4 Year Well Visit

Stats:

Height:  38.5 inches (15th percentile)
Weight:  32.25 lbs (18th percentile)

Vaccinations:

• none

Freddie had his well visit with Dr. G today.

He's gaining on the growth charts.  His height is at the 15th percentile, up from the 7th percentile a year ago.  His weight is 18th percentile, up from 12th percentile a year ago.  She is not at all concerned about his size and thought he'd turn out to be average like his mama and dada.

He had his vision and hearing checked, and all good.  He had a tendency to try peeking with the eye that was covered but she estimated his vision to be somewhere between 20/20 and 20/30.

She thought his development was on perfect course physically, socially, emotionally, and laid on lots of praise for his bicycle riding.  She also was very complementary of his manners and general independence.

We talked again about his toe walking.  Last year she thought he'd outgrow it and was surprised to hear he's still at it.  She said he's a bit old to still be doing it, recommended some exercises, and asked to touch base in about a month.  She spoke with Freddie about the importance of walking flat so his tendons develop normally.  I'm not sure if it's just a bad habit at this point or if his feet hurt when he walks flat, but either way he's got to stretch out his tendons.

There are a few (3 maybe?) vaccinations which are recommended between ages 4 and 6, one of which is MMR and is required in NY state before entering kindergarten.  She asked if I wanted them all now, or one or two now, or none at all.  I gave Freddie the choice because last time he was a bit bummed about not getting any shots.  He didn't want any so I asked if we could just get them all when we see her for flu vaccines next winter, which she said was a fine idea.

I'm thankful for a healthy four year old who loves going to the doctor.  Hopefully he gets to walking flat footed and we don't need to see Dr. G again until the next flu season.

Three Year Well Visit

At 3 years, 1 week, 3 days:

Stats:

• Weight:  27.6 lbs (12th percentile)
• Height: 35.25 inches (7th percentile)

Vaccinations:

• None

He's growing.  He's gained his 2 inches per year estimate since the last visit.  I asked about percentiles being a predictor of adult height and she said if I was worried we could see an endocrinologist or do a "bone age" study.  Not necessary, I was just curious.  Anyway, she thought growth spurts later down the road do happen and a bone age test would say if that was most likely in his future.  But, he's growing. 

Freddie LOVES going to Dr. G.  He's been looking forward to this visit all week.  He commented on the child screaming bloody murder in the next room, but didn't seem bothered.  He's crying, Mama.  His shots must hurt.  No shots for Freddie, and he seemed ok with that, I suppose since Hans didn't get any it was fair. 

Well Visits

Freddie at 2 years, 8 months:
Stats:

• Weight: 27 lbs (15th percentile)
• Height: 34 inches (5th percentile)

Vaccinations:

• Hep A, 2nd dose
• Influenza

Right on track with growth, with the 1 inch growth in about six months!  Dr. G said to expect about 2 inches per year.


Also, the child DID NOT CRY for either shot.  And he watched the needle go in both times!  I was amazed.  We have been talking about going to see Dr. G for the past week and told him he was going to get a shot.  We also told him that shots hurt.  He went with Charlie to get his allergy shot and he's seen Hans get his shots.  He knew what he was in for and this morning he was actually *excited* to go to the doctor to get a shot.  It was if he was getting initiated into the club.  I told him it'd be ok if he cried because it does hurt.  Not a tear. 


No concerns.  Development looks great.  She was impressed with his toileting, vocabulary, and imagination. 

Mama at 37 years 4 months:
Stats:

• 3 lbs from prepregnancy weight and nowhere near fitting into my prepregnancy pants.  Sigh.

Vaccinations:

• Influenza

I asked if she thought my OB had the vaccinations and would administer one to me, and she offered to take care of it.  She said I had too much other stuff to worry about and didn't need to schlep into the city with two babies for a vaccination.  I agree!  I didn't cry but man my arm is aching!

Hans, 4 month well visit at 4 months, 5 days:

• Weight:  12 lbs 5 oz (2nd percentile)
• Length:  25 inches (40th percentile)
• Head circumference: 41.5 cm (35th percentile)

Vaccinations:

• Rotovirus, 2nd dose
• Hib, 2nd dose
• DTP, 2nd dose
• IPV, 2nd dose
• PCV, 2nd dose

Well, can you spot the problem?  Hans is only in the 2nd percentile for weight.  A drop from the 22nd percentile at his last visit.  And even thinner than Freddie at the same age.  All of his percentiles dropped, actually, but the weight is the most significant.

