second tooth

Today I noticed that Chris now has tooth #2! It's next to the first one on the bottom. Also I am glad that Doug is back from Florida. He's currently passed out on the living room floor next to the fireplace and the cat.

first cheerio

Chris ate his first Cheerio today. He got several into his fist, two into his mouth, spit one out, and proceeded to gag on and gum the second one until it was gone. Not exactly graceful, but it's a first.

playing

Chris is getting more interactive with his toys. He has been paying attention to and picking at parts of toys. He also now pushes buttons and spins wheels on musical toys.

the tooth

I realized I haven't gotten any pictures that show off Chris's lil chomper. You can just barely see it in a couple of these photos:

10 months

Chris is 10 months old today. In just two short months, my baby will be a year old!

he is sitting!

Today at his physical therapy appointment, Chris sat by himself for the first time! Patience and physical therapy have paid off. He can sit for about 30 seconds before toppling over to the side or backwards. We will be doing a lot of sitting on the floor with toys now!

matt and tonja's wedding

napping schedule

Chris's napping schedule has gotten really erratic. Today he napped at 8:30 am and 11 am, and hasn't taken an afternoon nap. In the past he would nap at about 11 and 2. I keep trying to put him down when he seems tired, and he just won't go down! Any advice to help him get on a regular schedule?

hot dog

So, I have just discovered Pandora internet radio. I've had it streaming to our TV through the Roku, and Chris and I have been listening to a variety of children's music for free. Now I have a song stuck in my head by They Might Be Giants. "Hot dog hot dog hot diggity dog, hot dog hot dog hot diggity dog. Hot dog hot dog hot diggity dog. . . . hot dog hot dog hot diggity dog." Simple but catchy.

watches dropped toy

happy easter!

saturday

physical therapy

Chris had his physical therapy appointment today. As was suspected, he is behind in his motor skill development, although the therapist said he is only a little behind normal. The physical therapist, Mike, took Chris through a variety of maneuvers and exercises. He showed me several exercises that we're supposed to do with Chris every day. He will have weekly PT appointments. Mike is hopeful that Chris will make good progress with therapy.

Chris's exercise routine:

Pull to sit- have Chris lying on back with head and shoulders on a pillow. Have him grab your hands. When Chris starts to flex his arms to pull up, then pull him up to a sitting position. 10 reps 5 times per day.

Help with rolling- have Chris on his back. Put an attractive toy to one side. Bend his top leg and bring the top leg forward. Put a little pressure on his back to encourage him to roll toward the toy. Apparently there is a right and wrong way to roll back to front, and Chris has been rolling the wrong way. He's supposed to roll by flexing his neck and back (curling forwards) but has been doing it by extending (arching back). This is to help him roll properly.

Tummy time- 2 minutes five times per day.

Leaning- have Chris sit on your leg like he's riding a horse, with one leg to each side. Hold him at the lower chest, and slowly lean him in different directions so he learns to compensate and balance.

He also recommended that we get and use a Bumbo seat, so I bought one. Physical therapist recommended!