Jacob's 4 month checkup

So Nate took Jacob to the Dr. today for his 4 month Well Checkup. Our pediatrician is so wonderful that he was booked solid till October, so they went to see a nurse practitioner. They weighed him and measured how long he is and it turns out that we have a small baby. I would think that he would have gained a lot of weight and grown a few inches in the past month because we feed him 5 ounces of formula every 3 hours. But no, he weighs 13 pounds and is 23 3/4 inches long. Not a big difference from when he was 2 months. So we have to feed him more now in order to plump him up. We are feeding him 4 ounces every 2 hours. Hopefully this works. Jacob also got his 4 month shots and Nate told me Jacob screamed bloody murder. I was very upset that I couldn't go to the appointment but nate did a wonderful job asking all the right questions. I hope Jacob gains some weight and grows in the next two months. I know I shouldnt worry but as a mother I am very worried and blame this on myself even though its not my fault. I am not sure why Jacob is so small but I hope he grows and doesnt remain small. Any advice would be great. Other than all of that Jacob is a very healthy 4 month old. He is right where he should be developmentally which is wonderful. I think he is going to start sitting up unassisted soon.
We are going to Chicago for one of Nate's cousins wedding and Nate's immediate and extended family will finally be able to meet Jacob. We are looking forward to it and will post pics when we get back.

3rd year of teaching

I started my THIRD year of teaching. I have a great group of kids. I switched classrooms and I think I did an awesome job this time.

UPDATE

Jacob's feeling much better. Those saline drops worked brilliantly. He slept through the entire night, from 9:30 to 6. Thank the Lord! It was especially good for Erin, who also is battling a cold (she was the supplier rather than receiver).

Now I just wish he'll take a long nap, so I can...

Jacob's sick.

Jacob has his first cold. This is one milestone we could've done without.

Over the past two days, Erin and I probably have slept for a combined 10 hours. Every time we put him down in his crib, his stuffy nose wakes him up before we can get comfortable in our own bed. Add to that his four-month wakeful period (topic for another blog) and we've got a wide-eyed baby at 3 a.m. who wants to play but also is in discomfort. It sucks. at the same time, though, both of us feel really bad for the little guy. He has absolutely no idea why he's hot, his nose is runny and his eyes are watery.

Erin took Jacob to the doctor Wednesday evening. He had a temperature of 100, but no fever. The doctor told us to give him saline drops, which will help clear his nose and throat. Hopefully he'll get better soon.

Daddy-son mornings

I'm into week 2 of being the only caregiver from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. every weekday.

Erin and I decided to take advantage of our unique work schedules (I work nights, she works days) and forgo day care to save nearly 600 bucks a month. The downside to this deal was that I would have to go in to work even later. My regular hours were from 2 to 11, but Erin doesn't get home until 4:15ish. Luckily my supervisor was understanding of our situation and is allowing me to come in at 5. However, that means I now don't get home until 2 a.m.

I knew this new work schedule was going to be rough as Jacob wakes up around 6 and then I'm on my own by 7:30, but it's been worth the lack of sleep. A note: On most days he's has been taking a two-hour morning nap, of which I take great advantage.

Since becoming Mr. Morning Mom, I have learned to control my frustration when he bellows a piercing cry, I have developed my own successful technique to put him to sleep, I've witnessed developmental milestones and, most of all, I am forming a special bond with him.

I'm not gonna lie, it's been tough. But I've realized the hardships come with the experience and hopefully will help make me a better dad.

I wouldn't trade these memories for anything.

Jumpin' around -- kinda

We bought this jumper, which hooks onto the door frame, to help Jacob strengthen his legs. He's slowly getting the hang of it. He's only been at it for a few days. Erin's co-workers told her it took their infants about two weeks before they're leaping tall buildings. We'll post another video when he starts bouncing. For now, you'll enjoy this.

Jacob's latest discovery

Call him Columbus 'cause Jacob's discovering all kinds of uncharted territory by accident.

Jacob was lying in his bouncer on Friday entertaining himself when suddenly I heard music playing from the plastic frog that dangles above him. The frog plays a song when you pull its cord. I quickly turned my head and realized Jacob had set it off. I run to grab the camera, hoping to catch him on video. Lo and behold he did it again... and again... and again... and again once more!

At first his hand just happened to get caught in the frog's pullcord as he was swatting at the other hanging objects, but I think each subsequent pull was a conscious effort.

It's amazing to watch him focus on the task at hand and really control his right arm to grab the plastic ring. At the end of the video, he grabs the other objects, as well as his feet.

He's growing up so fast!

*Warning: The song may remain in your head the rest of the day.

4 months already. WOW

Jacob is already 4 months old! Wow! Crazy. Developmentally and physically he is right where he should be. YAY! Here is a checklist that I found to make sure that he is doing everything a 4 month old baby should be doing:

* sits with support, back is rounded-----CHECK
* begins to support body with legs when held in standing position-----CHECK
* rolls from back to front and front to back by 6 months------- BACK TO FRONT
* moves object from one hand to other-----NOT YET
* grabs feet and toes when lying on back-----CHECK
* makes "swimming" motions with arms and legs when placed on abdomen---CHECK
* begins drooling (not always a sign of teething)-----CHECK
* naps two to three times a day, for one to three hours each (on average---CHECK
* begins to sleep longer at night (six to eight hours consistently)-----CHECK
* has full color vision, able to see at longer distances-----CHECK
* coos and gurgles when talked to, or in response to toys-----CHECK
* babbles, begins to imitate sounds’-----BABBLES BUT NOT IMITATE
* by 6 months, makes single syllable sounds (da, ma, ba)---------NOT YET
* laughs-----GETTING THERE
* squeals-----CHECK
* blows bubbles or "raspberries"-----CHECK
* recognizes familiar things and people-----CHECK
* may hold out arms to be picked up-----STARTING TO
* begins to learn concept of object permanence (i.e., a partially hidden object under a blanket is still there)------I AM NOT TOO SURE
* may show displeasure when object or person goes away-----CHECK
* may recognize his/her own name-----I THINK SO
* may begin to understand "no"-----NOT YET.. THANK GOODNESS

4 month professional pics!

More than just milk

Erin fed Jacob rice cereal the other day. It was mixed in with formula, which made it look more like a soup. He loved it! He didn't know what to think at first, but then he started to cry between each spoonful. He washed down his dinner with bottle of formula. After a sugar rush that lasted about an hour past his bedtime, Jacob slept nine straight hours!



Erin also let Jacob suck on a piece of watermelon to help cool his gums. He was addicted to that new taste, as well, as he kept crunching forward when Erin would pull it away.