We began the visit with my concerns, where I brought up the issue of his bowel movements being infrequent, once every 7-9 days.  Although there have been a few days of daily bowel movements here an there, he continues to go long stretches.  And she said this was normal, even if he is showing some signs of "discomfort."  I've been doing some weight checks on the scale at home and knew he was not gaining a significant amount of weight and had a feeling she might change her opinion of the "normalcy" of his infrequent bowel movements once she saw his weight.

Sure enough, she's concerned about his weight.  The fact that he's not pooping as often in addition to the weight supports her concern.  "As much as I hate to say it, I think you should supplement with formula," she said.

And I said, "I really don't want to do that."  So we talked about why: 

• Supplementing often results in the baby refusing the breast and at the very least means I will produce less with the baby getting (some) nourishment elsewhere.  
• I breastfeed to pass on antibodies.  Charlie suffers with allergies, and I want to take whatever steps necessary to prevent Hans from having allergies.  The recommendation is a year, and I want to nurse for a year.  She, as a pediatric allergist, wholeheartedly agrees with nursing for this reason. 
• Freddie was (is) small, and he's fine.  I think it is completely in the realm of normal for both boys to be similarly sized.

So she gave me the name of a lactation consultant who may have some suggestions.  She said she wouldn't dare recommend waking him during his 9 hour slumber to nurse, and hoped the lactation consultant might have some other ideas.  I sure hope those other ideas don't include the pump.  Sigh.

She checked his urine, for what I don't know, and it was "normal."

She talked about the expected drop in weight for babies around the 6 month mark because of their increased activity, but still thought this drop at 4 months was a little premature and quite severe.

She thought starting solids might help and gave me the go ahead, although she said her typical recommendation is to wait until 6 months.  At the very least, she wants me to come back in a few weeks to check his weight.

His development was normal, cooing and babbling, smiling, wiggling, and lifting his chest and head off the table nice and steady. 

My general feeling is that he's doing just fine, but I do feel it necessary to follow through with the next few precautionary steps just to be certain.

Next appointment:  November 9th with Dr. G.  Appointment pending with lactation consultant

2 year well visit (at 25 months)

Freddie's Stats:

Weight: 24 lbs (5th percentile)
Length: 33 inches (9th percentile)
Head Circumference: 49.5 cm (68th percentile)


Vaccinations:

• None!  I opted to do the second dose of Hep A in 6 months in order to allow Freddie a shot-less visit this time around, since this was our first meeting with Dr. G.

My Concerns:

• Whole milk or low fat:  I know the general recommendation is transition kids to low fat milk after the age of 2.  With cholesterol being an issue on both sides of the family it was something on my mind.  But I also know Freddie doesn't get a lot of fat calories, so I needed some more information.  Dr. G told me what "the" recommendation is, and then echoed my feelings about family health history as well as his current fat intake.  She left if at my doing what I thought was best depending on his eating habits, throwing in that I can feed him anything he'll eat and not to fret too much over his getting a "balanced" diet because the favorites eventually change and eventually his eating habits will evolve, which has been my approach with food thus far.  I'll probably continue the whole milk as long as he's eating like a bird.  I'm also on the hunt for some solid (peer reviewed) resources (i.e. not just what "the" recommendation from physicians or from "Earthmother.com" are) in regards to whole v. lowfat milk in children.

Her concerns:

• None, for the most part.  Of course she wanted to "monitor" his growth so thought another appointment in 6 months would be a good idea, and that would allow for an opportunity to administer his second Hep A dose.  
• He does have a big head, doesn't he?  I filled her in on his past history and she said, well, that's that.  Nothing to worry about.
• She did mention vitamins were the "fashionable" (her word) thing in pediatrics these days, primarily because there is a concern that kids aren't getting enough vitamin D.  She kinda shrugged and said I may want to consider giving him a chewable vitamin each day.
• She also asked that I send the results of his lead screenings.  She said lead screening is required when kids enter preschool so she just assume have this on record rather than repeat testing.
• Her biggest concern was that someone was coming to stay with us for a while when the new baby arrives..."post docs keep crazy hours and you'll definitely need some help."

