by the tree

watching and learning

One of the things the lactation nurse suggested yesterday was to put Chris in his high chair at mealtimes and have him watch us eat. By watching, he will learn about eating. So, we put him in his chair at breakfast this morning. He didn't watch us at all- he just kept trying to reach the toys on the tray.

new crib

Doug picked up our new crib from the store a couple of days ago, and I put it together today. It was so easy to put together! I did it during Chris' morning nap. It feels very solid. I can't rock it. And it looks very nice. Now it's one of the nicest pieces of furniture we own!

appointment at Children's

Chris saw Dr. Bunik today at Children's Hospital. She is a pediatrician who specializes in breastfeeding problems. There also was a lactation nurse there at the visit. Chris has put on a few ounces over the past week, and is now 12 lb 11 oz. The watched him feed, and said he is feeding well. They also did before and after weights, and he took 2.5 ounces of milk, which is in the normal range for breastfed infants to take from the breast at one feeding. They did notice that he's very distractable. They recommend that I minimize distractions during feedings- dim lighting, turn off the TV, put on soothing music. They did take blood for a CBC, comprehensive panel, and Vitamin D level. I will rest easier once I know his blood and chemistries are normal. The doc commented that Chris is a very active baby, and is always squirming around. That burns alot of calories. She thinks, like Dr. Cain, that Chris looks and seems small but healthy. She suggested that he might just be finding his place on the growth curve- maybe he is the smallest of 100 infants, but small and healthy. His adult height should be somewhere between mine and Doug's (hopefully closer to Doug's!). We have a follow up visit with her next week.

While I was at Children's, I saw lots of kids with obvious physical or developmental problems, and babies with tubes and pumps. I am thankful that Chris is healthy, just small.

It's cold today.
Predicted low for tomorrow morning is -10 degF with lots of wind.
I love my Double Mackinaw Cruiser.

new binky

Chris has a new pacifier which he likes. He has never really been a binky baby. We just had the two pacifiers the hospital sent us home with, and he would spit those out. His new binky is by Nuk, and he keeps it in his mouth. It will be good for the plane flight in a couple of weeks.

walk on a chilly day