True story...

Me around three.

I don't know if I've ever mentioned it here, but I suffered from night terrors as a child and - for whatever reason - never outgrew them like I was supposed to.  So, basically, I still talk, shout and - occasionally - scream in my sleep.  The night terrors are so scary because I'm somewhere between asleep and awake when I have them.  Or, rather, I'm awake and something from the dream world still lingers.  So, I know I'm in my bed.  I know I am waking up.  And everything is as it really is (i.e. I see my clock, hear usual house-at-night noises, feel Trevor beside me, etc.), except that, say, there is a giant spider jumping towards my head or my duvet is covered in ants or there is a scorpion on the ceiling.  You know, that sort of thing.  The WORST one I've ever had was when I was in graduate school and woke up to find a man with a knife standing at the foot of my bed.

Good times, right?

(Sarcasm)

So I scream bloody murder, occasionally throw things (like a pillow or blanket) or jump out of bed because SPIDERS! ANTS! SCORPIONS! HOMOCIDAL MANIAC! and more or less freak everyone in the vicinity out. 

Or did.

Nowadays, Trev just rolls over and says in annoyed voice, "You are dreaming.  There really isn't [fill in the blank] on us/over there.  Just go back to sleep...no, no don't turn on the light...wait...okay, now that the light is on, do you believe me?  Please turn off the light now."

The last time I shared a hotel with my father (this was YEARS ago), I had one, and his response was very similar to Trevor's:  "OMG, You still have these things?  You are fine.  Go back to sleep!"

Even the dogs don't care anymore.  There was a time Gypsy would run over and lick me in an effort to comfort/wake me.  Now she just sighs and groans as she rolls over.

Clearly, no sympathy for me.

Anyway, they really aren't that big of a deal.  Yes, they are freaky, but I can't remember ever NOT having dreams like these.  Plus, they aren't nearly as frequent as they were when I was a kid, and seem to be triggered by things like stress and travel.  They are just one of those things you get with the whole ME package.  And the good news is that I'm totally fine once I turn on the light and reassure myself that whatever I thought I saw isn't really there.

(Except for the guy with the knife.  Just try going back to sleep after that.  I dare you.)

The thing is, Banner has started having night terrors.  Which, in itself isn't that big of a deal because they are very common in childhood.  But - just to be safe - I asked Banner's pediatrician about them at his three year old wellness, and he said there is a very good probability that Banner will never outgrow them either. The good doctor’s advice? “Don’t tell Banner’s significant other about the night terrors until they’ve already exchanged vows at the alter”. Trevor’s response? “Aint that the truth”.

Sigh.

Poor kid.  Looks just like his daddy and gets all his weirdness from me.

Or, better yet, maybe we BOTH get our weirdness from MY father?  Because:

(Don't ask.  I was there and I still don't understand.)

3 Year Old Wellness...

Banner had his three year old wellness today, and is doing great.  I was a little worried he'd have to get shots, but apparently he won't get any more of those until his wellness next year after he turns four.  I was thrilled with the reprieve since getting shots today would have probably ruined the excitement of "going to the doctor" for the little guy.  Between two and three, Banner only had to go to the pediatrician twice (once for his flu vaccine and another time in early December for this weird, annoying virus.  I wasn't planning take him in at all, but the advice nurse wanted him seen since it had been going on for a while), so the whole getting to go thing was a bit of a novelty. 

Of course, I'm always fascinated by the fact that every year since Banner was born has been a remarkably BAD flu season.  Which means I get to go to the germiest place on the planet for a "wellness" visit at the height of flu season every year.  Awesome.

But, other than that, the visit was fine.  Banner was scared of the nurse and refused to stand up straight when they were measuring him.  When Trevor did the same thing at home, though, Banner was just over 40 inches.  Not that it makes a huge difference one way or the other.  The kid is simply tall.  Everyone thinks he is at least four, which is hard because the little guy just turned three.  Being rather tall myself, I remember this being difficult growing up because people expected more of me (assuming I was older than I really was).  When I see this happening to Ban, I get a little defensive.  He's not slow!  Just TALL!

In related news, I found my baby book last spring with some of my stats in the first three years, and thought it would be interesting to see how Banner compared to Trevor and I in terms of growth.  Of course, different doctors had different well visit schedules, and...well, even the best intentioned mother (Hi, Gram and Jeep!) may have fallen a little behind in their record keeping.  ;P

That said, I still find the following pretty interesting.  Especially the part about Banner and I being the same height at age three. 

(I desperately cling to any similarity I can find, because the kid is really a mini Trevor.)

Anyway, enjoy:

Two year old wellness visit...

So, the Ban Man had his two year old wellness last Monday.  Our appointment was at 3:30, but we waited in the waiting room for over an hour because the pediatrician's office was trying to work all these sick kiddos in between the well visits.

