I pull out the Graduates Melts (snack food), turn the deadbolt on the front door (b/c that means we're going outside), when he's being undressed for bath time, when the bib is being placed around his neck for solid food meal time.  I love how predictable and FUN his responses are to these things!
  • He's moving into the big boy car seat this weekend, still rear-facing, but it's a good transition for our big excursion to Phoenix.
  • Connor LOVES his snacks... esp. yogurt melts and freeze-dried fruit.
  • He drinks from a regular cup (with assistance) and a sippy cup.
  • He even holds his own bottle when he's in the mood.
  • When he's patient enough, he can get his finger foods (Gerber Puffs) into his mouth all by himself.
  • He can roll both directions and sometimes from his stomach back to his back
  • He loves to hear his name in whatever song Mommy is singing... "C is for CONNOR", "La-la la la, it's CONNOR'S world", "CONNOR, I love you", etc.
  • He's very coordinated with his pacifier...
  • Connor makes lots of funny noises, and likes to hear the sounds he makes - entertains himself sometimes just vocalizing.
  • His latest favorite sound is making one like a creaky door... which is pretty close to shrieking.  I bet he'll figure out that treasure just in time for our plane ride in a couple of weeks.
  • Connor prefers to sit up to play, rather then lay down, and can go quite awhile without toppling over.
  • He's inhaling Stage 2 foods right now, and we're close to moving on to more finger/table foods.
  • We're so used to bigger diapers on him, he'll be transitioning to size 4 soon  (which he already wears at night to protect his clothes - ahem.) - we prefer the entire butt cheek to be covered in this house, no matter how cute it is.
  • He's this close to fitting into 12-month clothing.
  • He's learned how to spit raspberries...  makes feeding time a whole new experience.
  • He's definitely the cutest kid in a helmet we've ever seen!
  • He's kinda sorta starting to wave bye-bye and give high fives.

Connor's had a very quiet month, medically.  We've only traveled back and forth to one place (numerous times) - CT - for his band.  This next month will be quiet for Connor, too... yippee!  (As far as doctors' appointments go.)

In a couple of weeks, barring a massive pandemic, we're very much looking forward to our trip to Phoenix to visit my side of the family.  Grandpa and Uncle Scott haven't seen Connor since last December, Grandma not since May, the MacKinlays not since July, and Erik & Emily not for very long at all!  We also have a new niece/cousin to meet... and we can't wait! 

His monthly photo album:


 November 15, 2009


October 23, 2009




 Tummy time - October 24, 2009


 Got a monkey on his back - November 15, 2009




 Mommy's view - October 27, 2009


 November 15, 2009


 October 28, 2009


 October 29, 2009


 LOVES his juice - October 29, 2009




 Big boys sit up - October 29, 2009


 Serious. - November 6, 2009


 Big boys hold their bottles - October 31, 2009


 November 15, 2009


 Best friends - November 1, 2009


 Enemies - November 4, 2009


 Just peeking - October 31, 2009


 Seriously?! - November 6, 2009




 November 15, 2009


 Daddy & his Drool Machine - October 23, 2009


Connor's Elvis impersonation - November 8, 2009

Brian and I are both anxious for his upcoming first birthday... not because we want him to get older (because believe you me, I'm mourning the aging of my BABY), but I think we both want to put this tumultuous year behind us.  We want to experience a year of NORMAL... a year without hospital stays and copious doctors' visits.  We both still have a hard time thinking back to the beginning of 2009, and all that Connor had to go through - we still can't make sense of it all.
So, we look forward to December 16th as an opportunity to put the stress and grief of 2009 behind us!

Since we'll be in Phoenix for a while close to his actual birthday, and because Uncle Scott's birthday falls on the 12th, we thought it would be fun to celebrate his first birthday with the entire Rogers Clan on December 13th.  (We'll also be having an early Christmas that day, too... whew!) 

Anyone have any ideas of a game for adults to play at a first birthday party?

I'm completely stumped, and drawing a total blank.

Instead, I've been focusing my efforts on the food, the cupcakes, and the decor... early Christmas prep here at home and for 9 of our AZ family members... and oh yeah, prepping for a major trip.

