Our growing boy and also a PSA on vitamins.

Alex had his 4 year well visit earlier this week and is chugging right along his little kiddo milestones.

He's 44.6 lbs (95% percentile) and is 41.25" tall (71% percentile). In an unsurprising twist, our pediatrician told us we should probably expect a big growth spurt over the summer. I sort of knew that based solely on the amount of food he's been packing away lately. I swear sometimes he eats more than Joey at dinner!

I love our pediatrician. He's always so thorough in answering our questions and explains things in a logical way. For instance, we were asking about vitamins...and he asked if we buy them from Costco or another big box store (Of course we do. Have you met me?). Anyway, did you know that big box stores cannot and do not put iron in their chewable vitamins? This is because if a child were to get their hands on the entire bottle and consume it, he or she would be at risk for iron poisoning because there are so many pills in the bottle. So, if your child takes chewables, be sure to buy them from a non-big box store if you are worried about or at risk for an iron deficiency. When in doubt, check the labels.

And the same goes for gummy vitamins--ALL gummy vitams--even for adults. No matter the size of the bottle, it is scientifically impossible for iron to be suspended inside the gelatin of a gummy vitamin, so NO gummy vitamins actually have iron in them! So again, if you or your child take gummy vitamins and are at risk for iron deficiency, investigate some other options.

This PSA brought to you by my rockstar pediatrician and the letter I.

Two is too much fun.

It's been awhile since a post has been 100% devoted to my little squirt, so here goes.

He had his 2 year well visit a few weeks ago and is still very long and lean (not sure where he gets it, but encouraging him to ride that wave as long as possible). He just moved into size 4 Pampers and despite the fact that he looks like he's waiting for Noah, 18 month clothes. Thank you summer, for finally arriving. Shorts=best ever for skinny minny. He's my little bigfoot, wearing a size 6 shoe...and I might have shed a few tears last night when I packed away all his size 4 and 5 shoes. All 23 of them. Yes, I have a problem.

Two Years - 28 lbs. 13 oz. (50%ile); 34.75 in. long (75%ile); 49.8 cm. head (25/50%ile)
18 Months - 22 lbs. 14 oz. (10/25th %ile); 32.75 in. long (50/75th %ile);  48 cm. head (50/75th %ile)

In other news, he's seriously the funniest person I know. He loves music, Little Einsteins, Thomas and Special Agent Oso and will tour our house for hours on his knees with anything on wheels. He loves, loves, loves to be outside and would swim all day if we would let him (more on that tomorrow). Giving credit to our amazing daycare provider, Aunt Jane, he can count to 30, knows all his letters, spells his name, talks about the weather, asks/answers questions and knows animals, colors, sounds and shapes. Just a few nights ago, we were walking to the park and he said, "Mommy, I see it!" and I said, "What do you see, Alex?" He points to a flipping stop sign and says, "Octagon, Mommy! Red means stop." And then I died, obviously.

His goodnight prayers are far and away my favorite part of the day. We do "Now I lay me down to sleep..." and at the very end before we say "Amen" he lists all the things he wants God to bless. It usually goes something like, "God bless Mommy, and Daddy, and Grammi, and Poppi, and Un-ca Ky-a, and Aunt Chill, and Aunt Kewwi, and Uncle Day-pid, and baby Sam-e-oh, and Nana, and Papa John, and Jake, and fishies, and take a bath, and binky, and Mommy, and Daddy...aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand twucks." Always with the trucks. And always, always last...after a long (and often repetitive) list.

As previously mentioned, he's an absolute ham. He loves to play "Knock knock, who's there?" (most especially when I'm in the loo) and will all but make out with himself whenever he sees himself in any reflective surface. He gets that from his Dad. True to his vanity, he also loves to have his "pit-cher" taken. Here's a sampling of his "cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeese" faces:

I know. I can't even stand his cuteness. It punches you in the face like a hot pepper hidden in a Chipotle chicken salad. SO DELICIOUS BUT YOU JUST CAN'T STOP.

And there you have it.

Nobody Puts Baby In A Corner.

So our pediatrician walks into the room for Alex's 18 month checkup on Wednesday and boisterously announces, "This is a sad visit."

I was like, "Como say whaaa?"

Apparently, after the 18 month visit, there are no more "baby" checkups. He's officially launched into "toddler" status and only goes for annual well visits.

TRAGIC.

Regardless, time marches on. And since I never did get around to posting his 15 month stats, here's his 15 and 18 month measurements all rolled into one gratuitous, self-serving post.

