Six Month Check Up

Harrison had his six month check up yesterday.

Here are the stats:
Weight: 19 lb 10 oz (75 - 90%)
Height: 27.5 in (75 - 90%)
Head: 45 cm (75 - 90%)

Overall, he seemed to enjoy the doctor’s appointment. He entertained all the other parents in the well baby waiting room by “talking” and shrieking constantly. He particularly liked the 4 month old sitting next to him and flirted shamelessly with her and her mommy. As always he loved the exam table. The large mirror and the paper lined table was a wonderful distraction while we waited. By the time Dr. Miller came in to see him, he had shredded the paper completely and had tried to eat half of it.

We didn’t have many concerns this time to talk with Dr. Miller about. The acid reflux medication seems to be working well so we are going to continue it a little longer. We also got the go ahead to move on to Stage 2 foods (they are still purees but just a little more complex that the stage 1 foods) as well as some soft table foods over the next couple of months.
He had another round of immunizations (1 – oral, 3 – shots). He really did not like the shots this time but the nurse was quick and did a very good job. He cried huge alligator tears but was comforted fairly quickly.

Harrison doesn’t have to go back to the doctor until his nine month check up. He is finished with immunizations for a little while so he won’t have to get any shots next time. I think everyone we came in contact with was happy to point out that little fact.

The combination of a missed nap, the excitement of the doctor and a round of shots really wiped out our little boy. He fell asleep in the car on the ride home and didn’t wake up when I put him in his crib. He took a 3 hour nap and then woke up in fairly good spirits. This morning he seems to be back to 100% and ready to play!

Four Month Check Up

Harrison's four month check up went really well. He really enjoyed the exam table, the extended naked time and the mirror in the exam room. He had to get more shots but he didn't seem too bothered by the whole experience. Truthfully he fussed more about having to put his clothes back on. Silly little boy!

The doctor and I talked a lot about feeding since he will start on solids this month (we are going to try to start solids tomorrow night - Sam wants to be there to see the experience). We also talked some about Harrison's spitting up and gas. Based on a few baby books, I was thinking that he might have acid reflux. Dr. Miller agreed that it might be a problem so we are going to try giving him Prevacid. Hopefully it will help cut down on the spitting up and his discomfort.

Here are the stats:
Weight: 17 lb 6 oz (90 - 95%)
Height: 26 in (75 - 90%)
Head: 44 cm (75 - 90%)

He is still a big boy!

Sam was really sweet and (unexpectedly) joined us at the doctor's appointment. It was really nice to have him there with me for moral support and baby assistance :-)

Harrison has been sleeping since his appointment at 10:10. All the stress of the outing along with the shots really wore him out!

Two Month Check Up

We tortured the baby today. Poor little guy had to get three shots and one oral vaccine today. He liked the oral vaccine (he loves anything that can be eaten) but wasn't as crazy about the shots. He turned bright red and screamed really loud. Luckily he could be comforted really quickly and within a few seconds seemed to be back to his normal happy self. I have heard him cry much worse in the past so I don't think it was that traumatic for him. I think I was probably more worked up over the shots than he was. I cried a little this morning just thinking about what he was going to have to go through.

Other than the shots, he really seemed to enjoy the doctor. He only fussed a little when they measured his length and again when the doctor checked his leg and hip movement (I don't know why that bothered him so much). Most of the time he was happy. He loved the exam table and really liked Dr. Miller (who wouldn't - she is really sweet and super cute). He smiled a lot, kicked his feet in excitement and talked our ears off. I am glad he was so happy. I don't think there was any doubt that he is developing socially.

Here are the stats from his check up:
Weight: 14lb 8oz (95%)
Height: 22 3/4 (50%)
Head: 40 1/2 (50% - 70%)

That's right, you read the weight correctly. He really is a chunk! Dr. Miller wasn't concerned about his weight but did suggest that we be a little more strict with his feeding schedule. She was thrilled that I was still breastfeeding and said that it is really common for breastfed babies to put on a little more weight since it is hard to monitor the amount fed. She said to try to limit his feeding during the day to every 3 hours. We are getting close to that but there are times when he insists on eating every 2 hours. Once he gets over the shots I will try to be more strict about the feeding schedule. I am not looking forward to it. I am pretty sure I will need to invest in some heavy duty earplugs!

All in all we have a healthy little boy. He seems to be handling the shots well so far. He fell asleep on the way home from the doctor's office and has been sleeping ever since. The doctor said that babies are usually either really fussy or really sleepy. I am hoping since he is sleeping so well that he won't be too fussy. I have heard him crying softly in his sleep but he hasn't really woken up much. I just went in to check him and he felt a little warm so I am going to give him a little baby Tylenol just to be on the safe side. Hopefully he will have a nice peaceful day!

Harrison's First Doctor's Appointment

Harrison had his first doctor's appointment today. He is in great health! His weight is 9lb 3oz (50%) and he is still 21 inches long (75%) and his head circumference is 36cm (50%).

We talked a lot about sleep schedules and feeding habits. We were also concerned about Harrison's right arm since he seemed to favor his left arm. Turns out he has a broken collar bone from delivery. Evidently this is really common with bigger babies and the broken bone heals quickly on its own. We have already seem improvement in the right arm but it was nice to know what was causing his lack in mobility.

We really liked his doctor and look forward to seeing her again for his two month appointment. Harrison was pretty pooped from the whole event!

From Week Three