This was our first appointment with Dr. G.  Finding doctors has been bit of a daunting task for me, as we had such great relationships with our previous healthcare providers.  After having a handful of doctors I wasn't totally happy/comfortable in with in the past I resigned myself to not settle in the area of healthcare. I want someone we trust, who knows our family, and partners with me in my care.  So, how'd it go?  She's a very "seasoned" pediatrician and has a pretty laid back attitude about things.  I'm sure she's seen it all.  She's in private practice, her office is small and informal, and her equipment is not on the cutting edge.  And right now I am fine with those things.  When Freddie was an infant I was thankful for our massive healthcare provider and the resources within the office.  I'm now at a point where Freddie's healthy and more than thriving, and so she'll suit us just fine.   

Next appointment:  October 3rd, 9am, weight check, Hep A vaccine, and flu shot.

18 month well visit

Freddie's Stats:

Weight: 20 lbs 2 oz. (Below the charts)
Length: 30.25 inches (5th percentile)
Head Circumference: 47.5 cm (40th percentile)

Vaccinations:

• None!

My concerns:

• 5 poops a day?  Seriously?:  There's a wide variance in pooping practices out there, and she definitely felt his average of five and range of four-six poops a day to be a bit on the high side, but still normal.  She did ask about poop appearance to make sure he wasn't passing fat.  (Note:  His poops have been greatly diminished the past two weeks.  I know part of this is just due to the schedule shift, but he has only had organic milk the past two weeks as well.)

Her concerns:

• None!

We filled out the M-CHAT screening for Autism and there are no concerns.  His development is completely on target as well.

His height is back on the charts and his weight is back on the upward curve getting closer to the charts.

We'll miss Dr. J.  Hoping we find someone who shares her instruments, reads books before the exam and notices each of his new tricks in NYC.

15 month well visit

Freddie's Stats:

Weight: 18 lbs 12 oz. (Below the charts)
Length: 28.5 inches (Below the charts)
Head Circumference: 47.5 cm (60th percentile)

Vaccinations:

• DTaP/DTP/Td, 4th dose
• Hib, 4th dose
• Hep A
• PCV, 5th dose

My concerns:

• None!

Her concerns:

• None!

Dr, J said we've got a perfect toddler on our hands. His language, social, and motor development are all right on. She suggested substituting 8 oz of PediaSure for 8 oz of milk because it has about 30 calories per ounce as compared to 20 calories per ounce in whole milk, and continue to offer high calorie foods.

We hope to see her in August for his 18 month well visit before the big move.

Doctor Visit

The red bandages on my arms match my outfit!

Freddie's Stats:

Weight: 18lbs, 8oz. (not on the charts)


Concerns:

• Coughing: His coughing has steadily gotten worse over the last week, and it was the worst it's been upon our arrival home on Sunday. He's sounding a bit better today but I can hear him breathing and his coughing is interfering with his sleeping. Of course I wonder if his being reunited with the dogs and dog hair made the cough worse, but that I won't know for some time. The cough comes and goes and has lingered for months. She though he sound congested in his sinuses and she could hear it in his breathing but didn't think it was really in his lungs. He did give a "croopy" sounding cough while we were in there so she went ahead and prescribed steroids, prednisone, once a day for three days. She didn't seem totally sold on the idea of his needing it, and I am not totally sold on the idea of him taking something which may really not be necessary, but we'll follow through and hope this clears things up once and for all. We'll start tomorrow morning since she warned that it will "amp" him up and should be given well before nap or bedtime.
• Diapers: She doesn't seem at all concerned by his stools. She didn't think the yogurt was at all related since he tolerates milk. I probably just need to suck it up and accept the messy diapers, but I would be miffed if my own bowel movements were consistently pasty so I shall continue trying to figure it out. Anyone have any ideas for me to explore? I'm holding off on yogurt for a few to see what happens.
• Weight: He's falling further off the growth charts. While he is gaining it does appear as if his curve is flattening out and may even be reaching a plateau. She said she'd be really concerned if it began to drop. He's been healthy and is on target for milestones but she did want to do some testing to rule out abnormalities just to be sure. She assured me that she really doesn't have any strong suspicions of anything being off but thought it was best to test just to be sure. Blood draw today to check CBC, liver function, kidney function. The blood draw was tough. His veins don't cooperate and he got stuck a lot in both arms. Poor guy was howling and worked up quite the sweat protesting. The nurse is supposed to call me to set up a "sweat test" to check for cystic fibrosis. The test is noninvasive and shouldn't be a big deal. While I am pretty sure neither Charlie or I had any genetic link to CF when we went through all of our infertility testing, the recent coughing and state of his poop make me a tad nervous (mucousy stools are associated with CF).