15 Month Checkup - Weight: 22 lbs. (10-25th %ile); Length: 31 in. (50th %ile); Head: 47.8 cm. (50/75th %ile)
18 Month Checkup - Weight: 22 lbs. 14 oz. (10/25th %ile); Length: 32.75 in. (50/75th %ile); Head: 48 cm. (50/75th %ile)

So there you have it. He's a tall, skinny kid. Not super sure where he gets the skinny part from, but I've encouraged him to ride that train as far as it'll take him.

Notes To Self.

1) Draft blog post regarding Alex's 15 month checkup. Should highlight: hatred of shots, love of pediatrician, denial of toddler status.

2) Inform readers that another CSN giveaway is on the horizon. You're welcome.

3) Post adorable pictures from picking Kelli up from the airport. Check.

4) Admit openly that I have an obsession with baby Crocs and madras shorts with polos, as exhibited above and below...and pretty much every other picture currently on file. Popped collar optional.

5) Take a brief blogging hiatus while sister is in town. Through next Friday, if you're wondering.

Things I Was Totally Unprepared For.

I think it's safe to say that parenthood by definition involves being totally unprepared for what any given day might bring you. One day, your kid is just lying on the floor like a bump on a log, and the next he's rolling over and goo-goo-gah-gah-ing at his bff the WIPpo. We're clearly well past the rolling milestone around these parts, but it seems as if Alex is learning something new every time I turn around. One of these days he's going to start spouting off long division on the way home from daycare and I'll either a) crap my pants right then and there, or 2) drive into a small bush. Neither are suggested, obvi.

He can feed himself (and loves to!). He can crawl up the stairs (panic ensues!). He no longer needs formula (hello there, wallet that has money in it again!). Basically, he's changing faster than I can keep up. And while it's amazes me to watch him, I often look back on videos and pictures of those first few weeks and wonder where my baby went. Wipe the tear. Continue blogging.

As I said, he's been up to some serious mischief over the last few weeks. But I'll let him tell you all about that...

I can pull myself up on things, which

is very fun. Did you know picture frames

make a loud BOOM when they crash to the ground?

I do now, and so does Mommy.

I got my first big boy haircut!

I love all the fun toys at Aunt Jane's Daycare.

Beep! Beep! Comin' through!

(This was obviously taken before my handsome haircut.)

Daddy put in my big boy carseat on Saturday morning,

which explains why I'm testing it out in my jammie-jams.

I went schwimming in a BIG pool for the first time.

It was so much fun and I loved going underwater.

I like to wear handsome big boy clothes and eat licorice. Yum!

Charming, no? In other news, he had his 12 month checkup a few weeks ago. Still right on target in all areas. I credit the licorice for this, mostly.

12 Month Checkup - Weight: 21 lbs. 7 oz. (25-50%ile); Length: 30 in. (50-75%ile); Head: 46.8 cm. (50-75%ile)
9 Month Checkup - Weight: 19 lbs. 9 oz. (25-50th %ile); Length: 28.5 in. (50-75th %ile); Head: 46 cm. (50/75th %ile)

Alex And The WIPpo.

Mister Alex has officially been on the outside as long as he was on the inside. I know it's strange, but I feel like he's been around for longer than I was pregnant...which is weird because I felt like I was pregnant for 3 about days longer than eternity.

"Well, hello there, Mommy. This routine again?"

"Hmm...this is certainly interesting."

"Peek-A-Boo!"

Somehow, the WIPpo ear always ends up in his mouth...

I'll give you a moment to recover from the cuteness. In the meantime, here are the stats from his 9 month checkup, which was this morning.

9 Month Checkup - Weight: 19 lbs. 9 oz. (25-50th %ile); Length: 28.5 in. (50-75th %ile); Head: 46 cm. (50/75th %ile)
6 Month Checkup - Weight: 17 lbs. 5.5 oz (50th %ile); Length: 27 in. (75th %ile); Head: 44 cm. (50th %ile)

We can now start adding proteins to his diet,a so I bought a few jars of the stage 2 meats on our Target run today...um, gross. I realize my son needs to eat and grow so I will feed him this crap but SERIOUSLY. No wonder children grow up and rebel. I would too if I was forced to eat that poo.

In unrelated news, Joey and I bought the new Super Mario Bros. game for Wii. I can't stop playing it. What's even cooler is that by the time Alex is old enough to play with me I will have mastered it and can challenge him in a save-the-Princess marathon and CREAM him!! :) I'm such a cool mom.

Check 1, 2, 3.