And then we waited some more after we finally go into an exam room.  Now, I honestly don't mind waiting because I understand that the world doesn't revolve around me or my son, and there are a lot of sick people right now.  That said, waiting with a two year old for over two hours is a challenge.  All the more, too, because I didn't pack enough snacks or any games because I was an idiot and thought we'd be in and out in an hour.  Poor, stupid me. 

Seriously.  I'm a moron.  I've apparently learned nothing in two years.

Luckily, despite my insistence that he not show up (because I stubbornly thought, "I've got this"), Trevor was there for the whole shebang.  And?  THANK GOD because there simply are not enough hands when it comes to extremely bored, hungry and irrational toddlers.  Especially when their mothers are dumba$$es.

As for the actual visit, Banner did fine.  No shots this go round.  Only a toe prick for a blood test.  Of course, we braced for the toe prick like we brace for shots or the apocalypse.  Everyone in the room thought there would be screaming and tears, but we were all wrong.  Banner just said, "Ouch!" and then...STARTED LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY.  Because, obviously?  I dunno.  The kid is weird.

As for his stats, he weighed in at 30.2 pounds (75%), measured 37.25 inches (97%) and had a head circumference of 49.3 (70%).  He has gained less than two pounds since JULY, but grown nearly three inches.  At this rate, we will be able to ride the BIG rides at Disneyland sooner than later. 

It is just funny because I assumed he'd be the small fish in his new classroom, and he is age-wise.  As far as height goes, however, Banner already towers over some of his classmates - even the ones closer to three.  He is simply tall.  I don't know why this surprises me since I was 5'5 in the 5th grade (I leveled off at 5'10), and Trevor is well over 6 feet.  I guess since my sister is 5 feet tall, I thought anything was possible. 

Which reminds me that I found Trevor's baby book the other day, and I want to make some sort of chart comparing Trevor and his own personal mini me in the first two years of their lives.  Knowing me this will happen after I remember to blog about all the other things I already forgot to write about.  (Sigh)

In other news, Banner contracted some sort of nasty, nasty cold last week (from the pediatrician's waiting room, no doubt).  He never seemed to feel bad, though.  Just hoarse and snotty.  But the cold coupled with the transition to his new classroom made for an extra-special loooooong, exhausting week.  I know I'm not the first mother to claim that she wakes up with ever sniffle and cough her kiddo makes in the other room, but I swear I do - especially when I know going into it that Banner isn't 100%.  And I would be lying if I said I didn't resent Trevor a little bit for snoring so peacefully beside me at 3 AM while Banner has (yet) another coughing fit down the hall. 

I guess, part of me is thankful that I'm sensitive to the needs of my baby (even while unconscious), and the other part is like "Woo-Hoo!  Weekend!" on Thursday afternoon because I'm so incredibly exhausted that I assumed (in error, of course) it must be Friday.  And there is nothing quite as disappointing as realizing it isn't Friday than when you really, really, REALLY need it to be Friday. 

The good news is that he is feeling much better this week, which is awesome since snot ranks way up there on the list of things that people always said wouldn't bother me when I had my own kids, along with poop and vomit.  However, I'm here to assure you I'm still very bothered by all three.  Not really sure what that says about my maternal instinct, but it is what it is.  Good thing I think the kid is so cute.

Sick...

I've alluded to this many times since returning from Wyoming, but Banner woke up in the wee hours of August 3rd with a high fever.  I don't know exactly how high, though, because we didn't think to pack a thermometer.  There was little we could do except give him a dose of baby Motrin and Google "pediatricians with Saturday office hours in Jackson, Wyoming" on the iPad at 3 AM. 

Luckily, there was an Urgent Care with pediatricians on staff in town that opened at 10 AM.  Despite arriving early (there was already a line!), we didn't get seen by a doctor for several hours.  By then, the Motrin had worn off and Banner's fever was just shy of 103. 

Poor baby.

The diagnosis?  A very badly infected right ear.  Antibiotics were prescribed as well as a rotating regimen of Tylenol and Motrin every three hours to control his pain and fever.  Banner was also dehydrated, and we were told to get fluids of any sort into him.  Even if that mean coke or mountain dew.  Anything.

Except you can't reason with a toddler, or make them drink.  Because, believe me, we tried.  We even gave him fluids in new and interesting ways:  in straws!  in Dixie cups!  in cans!  out of bottles!  And...nothing.  Every now and again we'd get him to take a sip of something, and we'd clap and cheer like he'd just won gold at the Olympics.  Except, in reality, every little mouthful seemed to reinforce in Banner's mind that it hurt to drink.  So, one tiny shuffle forward and two giant leaps backwards.  By Sunday evening we were getting desperate.  I even thought, while changing his diaper, that he had developed some sort of hernia in his man parts and screamed, somewhat hysterically, for Trevor.  Except Trev took one look and assured me that's just what happens to guys when they get...ahem...extremely dehydrated.

