Austin is 9 months old!

Last week I thought a cold had landed on Austin and caused him a runny nose. On Thursday night, I was convinced it lead to an ear infection. Austin was up crying throughout the night and just wasn't comfortable. I gave him some Tylenol and Motrin but that just didn't cut it. I couldn't wait for his 9 month well (sick) baby exam the following morning because I was just sure that he had an ear infection. So Friday morning finally comes and I'm in the exam room taking off Austin's onesie when what do I see? Tooth #5 erupting on his upper, swollen gums. Poor guy was uncomfortable all night and I'm just blissfully ignorant to his painful, throbbing mouth just leaving the orajel in the medicine cabinet. Whoops! Austin made up for it the following night though. I loaded up his gums with some Nighttime super duper orajel formula and then tried to breastfeed him just before bed. THAT was a mistake. Little guy was too numb to figure out what he was doing and it was just a bit excruciating for me. PSA - Do NOT administer Orajel prior to nursing a baby. After nursing. Always, Always, Always After Nursing. Long story short - Austin's ears looked great. His might have had a cold or he may have just had the runny nose that you get with teething although they say that really isn't a teething symptom.

Austin's 9 month Stats:

Height: 27 1/4" - 20%

Weight: 17lbs 1.2oz - 7% Yes, at his weight we have to count the .2 ounces ;)

Head: 45.5cm - 55%

The pediatrician (and it was a different once from his 6 month) wasn't concerned about his weight either although he encouraged me to let him have tastes of things like mac n'cheese, mashed potatoes and ice cream. Austin had two pokes at this visit. One was for his iron levels which came out great and the other was a flu shot. He did great for both and only mildly complained about being held down. He was quickly soothed when I let him gnaw on the paper that contained his stats.

So Austin is doing good. He is almost crawling. He has forward motion and gets up on his knees, but it's not very pretty! I think he'll get it down here in the next week or two. He has just about 5 teeth. He eats like a champ. Loves to drool, never spits up (unless its a really inconvenient time to mess up my clothes). LOVES his brothers. Sleeps like a dog in his crib and not-so-great in the car. His all time favorite thing to do is suck his thumb while being held.

I guess that is about all for now, I'll add Jacob and Brody's 9 month stats tomorrow!

PS - Mark is doing well! His first night in the hospital was rough but they were able to get his pain managed and released him the next day. He has a slow recovery ahead of him, but so far so good.

My little peanut: 6 month well child recap

Last week Wednesday we took Austin in for his six month well child visit. My biggest baby is becoming a tiny little guy, here are the numbers:

Austin's 6 month stats:

Height: 25 3/4" - 25%

Weight: 15lbs 11oz - 15%

Head: 44cm - 50%

The good news is his head is growing at an even pace. The bad news - the rest of him is not! The pediatrician said that he is not concerned for a few reasons including the fact that he hasn't been sick, his potty habits are normal, he seems satisfied and full after a feeding, his brothers started tapering off during their first year as well (although they started thinning out around 9 months, not 4). I think he gave me a few more reasons not to worry, but I forget what they are. So I'm trying not to worry and trying to appreciate the good things about having a little guy. For one, he is much easier to haul around. Which is great, because he really likes to be held all. the. time. Also, he is my last baby so it's nice to actually have a baby for the whole 12 months, unlike Brody who tried his best to look and act like a toddler at a month old instead of a tiny infant. Speaking of Brody, here is how the other two looked at 6 months:

Brody's 6 month stats:

Height: 27.25" - 90%

Weight: 19lbs 10oz - 90%

Head: 18.25" - 90%

Jacob's 6 month stats:

Height: 26.5"

Weight: 17lbs 8oz

The rest of the appointment went well. He received his rotavirus oral vaccination, which he hated, and three shots. He complained during the shots, but never shed any real tears! Which is great because one of the shots was a tetanus and that one causes a lot of discomfort for adults, let alone babies! We are still struggling with Austin's eczema, but aquaphor seems to be our best friend. Oh, and my little guy is cutting his bottom two teeth! Thank goodness, finally a reason for all the drooling :)

Austin's Likes and Dislikes at 6 months:

Likes:

Left thumb.

Mommy, Daddy is a distant second.

Being held.

His exersaucer.

Chewing on everything.

Laughing at his brothers.

Rolling over and sleeping on his tummy.

"Cirque De Soleil" - Keeping his core muscles amazingly tight while being hoisted playfully in the air. He has impeccable form and a promising future with the "Cirque De Soleil" company, should he ever be interested.

Swimming.

Dislikes:

Right thumb.

Baby food.

Gaining weight.

His itchy, scratchy skin.

Nearly everybody other than his immediate family. Separation anxiety and "stranger-danger" reflex are in full effect.