Alex had his 6 month checkup on Monday. He's still as awesome as ever and growing like a weed.

6 Month Checkup - Weight: 17 lbs. 5.5 oz (50th %ile); Length: 27 in. (75th %ile); Head: 44 cm. (50th %ile)
4 Month Checkup - Weight: 14 lbs. 10 oz. (50th %ile); Length: 25 in. (50th %ile); Head: 42.1 cm. (25/50th %ile)

My little porker is officially in all his 6-9 month clothes and some of the 6-12 ones from Old Navy are just starting to fit. Most of his pants make him look like he's waiting for the Great Flood of 2009 because his legs are so long.

This weekend's "to do" list includes boxing up all his 3-6 mo. clothes. But since summer was so mild, he probably has ~20 uber cute short-sleeved outfits with the tags still on. I feel so wasteful...but I'll keep them around in case we decide to produce more spawn, otherwise I plan to make a killing at a future Mom2Mom sale.

He has 2 Halloween costumes (you remember the peapod one?). The other is a surprise...but I pinky promise I'll be posting pics. And before you even ask, hells yes he is going trick or treating! I can pour some Pixy Stix in his bottle and Joe and I can fight over the rest.

4 Month Checkup.

Mr. Alex had his 4 month checkup a few days ago and it went swimmingly! The doctor said he was "such a sweet little thing" and that we "set the bar high." Perhaps he says that to all his parents, but I like to think not. He also said he was super proud of me for being a "good and brave" mommy because I had to yank his circumcision apart. Oh, did I not tell you this? Silly me. Men of the world stop reading now or you will likely pass out.

Last time I was visiting my parents, my mom (a nurse) noticed that his circumcision had sort of "grown back." I will spare you the anatomy lesson, but you can use your imagination and figure it out. She advised that if I kept tugging on it every time I changed his diaper that it would likely break apart and go back to normal.

Well, the magical day that it DID pull apart I about lost my lunch. It didn't even phase Alex...he didn't wince or cry or even act as if anything had happened. Strange. Regardless, the doc was uber proud of me for being brave enough to do it - he'd never had a mom that did before. Yay for me.

In other news, he's growing just as he should and remains in the 50th %ile for pretty much everything. He was a champ for his shots. Me...notsomuch. :)

4 Month Checkup - Weight: 14 lbs. 10 oz. (50th %ile); Length: 25 in. (50th %ile); Head: 42.1 cm. (25/50th %ile)
2 Month Checkup - Weight: 12 lbs. (50/75th %ile); Length: 22.75 in. (25/50th %ile); Head: 39.2 cm. (25/50th %ile)

Growing. And awesome. He's the best.

2 Month Well Visit.

Alex had his 2 month well visit yesterday morning, but we almost didn't make it. Allow me to tell you why...

Joe got up with him at about 6 am - fed him, changed him, and put him in his swing. Best husband ever. I told you. Before he left for work, he woke me up to tell me that Alex was sleeping soundly in the living room. Usually, this little morning sleep party only lasts for like 20-40 minutes after Joe leaves, so I decided to snag some more sleep while I could.

Much to my surprise (and delight), I woke up on my own at 9:11 am. I moseyed into the living room to check on my still sleeping baby boy and thought to myself, "Self, I think Alex's appointment is at 10:30, but you should check your planner to be sure." I opened my little blue book, and about crapped my pants when I saw, "Alex - Dr. - 9:30 am."

AAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhh begin operation super speedy get ready for doctor's appointment NOW.

In the moments that followed, I: called Joe in a tizzy, peed, brushed my hair, put in my contacts, brushed my teeth, swiped my face with astringent (told you it comes in handy), put on deodorant, sprayed some body spray, changed my clothes, put my hair in a ponytail, woke Alex up, changed his diaper AND his clothes, made a bottle, packed the diaper bag, got him in the carseat and both of us out the door.

Please note that ALL of the above happened in NINE MINUTES, FLAT. From the timestamp on my phone when I called Joe to the moment I kicked the car in reverse was nine minutes. I am amazing. It can't be denied.

Regarding the actual appointment, Alex is still pretty much awesome.

1 Month Visit - 10 lbs. 5 oz. (50-75%ile); 22.5 in. long (25%ile); 35 cm. head (25/50%ile)
Today (2 Month) - 12 lbs. (50-75%ile); 22.75 in. long (25-50%ile); 37.7 cm. head (25-20%ile)

Our little man is right on track! He also got 4 immunizations...1 orally and 3 shots. He took it almost like a champ. He was happy as a clam until about 1.5 seconds after the first poke. Then he screamed bloody freakin' murder for about 45 seconds and then calmed down and just looked pissed off. Sorry, buddy...but it's for your own good!