Oh.

(Sue me.  I don't have those parts.)

Things were further complicated by Banner's refusal to eat or, more importantly, nap or sleep.  Actually, "refusal" is the wrong word because you could tell he was exhausted and wanted to rest.  Lying down just hurt really bad.  So, the little guy never stayed asleep for long before waking up screaming in agony.  There was one particularly awful 24 hour period when he slept less than 5 hours.  The three of us were in hell, but at least hell had a deck, wine and a fabulous view of the Teton Mountains. 

See:

Finally, more out of desperation than anything else, I offered the little guy a coconut popsicle.  I don't know if the cold felt good in his mouth (he was also getting ALL FOUR of his canine teeth, because why the eff not?) or what, but he devoured it.  I was glad because there was technically WATER frozen in there somewhere, and because it put something in his tummy so all the antibiotics and pain meds didn't reek havoc on his poor, little, empty stomach.

I don't know how we did it, but we managed to get just enough in him to produce a wet diaper at least once every eight hours.  Anything less than that and we had been instructed to go to the ER.  It was close, but - thanks in no small part to coconut popsicles, red Gatorade and chocolate milk shakes from Moo's - we were somehow successful. 

SUSHI!

  

The real turning point was Monday afternoon when we FINALLY got him to eat something.  Knowing how much that boy loves his Japanese food, we took him for sushi.  Thank God it is trendy...even in Wyoming.  He gorged himself on ginger, edamame, tofu and avocado rolls.  The waitress was shocked at how much he ate.  I tried to explain to her that this was the first time he had really eaten since early Friday afternoon, but I'm not sure she grasped the level of my relief.  It was the most expensive meal we had the entire trip, but worth every penny.

Unfortunately, Banner continued to not sleep for more than an hour or two (max) until Tuesday night when he FINALLY slept 12 hours straight.  Wednesday morning he seemed more like his usual self, but we still had to be cleared by a pediatric ENT in Jackson in order to fly home the following morning (August 8th). 

The good news is that the ENT not only cleared Banner to fly, but also saw no signs of scarring on Banner's ear drum (or wherever the look for scarring that can permanently effect his hearing).  Even better, the doctor in Jackson agreed with my pediatrician's decision to wait to consider tubes until the fall.  This was wonderful to hear because, as you might remember, I wasn't 100% confident in my Dallas pediatrician's choice to wait a few months ago.

I mean, I know my pediatrician isn't a crackpot, but it is still nice to have confirmation.

Plus, what a relief!  It felt like a weight was lifted and Trevor and I were able to enjoy the last few hours of our Wyoming vacation before heading back to hot and humid Dallas.

Which is probably why we now own matching sweatshirts with buffalo on them.  Because nothing says "happy dance" like a hoodie.  Obviously.

18 Month Checkup and the whole thing about the car seat...

I know I say it ALL THE TIME, but OMG how is my baby a year and a half already? 

Last Monday (July 8th), Banner had his 18 month checkup.  An appointment that I have been dreading ever since January when the little guy may or may not have had an adverse reaction to one of his vaccines.  I thought we were due to have a MMR booster.  And that terrified me because it was one of the shots Banner had at 12 months that had been mentioned as a possible culprit for his 105.3 temp that landed him in the ER.  I had expressed my concerns at Banner's 15 month appointment, and my pediatrician gave one of the vaccines they normally give at 18 months at 15 months to cut down on the number of shots Banner would receive at once in July along with said "dreaded booster".   

But, y'all.  I was wrong.  I must have misread the vaccine schedule, because I worried over nothing.  Apparently, Banner doesn't get another MMR booster until he is FOUR YEARS OLD.

Trevor's not surprised.  He is always saying that I have 99 problems and 98 or 99 of them are completely made up scenarios in my head that I'm stressing about for absolutely no logical reason. 

Which?  UNSUPPORTIVE.

All Banner ended up getting was a Hep A booster.  No fever.  No hospital visit.  Just a screaming toddler who was easily distracted by the thrill of getting to put his shoes back on a mere 30 seconds after the needle stick. 

That boy loves his goooz (shoes).

Meanwhile, I probably have at least 600+ new white hairs from six months of worrying and fretting.  OVER A SHOT THAT DIDN'T EXIST.  Story of my life.

As far as Banner's stats go, he has only grown a fourth of an inch since April but is STILL in the 96%.  He weighs in at 28.8 pounds (80%) and has a head circumference of 49.5 (85%).  He is officially bigger at 18 months than my childhood friend's son was at 2 years, and that kid is a perfectly average size for his age.  A little above average, actually.

Which leads us to the following issue:

Trevor was hoping to get permission to turn Banner's car seats around, but the AAP now recommends that a child rear-face up to age two (as opposed to the law that mandates children rear-face until they weigh at least 20 pounds AND are one year of age).  Since Banner is as long, if not longer, than many two year olds already, he is looking a little cramped and ridiculous in the backseat at the moment. But the pediatrician would still like Banner to face backwards until he maxes out our car seat's rear facing height limit.