Just a wee bit busy...  :S


October 27, 2009 


After next month, I won't be posting these monthly updates anymore.
Don't worry... I'll still be blogging and posting pictures, just not these massive monthly posts.

I'm actually looking forward to compiling this year of Connor posts and monthly memes into a book of some sort, to have a permanent record.  I don't scrapbook, so this is the closest thing Connor will have to a baby book.  (If any grandparents, family, friends would like a copy, just contact me and I'll let you know what I come up with.)

The.End.


November 15, 2009

Sunday, October 18, 2009

10 months old



Here we are at 10 months old...
{sigh} He's growing way too fast!

CURRENT STATS (over 2 weeks old):

Weight: 17 lbs, 12 oz
Height: 26.5 in
Head Circ: 45.75cm

GROWTH CHARTS (adjusted age 7 months):

Weight: 50-75th percentile
Height: 50th percentile
Head Circ: 75-90th percentile

We were tickled to learn that one of Connor's neonatologists follows our little blog (Hey, Dr. Ahmed!), so we can't forget his medical update.  :)

After a busy summer, we're happy to report that Connor has graduated all of his specialists except for nephrology and neurology.  Physical therapy is up to me for the next few months until he is reevaluated again by Early Intervention just to make sure he's staying on track.  Next spring we'll also check in with his surgeon just to see if there's anything to do with his hernia... it doesn't seem to be an issue right now, so things are looking good.  Connor will be fitted with his DOC band next week.  Our pediatrician (who we don't have to see until Connor's normal baby well check at 12 mos.) does want us to check in with an ophthalmologist, just for a routine eye exam, and a developmental specialist, just to make sure there's nothing he's missing.  Might sound like a lot, but this is nothing!

Connor saw his neurologist this past month, who was extremely pleased with his developmental progress.  After the brain bleed complications, Connor probably shouldn't be doing so well.  I count my blessings every day!  We'll follow-up with him in 6 months.

We also saw the nephrologist, had another renal ultrasound performed, and a slew of labs.  Good news on this last ultrasound - the previously seen densities in his right kidney have been absorbed, while the densities on the left remain unchanged.  His lab work all looked really great, too, if not normal.  We'll follow-up with him in 4 months, have another renal ultrasound, and then in 8 months, have a DMSA scan to check for any kidney scarring.  

I had to laugh this month when the County Health Nurse came to do an evaluation on Connor, and she had the gall to tell me that "he's getting a little too chunky... that his weight to height ratio is approaching 75%"!!  It was all I could do to bite my tongue... it's the least of my concerns!  I think my actual response was, "whatever."  Maybe she forgot that he was born at only 2 lbs, 6 oz??  I think I'm going to forget to have her back...  the only useful things I ever get from the visit are his current height and weight.

Unfortunately, Connor was denied the RSV vaccine this year.  After 2 requests for coverage the insurance company deemed him HEALTHY enough to not need it.  They basically said that since he doesn't have chronic lung disease or heart disease, and is not currently being treated for those issues, he doesn't need the vaccine.  (Apparently they forgot about the earlier bill for $1.5 million and all of the reasons for it??)  Needless to say, we were crushed.  Preparing to pay for the round of vaccinations ourselves (about $5,000+), we consulted with Connor's pediatrician and he advised us to go ahead without it this year (considering how well Connor's been doing, the fact that he'll be turning a year old in the middle of the season, and that we'll be limiting his exposure this winter).  While we're relieved to not have that bill, we're both going to be holding our breath a bit until RSV season is over.

For the next few months, we hope that things are quiet for Connor, medically speaking.  We don't have many appointments scheduled at all, and the pediatrician doesn't see any need for future bloodwork (unless a situation presents itself).  We'll have enough going on while he we get used to his DOC band.  We're looking forward to settling in for our hibernation, trying to keep him away from as many germs as possible.  No big plans (except a trip to Phoenix in December, flu season permitting), so Connor (& Mommy) should be able to appreciate a normal schedule moving forward.
 