He slept most of the day away, which was nice. I woke him up about every 5 hours to give him Tylenol to keep him as pain-free as possible. He's back to his normal, adorable self today!

Big Boy!

Alex had his one month well visit last Wednesday (Holly, we missed you and Olivia by 2 hours - saw the sign-in sheet :)) and he's healthy as a calf! (Not quite a horse yet, you know.)

Here's his rap sheet:

Newborn visit - 6 lbs. 15 oz. (25%ile); 19 in. long (25%ile); 27 cm. head (25/50%ile)
One month - 10 lbs. 5 oz. (50-75%ile); 22.5 in. long (25%ile) 35 cm. head (25/50%ile)

Basically, he's awesome. See for yourself here. (Warning to work peeps: FB link. Check it from home.)

His two month well visit is June 17. He gets shots at that one...I'm soooooo not ready for that.

Cold Turkey.

I'm taking Alex off the boob. I have to, or I will die.

No joke, if I have to put those plastic little death shields up to my nips again, I will off myself. Violently.

Quick update for those not in the know, or are just tuning in: I think breastfeeding is the grossest, most disgusting thing on the earth. As payback for this, God decided to give me the pick of the litter that refuses to latch on. Please note that I DID try...very, very hard and often times to the point of tears. So, in an effort to give Alex "breast is best," I've been pumping out the milky goodness and feeding him via bottle.

The pump 'n feed is ridiculous and takes twice as long and sucks extra hard because after you've spent the time pumping, you STILL have to feed le child and THEN wash everything! Not that I'm complaining that doing this all for Alex was difficult or not worth it; I would cross an ocean with nothing but arm floaties and leaky goggles for him. But add in the sleep deprivation and the pain of the pump and it's a recipe for disaster.

I've done my research and consulted with our pediatrician, who has no qualms about it. Formula is pretty awesome these days...and let's face it, neither Joe nor I were breast fed at all. Like, not even a drop of colostrum. Zip. Zero. Zilcho. And we turned out alright, right?

I'm Sorry.

I haven't posted the birth story. I haven't posted more pictures. I haven't posted all the gory details of postpartum recovery (and holy cow, it is ridiculous...let's just say I've never been shy of the deuces and experiencing said shyness for the first time is horrific!).

I just want to spend every, single waking minute snuggling and kissing and loving on Alex. Because of that, I just don't have the time to devote to the novel-length post (and required wit) the birth story will require. It's so hard to believe that tomorrow is already his 1 week birthday and he's changed so much! I was looking at pictures of my cousin's son who was born last year about this time and he's already SO big. Pictorial proof that time flies all too quickly mixed with my raging hormones melted me into a sea of unexplainable sobs.

Moving on...

Alex had his first pediatrician appointment today and passed with flying colors. (Sidenote: I'm so, so, so, so pleased with our choice in doctors. It was well worth the frustration and time to visit 4 practices and weigh the pros and cons of each.) His stats? Still 19" and has chubbed back up to 6 lb. 13 oz. Momma's milk is working wonders! On that note, where was this AWESOME rack when I was 17? I could have definitely put them to good use back then, sheesh!

After our appointment we went to work to show him off visit with our work family. He snoozed the WHOLE time (about an hour) as he was passed from friend to friend. I wish he would have woken up to show off his beautiful eyes, but he was more content to just zonk out and snore. Actually, that's probably what a lot of us want to do at work most of the time, right? Maybe Alex was on to something...

Here's another favorite picture of the moment. He's just chillin' like a villain watching the Wings with his Daddy. I love my life.

Is It Just Me...

...or are all of the most disgusting words in the English language associated with pregnancy? This is probably a little bit of a TMI post, but I think it's necessary to get it out in the open.

Think about it: ovary, fundal/fundus, uterus, discharge, cervix, placenta, sperm, vagina, mucous, fetus...I could literally go for days. They're just gross words. Ew. Ew. Ew.

Speaking of things I think are gross, a friend recently shared this article on breastfeeding with me. It's a little long, but totally worth the read. One of my faves so far.