So...will he make it until January?  Probably not.  Our Peg Perego Convertible allows a child to sit rear facing up to 45 lbs., as long as the child's head is at least 1" below the headrest edge. But while there are ten headrest positions available, only one through seven can be used while the seat is in the rear-facing mode.  And, guess what?  Banner is already on seven.  This most likely means that we will be forced to flip the little guy to forward-facing before the end of the summer.  Trevor is counting down the nanoseconds.  Because when you are well over six feet tall and drive a tiny little hybrid, every spare millimeter of space matters.  And, to be honest, at 5'10, I can't wait to ride shotgun with my knees NOT touching the dash board in my husband's car.  Still, for the sake of the kiddo's safety, we are going to wait to make the change for just a little while longer.  Adult vehicular comfort be d@mned!

Seriously, mom?

(I'm a catastrophist, remember?!  If I could put Banner in a bubble I probably would.  Especially after being rear-ended with him in the car six months ago.)

Plus, once he makes the switch, there is no going back.  Driving around town is SO much more interesting when you can actually see where you are going.  It is going to blow his little mind.  And he is already so excited to go for a ride in the "ka" to begin with!  He is going to love it!

Until then, though, Banner doesn't know what he is missing, and I get to pretend he is safer in my hot mess of a lemon SUV facing backwards than he would otherwise be facing forwards.  Win-win.  Well, unless you are Trevor.  Then, you know, grumble, grumble, grumble.

I mean, what's new, right?

(Exactly.)

Ear drama...

I alluded to it in my last post, but Banner has had a really hard time with his ears lately. It is part of the reason that I've been slacking on the blog updates since returning from Baltimore. His left ear was first diagnosed as "infected" back on April 26th. A ten day course of antibiotics were prescribed, but it was clear something was still wrong a few days after the last dose was administered. Sure enough, the left ear was STILL badly (as in snot-coming-out-of-his-eye-again) infected when I took him back to the doctor on May 10th. A different antibiotic was prescribed for another ten day course. 

On the 22nd, I took him BACK to the doctor for a ear recheck and did a little mental happy dance when the doctor announced that Banner's left ear was finally better and looked great. Then he looked in his right ear and...infected. I almost lost it in the doctor's office.

The doctor and I went back and forth about what to do. Apparently, if it was September, this would be a no brainer. Banner would get tubes. But there is something about this time of year that makes him hesitate. He had some valid points (risks associated with anesthesia, summer and water play, tubes sometimes only last six months, and he doesn't want them falling out right before the cold and flu season peaks, etc.), and I had some valid points (too many antibiotics which give Banner terrible diaper rash/upset tummy and make his eczema flair, ear infections and the risk of speech development/delays, etc.). In the end, the pediatrician gave me another prescription for a third antibiotic along with a referral to a pediatric ENT and told me to he'd respect whatever decision I made.

After much discussion and more than a few tears (mine), Trevor and I decided to fill the third prescription and keep our fingers crossed that this round of drugs finally nips the infections in the bud. This wasn't a decision that was reached lightly, and I'm not kidding when I say that I spoke with several nurses (friends of family and coworkers) just to get their take on the situation. They all agreed with the doctor and thought I should try the last round of antibiotics since this latest infection was - technically - in a different ear that hadn't had any problems since January. 

Of course, a third round of antibiotics is not ideal by any means, but it helps that this course of meds is only seven days long and Banner seems to - finally (knock on wood) - be feeling better. It kills me that my baby has been in so much pain for the last month, and I just pray he is finally on the road to recovery. 

In other news: Banner is a big fan of grape flavoring. How did parents get their kids to take their medicine before such a thing was invented?

The sheep on the hill are still lying still...

Well, I'm back. The weekend was fun, despite the drama (did I mention I went to an all-girls school?). We ate, drank, danced, laughed, cried and took more than one a stroll down memory lane. I saw people I hadn't seen in more than a decade and a half, and have a healthy respect for the class of 1983. Those women know how to party.

Typical.

The tune for the weekend was set - literally - upon landing at BWI. I turned on my cell phone to text my friend (Hi, Lannin!) that I was on the ground, but was distracted by an incoming phone call. From day care. Banner had pink eye and needed to go home. 

OMG, really? 

(I'm not a catastrophist for nothing, you know. And I had just mentioned to Trevor the night before that I was POSITIVE something would happen the second I landed in Baltimore!)

So, I called Trevor and told him he needed to leave work immediately to pick up Banner. 

Me:  “Oh, and by the way, call the vet once you get in the car because his teachers are pretty sure he has conjunctivitis.  Which is highly contagious, so - FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND ALL THINGS HOLY - WASH YOUR HANDS AND DON’T TOUCH YOUR EYES!”