 My future's so bright... I gotta wear shades. - September 27, 2009

At 10 months old, Connor, you are:
  • Cutting your first tooth (on the bottom), and with the exception of 1 tear-filled day and a little difficulty at night going to bed, I'm so proud that you're handling it so well.
  • Still really enjoying your baths (and peeing in the tub, much to Daddy's chagrin)... afterwards, you're in seventh heaven getting your hair brushed and ears cleaned - it's your most still and calmest moment of the day.
  • Loving your nightly ritual with Daddy... bath, getting dressed, and snuggling with your bottle (it's not the same when Daddy's not here).  But, lately you won't fall asleep until you've had snuggle time with Mommy, too (pssst.. she doesn't really mind all that much!).
  • Loving your jumperoo lately - you go nuts everytime you're in it.  And without fail, it works better than prunes, you produce a dirty diaper every.single.time.
  • Happy to jibber-jabber.  If you're in the right mood, I can get you to hiss like a snake.  But you're not making too many more consonant sounds just yet, other than your favorite "ckckckeee".
  • Hating to get dressed lately, and won't hold still for very long anymore during diaper changes.
  • Eating 2 "solid" meals per day, with 5 bottles, averaging 6 ounces each of regular formula... yippee!  (Now if I could just find a way to return the excess cans we have...) 
  • Still dealing with a bit of gastric reflux - you were such a trooper when we attempted to wean you off the Reglan.  Good to know your vomit skills are still intact. 
  • About to switch to Stage 2 foods, and you love yogurt melts and puffs - we have to eat them very slowly though, because you're a world-class gagger.
  • Loving to sip water from a cup, but we're unsure how much of the water actually stays in your mouth.
  • Sleeping nearly 12 hours a night, with 3 short naps during the day... and it is GLORIOUS!
  • Right on track to graduate from your infant carrier car seat into a big boy car seat (rear-facing) in the next few weeks.  Goodness knows you either have to be carried without the carrier, or the stroller comes along for sure.  You're way too heavy these days - and that's a GOOD thing!
  • Beginning a love affair with a high-pitched furry red guy.  Although your exposure to TV has been limited, you go crazy every time we see Elmo at the store.
  • Becoming such a flirt!  It doesn't take much for you to flash your killer smile and giggle at total strangers.
  • Pretty content to run errands as long as you're fed right on schedule, which has been so helpful as we prepare for our flu season hibernation.
  • Wearing 9-month size clothing and Size 3 diapers.
  • Starting to reach for things, and aren't satisfied until you can get them into your hot little hands.  You will risk life and limb to achieve your goal, so we really have to be on our toes and watch how you start to pitch your body.
  • Just beginning to wave "bye-bye".
  • Loving music - besides the Cat Stevens song, you really seem to like the Black Eyed Peas, and you happily put up with whatever song I happen to be making up at the time.
  • Unable to hold still...  if we lay you down on the floor to play, it's not long before you're stuck on your tummy or you've pivoted 180 degrees.  
  • Rolling to the left, onto your stomach, and as of this morning, you made it back to your back by yourself!  YAY!  Hopefully this will cut down on the number of times we have to come rescue you.
  • Sitting unassisted longer and longer every day.  We put you into a sitting position, and you're pretty content! Your attempts to sit are usually foiled by some distraction that catches your eye.
  • One happy little boy - it is such a joy being your mommy! 
And now, for the monthly photo album...


Baby cleavage! - October 1, 2009


Yes, he is. - October 8, 2009


Shameless flirt - October 13, 2009

 
Super Connor! - October 16, 2009


Going crazy! - September 20, 2009



Patiently waiting at CT - October 15, 2009



Hey - my face is up here!  :) - October 7, 2009



October 13, 2009


I know it's hard to fathom, but I'll prolly get WAY messier than this! - September 27, 2009



Big Boy - October 15, 2009


Lounging with Daddy - October 8, 2009


Latest, favorite napping position - October 7, 2009



October 5, 2009



Still. - October 13, 2009



October 3, 2009



Sitting superstar! - October 10, 2009



Sharing secrets - October 6, 2009



{sigh.} - October 13, 2009
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