Next steps:

• Tomorrow afternoon: Phone call from Dr. J to discuss lab results
• Sweat test: Will update here once I get scheduled Wednesday, April 14th, 9am
  

Lead Level

Freddie's lead level is down to 4.

It had been 3 at six months and 6 at nine months. I'm relieved to see it dropping. I imagine this is mostly due to the reduction of mouthing objects although he is still pretty fond of chewing on most everything he picks up.

We'll continue to monitor it.

52 Weeks

Vocabulary:

• "Heeeeee dada" ("Hey, Daddy!" when he enters after work.)
• "Ga Ba", said with your arm extended and your finger pointing ("Go! Boodog" when Boodog comes over during meals)

Estimated stats:

• 18.5 lbs.
• 27.5 in.
• Still rather tiny

Diet:
Things you never throw on the floor:

• Pirate Booty, Veggie is your favorite
• Cereal bars, especially love Kashi apple
• Homemade banana bread
• Butter toast
• Cookies
  
• cake
• Whole milk, You're up to about 8 oz cold milk in a cup per day with meals
  

Things you sometimes throw on the floor:

• Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
• Banana
• Cheese toast
• Chicken chunks
  

Things Mama feeds you:

• Cream of wheat
• Oatmeal with applesauce
• Sweet potato with butter and salt
• Earth's Best tender beef and spinach baby food

Nursing:

• First thing in the morning (5am-ish)
• Last thing at night (7pm-ish)

Working on:

• Walking. You've pretty much given up on taking steps right now. Your daddy thinks this is because you've got a language explosion going on and there is not much room in your brain for much else.
• Talking. You're babbling up a storm. You carry on conversations and are so animated. You chatter away when you are looking at books or interacting with the dogs.
  
• Eating with utensils and dishes, when you're not making music with them. You are pretty insistent that you get the bowl too these days. You put your food in the bowl and out of the bowl and in the bowl a few times before it gets to your mouth.
• More teeth. You've got three on top and three on the bottom and more coming.

Favorite pastimes:

• Flushing the toilet, but Mama has to watch this because you often head to the roll of toilet paper next.
  
• Carrying around your toothbrush. Your spoon now comes second to your toothbrush.
• Banging on your drum.
• Closing doors and cabinets and drawers.
• Playing chase. You look over your shoulder, squeal, an take off expecting me to come after you.
• Talking on the phone. You love to put that cellphone to your ear and then talk and carry on with your arms waving around for emphasis.
  
• Stroller rides. So much to look at these days, my guy, so you haven't been dozing on our walks.

Likes:

• Cuddling. You put that head on my shoulder and give a tight squeeze and sometimes a pat on the back.
• Baths. And ya just gotta hold your penis the entire time.
  
• Being tickled, especially little pinches on the inside of your thighs
• Kisses on your toes and hands

Dislikes:

• Getting dressed, although now you cooperate more often by pushing hands through and offering the right foot for your sock and shoe.
• Getting your face wiped, but you are fussing a whole lot less about it lately.

Personality:

• Outgoing! You've got me talking to people whether I want to or not. You'll look and look and look until they finally make eye contact with you and then you tilt your head to the side and give a big ole cheesy grin.
• Strong willed. You are making it known what you want and don't want.
  

Your birthday is tomorrow. This time last year I was walking in the park when I knew my water had broken and you'd be showing up real soon. I called your Daddy and he met me at the hospital where we waited for you. A year ago, Buggers, a whole year! I know it's your special day, but it will always be a special day for me and your Daddy too.

We love you.

**I hope to update later tonight with more photos. We're travelling today, so things are hectic!**

Still sick

My two sickies, watching movies in bed...


Freddie had his first sick visit with Dr. J today. He had some fever weekend before last, and has been battling congestion all week. When his temperature shot up this weekend I figured a secondary infection was at work.