In related news, and forgive me if I've already blogged about any of this...I can't even remember what I had for breakfast this morning, but we are totally, 100% ready for WIP. I packed my bags for the hospital, so that milestone is behind me. All of WIP's clothes, bedding and blankets are washed and ready for him. Joey spent the weekend refinishing the tub/shower so we can play with him for hours in the bathtub. The carseat bases are installed. We bought batteries for all the crazy baby things that require them. (Rechargeable, nonetheless. You're welcome, Earth.) I mailed in my pre-registration forms for the hospital. I have all the necessary *cough*breastfeeding*cough* accoutrements. And, above all, I'm most happy to report that we visited Pediatrician candidate #4 last night and are SO happy with him/the practice. Winner, winner, chicken dinner, indeed.

So now we just wait. Hopefully, not too long!

Nothing Creative.

The creative juices are running on E today, so the best I can give you is the lame pediatrician update I promised yesterday and a good (stolen) joke.

1) Pediatrician candidate #2 - A referral from a friend and very, very nice overall. The only thing that freaked me was she got her degree in the Caribbean...I know that's so very judgmental, but can you blame me for wanting the best? The office was fun, clean and located right in Troy Beaumont, which is nice. I also appreciated her outlook on vaccines - they have a schedule they like to follow, but it's ultimately the parents' choice. She also gave some great advice re: circumcision (or "circ" as they call it in the biz) that put Joe at ease. I can't imagine that's an easy thing for a dad to stomach.

2) Pediatrician candidate #3 - In. Love. We toured the office with the office manager - only downside was that we didn't actually get to meet any of the docs. But I did read all their reviews on the billions of mommy websites and there was literally hundreds of overwhelmingly positive rave reviews. All of them spent time as chief resident at Children's Hospital, which is great. Plus, because of their affiliation with Children's, they could refer us with priority should there ever be a serious situation where he needed to see a specialist. The only downside? They aren't on staff at RO Beaumont and are only affiliated with St. John's. Which is fiiiiiiine, but it would be so much simpler if they had Beaumont affiliation. I honestly don't mind WIP having to see a resident at the hospital, and truth be told, he will probably be checked by the resident prior to the "circ" procedure before any pediatrician (mine or otherwise) would get to see him, anyway. Plus, if and when we move, we are likely going to the Troy/Rochester area, which would put us REALLY far from this office.

So many decisions, so little time. We're visiting one more practice on April 8 (Happy B-Day, brudder) and then we will make the final call. Why can't I just pick McDreamy and be done with it? Le sigh.

And now, for the joke:

Did you hear about the new IHOP breakfast dedicated to the OctoMom? It's made with 8 eggs, no sausage, and the people at the next table pay for it.

Bwaaaahahahaha.

Report Card.

Let's review the interviews of possible Team WIP members from this week, shall we?

1) Possible daycare provider #1 - A "corporate-style" daycare (ie - not homecare) with a really great staff. Both Joe and I felt super comfortable there. WIP probably would dig it, too. As far as Metro-Detroit daycares go, it was priced moderately. Grade: A-

2) Possible daycare provider #2 - A gem! This place was referred to me by a coworker, and is run by two older women who left "corporate daycare" 22 years ago because they felt the business model was overpriced, unfair to parents and didn't provide the best care for each individual child. These women are amazing. They not only provide an excellent level of care for all the children, they also have learning time, read to the children and give them all 1-on-1 time. Lucky for us, they have exactly one spot left before they max out the number of kiddos they are licensed for. How fast did I write my deposit check? Um, it's in the mail right now. Grade: A++++

3) Possible daycare provider #3 - Obvi, I'm skipping this interview.

4) Possible Pediatrician #1 - Eh. The location is absolutely perfect - in a brand new Beaumont facility about 2 miles from our house. I liked the doctor enough, but she got a bit defensive when I started asking questions about vaccines. It was almost as if she immediately took me for an "anti-vaccine" mom, which I'm totally not! I just don't want the Hep B shot at the hospital and I want the MMR vaccine given all by itself. I did, however, appreciate her asking me why I made those decisions, and in the end she did say that while the practice has a vaccine schedule they use, she would work with me on whatever I wanted for WIP. I'm not totally sold on her, yet, but we'll see. Grade: B+

We're visiting 2 more pediatricians next week and then I'll make the call.

In other news, I learned that the OB-GYN does the circumcision. Go fig. Seems weird to me that the pediatrician doesn't do it.

Happy weekend!

Pediatrician!

So, apparently you need to know who your Pediatrician is BEFORE you check into triage for labor & delivery. Time to get on top of that to-do list...

Today I'm visiting some potentials. Any advice on what I should ask them? I mean, besides the obvious, "Do you watch E.R. or Grey's Anatomy?"

Leave a comment or shoot me an email (kveedub@gmail.com) with some mom-a-licious advice!