Trevor:  “The vet?”

Me:  “Seriously?  That's all you got out of my last statement?  A LITTLE STRESSED HERE!"

This would also be the moment that I realized that my own eyes were itching and burning.  Because, obviously.  It's going on 4 PM on a Friday afternoon, I'm 1500 miles from home and I've just convinced myself that I have pink eye.

It’s akin to watching the video about lice and experiencing a sudden, intense scalp itch. Or at least it is was for me because Psychosomatic Disease is STRONG with this one (points at self).

Luckily, less than an hour later, Trevor called back with the FABULOUS news that Banner did not, in fact, have pink eye.  Just another human design flaw ear infection like THIS ONE back in January.

Awesome.

In other news, I had a giant zit on my chin the entire effing weekend. I was actually thinking about how good my skin has been since...well, I got pregnant two years ago. It isn't perfect, but I've definitely had fewer "disasters". And then *wham*: I wake up with something the size of a small volcano on my chin the very morning I'm preparing to fly cross country to see people I haven't seen in ages. I'm super lucky that way.

I'd also like to make a special shout out to Phil for being such a good sport. It was his tenth wedding anniversary, and I'm sure he had about 15,000 different ways he would have preferred to spend it than at his wife's high school reunion at an all girls school. Never mind forcing him to photo-document the reenactment of the infamous Broom Closet Fight of 1996 or helping to blow drying my bed after Hilary he spilled white wine everywhere.

Me:  "I'm blow drying my bed."
Anna:  "I miss you."
Me:  "Seriously.  I'm blow drying my bed."
Anna:  "Are you coming down?"
Me:  "WE ARE BLOW DRYING MY BED!"

And, because I have no idea how to end this post, here is a little bit of photo irony (even though it is less "irony" and more "OMG"):

First thing I saw when I picked up Banner
after landing at DFW on Monday afternoon.

15 Month Wellness Visit...

Last Monday, Banner had his fifteen month checkup with his pediatrician.

He DID have to have several shots (DTap, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B, and IPV), which worried me after what happened following his last shots in January.  However, the doctor assured me that none of these were the same as his twelve month vaccines.  In fact, they were all boosters from the ones he received at two, four and six months.

His eighteen month visit is another story.  But, just to be safe, he will only be getting a single booster at that time (I love that my pediatrician broke up Banner's vaccines so he won't be getting so many at once in July).  Unfortunately, it will be one of the shots he had at a year.  But, as the doctor pointed out, Banner's high fever *may* have been caused by a virus and not the shots at all.  Knowing me, though, I'll probably still worry until it is over and done with in July.  It is simply in my nature.  I'm not Trevor's little catastrophist for nothing.

In other news, Banner continues to develop on schedule.  When the doctor asked him to "walk to mommy", he ran.  He also showed off his verbal skills by whispering, "Wow!" when the the pediatrician handed him a wooden tongue depressor to play with after the exam.

It's the little things when you have a toddler.

As for his fifteen month stats, Banner weighed in at 25.8 pounds (65%), has a head circumference of 47.5 (70%) and was proclaimed to be "off the charts" by the nurse at 34 1/4 inches (99%).  This, of course, explains why some of his 24 month onesies are starting to pull at the neck, and why we had to take the kiddo back to Stride Rite for a new pair of sneakers.  The little dude's feet have grown TWO SIZES since January, and he now is sporting around town in a size seven.

Even the doctor commented on how loooooong Banner is.  We joked that he'll be able to ride the big kid rides at Six Flags by his third birthday.

Now, if we can only get him to stop tackling girls at school...

I spoke too soon. There is something worse than poop in the bathtub.

Banner had to go to the pediatrician this morning, because he had "goopy eyes".

Y'all.  I was terrified it was conjunctivitis.  And it didn't help that Trevor kept doing everything in his power to touch Banner and then promptly rub his own eyes.

I'm so not kidding.

The whole thing stressed me out.  Because nothing puts a proverbial cherry on top of a terrible start to a year like a little pink eye outbreak.

But no worries.  Banner made sure to rub his eyes and then sock me in mine at 6:30 this morning.  If we were going down, we were doing it as a family.

Anyway, I took Banner to the doctor expecting the worst.  But, instead, learned that it wasn't, in fact, pink eye at all.  My poor baby has another double ear infection.  The doctor says he's probably been in  a lot of pain, and he was kind of surprised that Banner's ear drums didn't rupture.

Which?  I feel like a terrible mother for not figuring it out sooner.  Poor baby!  I had no idea!  I thought all the fussiness was caused by the molars breaking through!

But, the worst, was finding out what was causing the goopy eyes.  Banner's poor ears couldn't drain in a typical manner (down the back of the throat, out the nose, etc.).  So they drained in the only way they could:  OUT OF HIS EYES.

OMG!