Yep, says Dr. J. Right ear is infected. His chest sounded clear enough to her, although his congestion is definitely migrating from his head to his chest. She said his lungs were fine and thought some antibiotic for the ear should take care of it. She said the congestion from a virus (cold) typically lingers for 10-14 days so hopefully we'll be seeing the inside of his nostrils without having to pin him down one day real soon.

Amoxicillin twice a day for ten days. The kid slurped that pink stuff out of the syringe. Yuck!

And the little peanut weighed in at 17 lbs 11 oz today.

After coming home early from work today, Charlie's headed to the doctor first thing tomorrow. He's been congested for a while too. I'm predicting a sinus infection, although his symptoms are a bit flu-y.

The Mama had one sick day, complete with some fever at bedtime, but I am feeling pretty run down at the end of each day. Thankfully I am managing to stay relatively healthy. Hoping we get these germs out of our systems before the weekend, as things are about to get pretty exciting around here.

6 month well visit

Freddie's Stats:

Weight: 14 lbs 11 oz. (5-10th percentile)
Length: 24.75 inches (5-10th percentile)
Head Circumference: 44 cm (50-75th percentile)

Vaccinations:

• DTaP/DTP/Td, 3rd dose
• OPV/IPV, 3rd dose
• Hib, 3rd dose
• Rotavirus, 3rd dose
• PCV, 3rd dose
• Hep B, 3rd dose

My Questions:

• Sleep: Go ahead and withhold nighttime feedings. He'll then be certain to get his calories during the day.
  
• Solids: Offer 3 times a day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, one serving each of grain, vegetable, fruit. These feedings are in addition to the five nursings per day.
  
• SIDS: All possibilities have just about diminished. Go ahead and sleep on belly, with a lovie, and snuggled up to the crib bumper if he so pleases.
• Scrawny: He is tiny, but following his growth curve. She has absolutely no concerns with his size and finds his development, particularly his physical development to be ahead of the curve, already reaching milestones she doesn't anticipate until 9 months. I already knew he was the cutest baby, but the smartest and most agile as well?
  
• Lead: Tested. Routine questions for potential screening are asked at each well visit between now and age 6. I expressed concern, and she did not ask anything else, just told me to stop by the lab on our way out to get a blood sample drawn. He did well in the lab, screaming with the prick and howling as they dripped a blood sample into a vile. Poor dear lost his bandage on the way home and that tiny finger bled and bled and bled.
  
• Flu Shot: Get one and get him one as well. The office gets thimerosal free (mercury free) flu shots. (Typically the flu shot still contains mercury, where as most other vaccines are now mercury free.) Each of his vaccinations to date has be free of thiomersal. Although there is no clear, conclusive, peer reviewed study linking thiomersal to adverse reactions, i.e. Autism, the hospital does get the thiomersal free vaccines and flu shots as a courtesy to patients because so many people have heightened concerns.

Dr. J's concern:

• Penis: Specifically the foreskin. (Bug is an "intact" male.) She said it appeared to be a little "tight" but he quickly proved it was working properly when he squirted a heavy shot of peepee into her face. Yep, right in her face as she tugged on his penis, making sure no skin was in the way. It was a good shot, and he giggled at her startled response. Just something to watch as it was obviously not getting in the way of his urinating to date. She'll check it again on his next visit, but doesn't anticipate any problems.

A good visit. He was his typical jovial self, chatting, smiling, and reaching out to examine anything he could get to. He was particularly interested in the light she used to look in his ears and she indulged him for some time allowing him to hold it and look closely at it, before he finally decided it was fit for his mouth. She also gave him a book which he patiently waited for me to read to him before he insisted that too should go into his mouth. He'll get a book at each well visit as they are starting a new literacy campaign.

He's napping now. Last visit he had a bit of fever from the vaccines. Nothing that a little Tylenol didn't help, but I'm on the look out again.

Next visit: 9 months, but a flu shot sometime in the next few weeks.

4 month well visit

Freddie's Stats:

Weight: 12 lbs 13 0z (5th percentile)
Length: 23 in (10th percentile)
Head Circumference: 42.5 inches (50th percentile)

Vaccinations:

• DTaP/DTP/Td, 2nd dose
• OPV/IPV, 2nd dose
• Hib, 2nd dose
• Rotavirus, 2nd dose
• PCV, 2nd dose

My concerns:

• Red spots in belly button and one on his penis: No worry, just hemangioma. It may get larger but will fade. It can be treated with laser if it becomes too unsightly or a problem.
  
