Rule #163: Weight gain is a marathon, not a sprint

Graham and Rory both had doctors appointments today. Graham was really excited to have Aurora come with him.

He was darling in the waiting room. Pointing to the fish painted on the wall and matching their color to chairs. Then he cheerfully followed the nurse and got his height and weight measured. He was NOT a fan of getting his blood pressure taken. (His arm getting a "hug") He kept saying that he didn't want to do that, so I bribed him. I'm proud of it, and it worked. :) I told him if he sat really still he could have a sucker.

He played with the puzzles, showing off how smart he was the whole appointment. He knows his alphabet, numbers, colors. His counting leaves something to be desired, but he's working on it. He really is very smart and very pleasant. Dr. Burnett asked how I would describe his temperament. I told her he is willful and happy. :) He likes to be Master of his own domain.

We also talked about Graham's eating, or lack thereof. While he is still a thin kid, his weight is steady. He is starting to eat a little bit better. I'm sure it will keep getting better with time.

Graham is all boy, and very physical. He likes to wrestle with Alex and loves to pretend fight with...well, anything really. I love my little boy!

Weight: 28 lbs 2 oz - 15%

Height: 37 inches - 25%

Back in September Aurora had her 2 month check up...but she was almost three months old. Here are her numbers from that visit.

Weight: 9 lbs 5 oz - 5%

Length: 23.75 inches - 80%
OFC: 15.2 inches - 25%

For this visit she was legitimately 4 months old. She was due for a nap, but because she's such a good baby, she never fussed once. Well, until she got her immunizations, but that doesn't count. She was calm and pleasant. I wouldn't say she was HAPPY, because she was so tired. But she did give the nurse a couple of smiles here and there. Her current numbers are:

Weight: 10 lbs 8 oz - <5>Length: 24.75 inches - 75%
OFC: 15.75 inches - 25%

As you can see, she is quite petite. At four months of age both my boys were at least 13 lbs, so I was a little bit worried about what the doctor was going to say about her weight gain. I haven't been that concerned because she is so pleasant, and she sleeps well. But still, she only weighs 10 pounds! Turns out Dr. Burnett isn't worried about it either. Her growth is on a steady curve. Genetics play a big role. (Ahem...Alex's daughter) I told her that while I'm at work Rory eats between 4-6 oz of breast milk per bottle, and that's what I pump while I'm gone. She felt good about it all. She said I could come back in a month, just for a quick weight check to make sure she continues growing on the same curve.

I was relieved. I have been doing everything possible to make this breastfeeding experience last longer than my other two times. I'm taking a medication to help with milk production. I was worried that her weight would be too low and I would have to start supplementing a feed or two a day, and worried about what that would do to my supply. I'm a bit of a worry wort. :) Luckily I don't have to do any of that and we can continue on as we are.

She is still the best baby I've ever known. She is so happy, basically all of the time. When she wakes up in the morning I swear her face is stretched to the max with her giant grin! I love it! It makes me feel so special and loved. She rolled over for the first time today. Mostly she gets stuck on her arm on the way over. But she is improving. She can sit in her bumbo chair and is getting better with her hand eye coordination. On a typical night she will go to bed around 9 and not wake up until 4am, then fall right back to sleep and wake again at 8:30 or so. It's so great!

When I'm with Aurora my soul is happy. That's the best way I can describe it. She has a calming presence and is filled with pure love. I love my little girl!