I didn't even know that was possible!  Clearly this is some sort of design flaw.

I'd type more but I am too horrified.

Twelve Month Wellness...

Today, Banner had his one year check up.  He had four shots:  MMR, Chickenpox (varicella), Hepatitis A and Pneumococcal (PCV13).  Additionally, he had a heal prick to check lead levels in his blood (all normal).

Banner didn't cry at all during the heal prick, which surprised both the nurse and me.  This was not at all the case during the shots (he screamed like a banshee), although he recovered quickly.

He has gotten very clingy during doctor visits, and no longer wants to play on the exam table.  I think he has started associating it with needle sticks, pain and "bad things".  So I spent most of the visit holding him and telling him that everything was going to be okay...then he got his shots and all his little fears were realized.  Poor baby.  I felt like such a liar.

In other news, Banner is now 23 pounds (55%), 32 inches long (95%) with a head circumference of 46.8 cm (70%).  He is long, lean and growing like a weed.  He has stretched out more than two inches since his nine month wellness in October and nearly a foot since he was born.

Additionally, my little pork chop has more than tripled his birth weight in a year.  He is just a big boy, which explains the size five diapers and the fact that we are now securely in 18-24 month clothing.

Banner has also gotten the green light to switch to whole milk from formula, and we are going to start phasing out things like bottles and pacis over the next several weeks.  Banner has sort of regressed when it comes to table foods lately, and wants more purees and cereal.  The doctor thinks it is because he is getting his molars, and it hurts to chew.  There really isn't a problem with him sticking with purees and cereal temporarily as long as he continues to try new things and expand his diet.  The most important thing is that he continues to eat since he is growing so fast.  He needs the calories.

All in all, it was a good visit.  He is completely on target developmentally, and the doctor is happy with his progress.  Since he has shown no signs of any food allergies, he has no food restrictions and we can start experimenting with things like nuts and honey.

Or, as the doctor put it, "He can now eat anything you do.  Have fun."

Next wellness visit (and shots) are scheduled for April at 15 months.

Nine Month Wellness Visit...

Doctor:  "Do you have any questions?"

Me:  "Every time we finish baby proofing, Banner shows us something new that we never thought of before.  Are there things that you've noticed over the years that first time parents never think of, miss or forget?"

Doctor:  "At this age, you are really just trying to keep them from hurting themselves."

Me:  "I know.  It just seems like everything is a death trap in disguise."

Doctor:  "Well, you have a boy.  Everything kind of is."

Well, the bad news is that the B-Man had to get a flu shot and a toe prick to test his iron levels on Thursday. But, on the flip side, I am not dreading these visits nearly as much as I used to. This isn’t to say that I enjoy taking my kiddo to the doctor. I am simply no longer getting all worked up over them and losing sleep.

Just to give you an idea of how much I have improved, I didn't even cry when Banner got his shot. In fact, I laughed. I know, I know: Mother of the Year. I feel horrible about it. It was just a good thirty seconds before Banner finally took a breath and started to wail after they stuck him with the needle. And, in the interim, he turned purple, and I thought he was going to pass out. I had no idea he could hold his breath that long. Trevor started to giggle because I was trying so hard to comfort the little guy and convince him to breathe, and, well suddenly the whole situation seemed comical.

I feel guilty about cracking up, but it was funny. Maybe you had to be there? Or maybe after the week we've had (job drama, health scares and even a trip to the ER when my dad suffered a severe allergic reaction to a medication), laughter was our only option.

Not wanting to teach Banner to soothe his pain with food, we gave him a bottle filled with water after his shot to comfort him. Honestly, I think he just wanted to be held - even if the ones holding him were his a$$hat parents that were trying to choke back hysterical laughter. Drinking the water, however, seemed to help (I think it is the sucking that Banner finds the most soothing), and it wasn’t long until the episode with the needle was long forgotten.

As for his stats, Banner is now 29 3/4 inches long (90%), 21 pounds, 15 ounces (75%) with a head circumference of 46 (70%). All this explains why all of his 12 month onesies are starting to get snug (most of his current wardrobe maxes out around 30 inches). Sigh...another closet clean out is in my imminent future, but what’s a mama to do? Our babysitter recommended not putting anything in the dryer, but that somehow seems like a lot more effort than buying larger clothes (which I’d have to purchase sooner than later anyway).

Banner’s latest growth spurt also justifies why his “infant bucket” is now in the attic, and his new convertible car seats are installed in our cars. We actually purchased the new car seats when we first returned from Colorado, because we knew Banner was getting close to the 30 inch maximum. There was a delay getting them installed in our cars, however because Trevor ordered his from Amazon to match the interior of The Lexus. Conversely, I drove to Buy Buy Baby and made my black on black purchase, which - fabulously enough - was available immediately without any backorders or shipping delays.