• Dent on head: Normal skull variation. Head looks good, shape is rounding.
  
• Solids: Go for it. Typical recommendation is to begin between 4-6 months. She warned not to get my hopes up with it being the cure for no sleep. She thinks a growth spurt or teething may be to blame.
  
• Tiny boy: He is tiny but catching up with his head, and following the growth curve.
  
• Ears: All clear. Must be tugging on them just to check things out.
  
• Sunscreen: Try to wait until 6 months, or use sparingly.
  
• Insect repellent: No more than 30% DEET, and use sparingly.
  
• Milestones: Right on for everything. Continue with tummy time for as long and often as he will tolerate it, but she has no concerns with his skill development.

He smiled and smiled and talked it up as soon as she walked into the room. She laughed and commented that she usually doesn't get smiles that easily from babies. She said he was a beauty, and the college frat boys will call him a "face" boy because he's so pretty.

He's been a bit clingy and fussy today. Wondering if his vaccinations may cause some fever this time around.

We also went to see Mama's Dr. M. Freddie loved Dr. M and tracked him all around the room. Dr. M told me I had a perfect exam and to get working on a baby girl, and he promised he'll be around to deliver her.

Next well visit at 6 months.

2 Month Well Visit

Freddie's stats:

Weight: 8 lbs 4 oz. (25th percentile)
Head circumference: 40.75 cm (75th percentile)
Length: 22.25 inches (25th percentile)

Vaccinations:

• DTaP/DTP/Td
• OPV/IPV
• Hib
• Heb B (2nd dose)
• Rhoavirus
• PCV

He got 3 shots and one oral liquid and screamed! Poor guy. Vaccinations, specifically the one for whooping cough I believe, will likely cause fever which we'll treat with Tylenol. Dr. J also said to watch for fever lasting more than 3 days or seizures which do happen and would warrant withholding the follow up doses. Oh my. Please none of that.

He performed well... "talking" up a storm, smiling, gazing, lifting his head. He worked it and got a A+ on health and development thus far. I was surprised he managed to pull up that big head just at the right time.

She gave him the thumbs up on weight gain and told me his sleeping 7 hours a night a skipping some feedings is exactly what he should be doing right now. He's following his growth curve and getting enough nutrition despite my worry that he isn't gaining in leaps and bounds like some other babies I see and read about.

She said the CT scan showed a perfectly normal skull and she is even thinking it may be rounding out a tad. She will continue to check for abnormal sutures.

His preference for gazing to the right is normal and she had no concerns there and just advised to keep up the stimulation of his left side.

Back in 2 months.

1 month well visit

Freddie's stats:

Weight: 8 pounds 5 ounces (10th percentile)
Length: 21.5 inches (10th percentile)
Head circumference: 39.6 cm (95th percentile)

He's gained 21 ounces in 19 days, but he's still a little peanut.

Dr. J began by asking about me, remembering I was a mess at our last visit. Then she asked if I had any questions and smiled when I rolled out the list.

• Allergy: She herself had given up dairy with her son and finds that milk allergy is fairly common. She loved the poop pictures and was concerned. She tested the stool for blood, but it showed no signs. Even though I've been dairy free for a day shy of a week, she felt blood would still be present in the stool if it were indeed an allergy. But because of the looks of the diaper, she recommended two more weeks of dairy free diet for me, and then test it with the addition of dairy. I am to bring in any suspicious diapers. Freddie did let out a whammy of a fart right in her face as she was examining his rectum. Payback for waking him and stripping him naked in the cold room.
• Other allergy concerns: Other allergies won't manifest themselves until around age 2.
  
• Oozy eye: Probably a clogged duct is causing the oozing, but it looked good today as it has the last few days.
• The umbilical cord that just won't quit: Couldn't get underneath to apply some silver nitrate to dry it up. We're to stop applying alcohol and not worry.
• Reflux: He's gaining weight and does ok if we get him sitting up, so she doesn't want to treat with medicine just yet, although, yes, she'd say he sounds like he has reflux from his love of car seat sleeping and foamy mouth. We'll keep tabs on it and if he seems to start spitting up or having pain, and then we'll consider antacid. I'm glad she wasn't eager to hand out a prescription for antacid but did validate my concerns.

