Madelyn's Last Dance Class

Madelyn has been taking ballet and tap through the Parks and Rec department for the last 10 weeks. Parents were allowed to sit in on the last class, and JD took these pictures. The lighting in the room was horrible, so I had to play around in editing them. Putting them in sepia was the only way to make them look decent. We're going to take a few weeks off. I have her enrolled in another dance class for the spring. We'll see if her interest holds over the next couple of weeks before it starts up again.

PSA--Caution using slings

I've mentioned a few times that I really liked carrying Isabel in a sling. Well, I did, very much so. However, I feel compelled to mention the recall of some infant slings. This was not the brand I used, but now that I have read the recall, I'm not sure if I would use one again on an infant under 4 months old.

My peanut

Okay, so I was in a bit of a shock from Isabel's doctor appointment. She has only gained 9 ounces since her last appointment--2 months ago! The great news is that she's growing well--her head circumference is great and she grew 2 inches lengthwise which puts her above the 60th percentile at 26 inches. The doctor does not think there's a medical issue but that she just needs more calories. I'm trying not to blame myself, but I've definitely lowered her milk consumption (not supplementing with formula) because she is eating solids so well. However, as the doctor and I discussed things, she gently reminded me that vegetables don't have a ton of calories and very little (if any) fat. So, Isabel gets to pig out for the next 9 days and then we'll go back for a weight check. I'm supplementing her breast milk with Pediasure--that stuff is pretty yummy--as it should be with 240 calories and 9 grams of fat in 8 ounces.

Again, family especially, I'm not worried and the doctor isn't worried. She is doing great otherwise and has met or slightly exceeded other milestones. She's happy, active when she's awake, and sleeps great. She put on a very good show for the doctor--rolled over when she was trying to listen to her heart, sat right up when she asked if Isabel was sitting, laughed when she asked if she was laughing, etc.

So, we'll see what the scale says next week, but Isabel is loving the Pediasure and it might be hard to give it up.

6 Months Old

Half of a year! Wow! Isn't she beautiful? She's pretty sweet, too. She smiles a lot, is really starting to laugh and loves watching the antics of Madelyn and Pierce. She's enjoying solid foods--squash, bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, prunes, and cereal. She can sit independently (until she loses her balance or tries to reach for something) and has a tooth emerging. She's still napping three times a day and is sleeping well at night. We go to the doctor for Isabel next week. I'm betting she'll weigh around 14 pounds--she just reminds me so much of Madelyn at 6 months and that's what Madelyn weighed then. Wow! Six months have really flown by.

Check-ups

Today Madelyn and Pierce had their 5 and 3-year check-ups. All is well with them except Pierce has a small skin infection that can be treated with an ointment. Just for future reference, here are their stats:

Madelyn--43.5 inches (65%) and 38.6 pounds (39%)

Pierce--38.75 inches (78%) and 31.2 pounds (44%)

A funny, a sweetie, and finally

Funny:

Madelyn: Mommy, did you know that a long time ago people used to write in wavy lines and funny symbols?

Me: Yes, how did you know about hieroglyphics?

Madelyn: Well, remember that Charlie Brown movie? The kids were writing in wavy lines across their papers.

Sweetie:

Me: Okay, guys. I need to put Isabel to bed.

Pierce: Wait. Hug and Kiss. Oh, I love her so much!

Finally:

I've been watching Isabel's gums for the last couple of weeks. A tooth has officially made an appearance.

Cousins

Whew! Birthday season is officially over around here. On Saturday, we had a party to celebrate all the cousins' birthdays (except Isabel). The other four have birthdays between the dates of Feb. 21 and March 21, so it's a lot of fun to get everyone together and celebrate at once. All of the birthday kids are wearing something they received for their birthdays. We're having a hard time convincing Pierce to take his monster towel off, and he didn't want to use it after his bath tonight because it would be too wet to wear to bed.

Mesmerized by Granddaddy

Look, Mom, No Boppy!

Isabel is able to sit independently for short periods of time. Madelyn was nervous when she first started, though, and wanted to sit behind her in case she fell.

Weekend Visitors

Harry, the rabbit. We rabbitsat for friends:

Granddad:

Ma:

Happy Birthday, Pierce!

Pierce is three today. I think he looks so grown up in this picture. He's such a sweet little boy, who knows exactly what he wants. He's very articulate, doesn't have much interest in learning his numbers or letters, loves trains and space shuttles, friendly, and is very attached to his blue "softy" blankets. He would wear pajamas all day, every day. He really enjoys school and has a crush on Mrs. Helga. We've had a small celebration today. Mom and Dad came up last weekend, and we're having a family birthday celebration for all of the late winter birthdays on Saturday. Pierce doesn't really care, as long as he gets a "pupcake".

Working on sitting up

She's not ready to go "Boppy-free", but she's definitely getting stronger.

Humility and motivation

Madelyn has unknowingly provided me with some great motivation and humbled me a bit. She did soon after Pierce was born and she did again today. While getting her ready for school, I bent over a bit to fix her hair. She reached up and touched my stomach and promptly asked, "Mommy, why is your tummy so squishy?" Ouch! I don't even have to think twice about whether I will work out today.