In other news, only one shot (flu booster) between now and Banner's first birthday in January. So strange that the little guy is nearing the one year mark. Someone told me the other day that I should start planning his birthday party. I’ve never been much of a planner, so we will see how that goes. Still, I have a few ideas. I just can’t wait for the requisite birthday-cake-all-over-baby-face photos.

As for Banner’s “unconventional crawling”, the doctor isn’t concerned about it at all since the little dude is now pulling up and cruising around the furniture. He is using all of his limbs equally (if not to crawl), so there is nothing wrong. Banner has just found what works for him and is sticking with it. He may figure out that “conventional crawling” is faster, or not. As long as he continues to develop and check milestones off of his list, it is all good.

These were all taken BEFORE the shots.
Obviously.  ;P

Sixth Month Checkup...

And you know how much I look forward to these appointments where Banner gets shots!

(whimper, whimper)

Luckily, I was able to guilt Trevor into going with me on Thursday afternoon, which greatly improved the experience.  During the actual shots, Trev helped hold the B-Man, while I distracted myself with making Banner's bottle.  Not only did this keep me from crying, I was able to immediately soothe him seconds after the shots were administered by feeding him (he was hungry anyway, so the timing worked out perfectly.  I just hope I am not teaching my son to bury his pain at the bottom of a bottle!).  Minutes later, the shots were completely forgotten and we were heading out the door with a content, sleepy and fully vaccinated six month old.

Even better?  His next shots aren't until October!  Woo to the hoo!

In statistical news, Banner is now 28 1/4 inches tall (95%), 18 pounds, 3.5 ounces (70%) and sporting a head circumference of 44 (53%).  Which explains why he has more or less skipped the 6-9 month transitional clothing phase (length wise) and gone completely into the 9-12 month territory as of last week.  He is just as tall, if not taller, than some of the babies that are twice is age in daycare, and I feel like all I do is clean out that boy's closet.  It is getting a little ridiculous, especially considering that some of the 9-12 month outfits we purchased for him back when I was pregnant were for the fall and cooler temperatures.  Oops.

But the favorite part of our Thursday was this video of Banner that was taken while we were waiting for the pediatrician to come in and examine our bambino.  Each room has a big mirror on the wall behind the exam table, and I am not sure which Ban enjoyed more:  admiring his own reflection or playing with the paper on the table.

However, things got really entertaining when Banner decided to "make out" with the baby in the mirror and try to steal his reflection's paci:

Trust me:  the best part is after the paci comes out of his mouth.

Enjoy!

Four Month Checkup...

It just about killed me, but I wasn't there to support Banner at his four month wellness checkup.  Because, well, I haven't been very "well" myself lately.  Came down with a fever on Tuesday, and have spent both today and yesterday in bed feeling lousy and missing my baby.  The pediatrician is convinced Banner (and/or daycare) gave it to me, but I am pretty sure feeling so completely rundown lately didn't help matters.  Maybe this is the universe's way of making me slow down?  If so, it totally chose the wrong week.  Phil Collins is visiting the museum on Saturday and Banner's baptism is Sunday.  I have a lot to prepare for, and very little is getting accomplished from my bedroom under covers nursing a fever just high enough to make me feel like complete ick:

But back to Banner: Regardless of the fact that I wasn't physically in the exam room yesterday, I still managed to cry about his getting shots.  He is such a happy guy.  It seems so cruel to have to stab his little thighs with needles - even if it is in his best interest.  Watching it back in March was the hardest thing - hands down - I've ever had to endure as a new mother.  I doubt it will ever get any easier to stand by and watch someone else cause my baby pain.  I tear up just thinking about it.  

Blissfully unaware of the shots that are in his very near future.

Anyway, since I was out of commission, Trevor stepped up and took Banner to the appointment.  Actually, he was planning to go regardless, because, after the two month visit, I told him there was no way he was going to expect me to do that on my own.  EVER.  Apparently, he realized that I was serious, because there never was any discussion about it.  He even admitted to crying "a little bit" when Banner got his shots.  Good to know it isn't any easier for daddies.

Wanting to be involved, however, I sent Trevor a list of my most pressing questions for the doctor. Mostly, I wanted confirmation from a medical professional that certain things (like Banner not pooping for days and then blowing his diaper off and the cough he has had more or less since he started daycare) were normal and to be expected.  I also wanted to make sure that Banner eating +/- 50 ounces of milk a day wasn't too much for the little guy.  Doc says it IS a lot, but Banner is growing fast and isn't chubby, so apparently the little guy needs the calories.  Or, as Uncle Adam would say, "He is Thor and Thor needs sustenance".

Eating the exam table paper...

Trevor said the doctor seemed mostly concerned about me and whether or not I was able to produce enough to keep up.  I am (most days), but it is difficult.  The pediatrician wanted me to know that it is okay to supplement with formula if necessary.  I am not quite ready for that, though.  Difficult as it is, I do get a lot of joy and satisfaction from knowing that he is growing and thriving because of the food my body is making for him.  Plus, I have the frozen milk supply, which is still taking up the majority of our freezer.  And thanks to his gaining weight like a champ, Banner has been given the green light to try a few select solids over the course of the next couple of months.  It won't be the bulk of his diet anytime soon, but it is the first step in that direction.

(Sniff.  My baby is growing up!)

Also, because I am so worried about accidentally injuring my child, I had Trevor reconfirm with the pediatrician for like the millionth time that it is okay for me to take regular strength Tylenol to lower my fever.  Because I'd much rather suffer than risk hurting the baby with my own breast milk.  I do hope whatever I have clears up soon, though, because it seems difficult to treat my symptoms without risking the baby or compromising my milk supply.  I swear, I could take more things while pregnant than I can now that I am nursing.  Breastfeeding (and mommyhood) comes with a certain level of martyrdom.  I really love being able to feed my own child, but I understand why so many women give up so quickly.  Breastfeeding isn't for weenies.  I'd love to make it a year, but - at the rate I am going - it will be amazing if I make it six months.  I am definitely not "mom enough" to still be going at it after nearly four years.

My only other major concern for the doctor involved Banner's laugh...or lack thereof.  It is really the only milestone he hasn't hit yet.  However, the pediatrician says he'd only be worried about it if Banner didn't seem to be engaged.  But he smiles, chuckles, coos and makes stellar eye contact, so it doesn't concern the doctor at all.  He will get around to it when he feels like it.  Babies all develop at different rates.

  

(Or maybe he IS laughing, but it is so high pitched that only dogs can hear it?)

In other news, Banner is 26 inches long (90%), 15.95 pounds (75%) and has a head circumference of 42.5 (50%).  Trevor has been saying for weeks that Banner has a big head, so I am happy to report that it is decidedly average.  It does seem like our little guy is shaping up to be nice and tall, though, just like his daddy.  It also explains why he is outgrowing his clothes in a blink of an eye and eating so much.  After all, he's grown almost half a foot in four months!  He is our little weed!

The shots did take their toll, and Banner started to get fussy and hot about five or six hours after they were administered.  And so, just like last time, baby Tylenol was administered.  He barely touched his 10 PM bottle, but slept until 6 AM like a champ regardless.  He is such a good baby.  Have I mentioned how truly lucky we are?  My heart could just burst!

Ya'll. It was awful.

The cracker box was nothing next to this.

Today was Banner's two month appointment at the pediatrician. He got an oral vaccine and three shots. One in his right leg and two in his left.

And just like I knew he would, Banner screamed like a banshee.

I made my mother go with me to the appointment because Trevor couldn't make it. She started crying when she saw me crying. Which, ironically, was before Banner even got stuck with the first needle.

It was just that Banner was so happy right before The Shots. All smiles and cooing up a storm on the table. He had no idea that the worst pain in his short, little two month life was about to happen. And then WHAM. Watching his face scrunch up in surprised agony just about killed me.

First REAL tears.

Seriously. I am tearing up now just thinking about it. It was THAT bad.

And Trevor, who wasn't there, is laughing at me crying recounting the story for this post.

(A$$hat.)

The only thing that could soothe my poor baby after the shots was milk. Only two months old and he is already learning to bury his problems in the bottom of a bottle.

It didn't get much better after the appointment. I don't think I will ever get used to Banner's I-am-in-pain cry. I've spent a significant percentage of this afternoon feeling incredibly helpless as my baby wailed like he was being tortured.

The funny thing, though, is that I ran into another new mom tonight at Fuzzy's. Her son was born on December 30th, and had his two month appointment earlier this week. We briefly bonded over the shot trauma next to the soda dispenser while I waited for my to-go order to be ready. Her advice? Baby Tylenol.

The doctor had mentioned this to me at the appointment and told me what the appropriate dose was for my kiddo. My mom and I couldn't find brand name Baby Tylenol at Babies R Us, so we got generic baby acetaminophen (beggars can't be choosers with a screaming baby on the line). Banner got his first dose around 6 PM this evening, and will most likely get another dose around bedtime tonight. My fingers are crossed that the poor little guy will be back to normal by morning.

(Oh, please let my baby feel better soon!)

In other news, Banner now weighs 12 pounds, 9 ounces and is 23 3/4 inches long. His head circumference is 40.4. This puts him in the 75 percentile for height and weight and the 65th for his noggin. The doctor was completely unphazed by the fact that the B-Man frequently eats 6+ ounces per feeding or that he occasionally projectile poops on our walls.

The good doctor DID, however, comment on how strong Banner is for his age and how well he holds his head up.

As Trevor would say: "That's my boy."

I am already dreading the four month appointment. I almost wish I didn't know Banner's vaccination schedule. It really is true that ignorance is bliss. Sigh...