Not on my list, but a concern of hers was his head. Notice his stats? The large head measurement is really due to his misshapen head. She said she wanted to think it was just from his birth but typically those misshapen heads round out after a week.

Freddie got to see Dr. B, whom Dr. M, my much loved ob, considers to be the best pediatrician in the city. Dr. B works in the same group as Dr. J and he also specializes in craniofacial anomalies. Dr. B questioned my labor and his other development, which Dr. J says is all normal, noting that his face is symmetrical and up until the point directly beyond his forehead everything is normal size and shape.

Dr. B suspects craniosynostosis. This is when the front plates of skull fuse prematurely causing the skull to grow lengthwise rather than to grow rounder. It is correctable, but requires surgery. Surgery completed before 3 months of age would be a much simpler procedure than if we delay until he's 6 months, so it is important that we figure out what's going on quickly.

Freddie's head will be checked again in 2 weeks and if no improvement is noted, a CAT scan will be schedule. Freddie will have to be sedated for this, so it's not so simple, but it will answer any questions about what's going on.

2 weeks will provide a little more information, and we're thinking the CAT scan will be scheduled immediately following that appointment. Actually I wish we were doing the CAT scan tomorrow. I'm not very good at this.

First Visit to Dr. J

Freddie's Stats:

Weight: 6 lbs 9 oz, (25th percentile)
Length: 19 inches (25th percentile)
Head circumference: 36.5 cm (50-75th percentile)

So he's an inch shorter with the different measuring technique (Updated: Charlie thinks he is shorter because the cone is going down!) and his cone head is rounding out giving his noggin a larger measurement. Most importantly he has gained 2 ounces in 2 days since leaving the hospital!


Dr. J was the doctor who checked Freddie out at the hospital each day. Charlie was very impressed with her, so we'll be seeing her and her partners during these first few months, but my overall feeling is that she's going to be a great match for our family.

She is about my age and has two young children, so was able to empathize with my outburst of tears as soon as we got into her office. She told me to give Freddie a pacifier, "but don't tell lactation I said that", because he's just a sucker and would love to be on the boob all day.


She assured me that the pimples on his face which are now all over his body are perfectly normal and will clear eventually. His reflexes were spot on and he's "perfect."

His weight gain means we're doing something right and we will return when he's a month old, but she said we should feel free to call and come in before then if we think it is necessary or just to get a weight check. I was happy to hear her schedule is done so that she has a half day to see patients who call that day, so there should never be an issue with having to wait for an appointment.

I am amazed we all got out of the house and made it there on time for our appointment. That's all Charlie. He's on the ball. I also learned yesterday that I have no breast feeding appropriate clothes. Perhaps I will introduce Freddie to the wonders on online shopping tonight.


Our little outing also meant Charlie got to use his "man bag" packed with baby stuff. He loves that bag.

Birth Day

I have to believe that the day before was very much a part of the birth day. It was Mardi Gras and our last day out and about in the city as a couple. Of course Freddie was with us and he got lots of attention.

People were amazed that I was showcasing my Zulu coconut in such a fashion but they were equally impressed that I was 40 weeks 5 days pregnant and out and about with the best of them on Carnival Day.

And after all that excitement there was still no sign that Freddie's arrival was right around the corner.

Ash Wednesday began with what I thought to be a tiny trickle when I awoke. Hmmm, bladder? I had an appointment that afternoon so I wasn't worried, slipped on my walking shoes, and headed to the park. First lap around I had another trickle sensation, and made a stop at the bathroom. Everything looked ok, just a teeny bit wet. Keep walking.

After another mile into the second lap, it was no longer a trickle. I had wet my pants. Those nylon running shorts don't absorb much so down my legs it ran. I called Charlie. He giggled and offered to have me sit in on a bench and wait to be picked up really to avoid embarrassment because I wasn't feeling anything that said baby is on his way.

Plan was I'd head home, phone the doctor, and we'd touch base again after that while he remained at the lab to wrap up a few things.

But, I had a mile walk back to the other side of the park to get to my car. So, I called my daddy so I could talk on the phone and avoid eye contact with everyone at the park. As I talked and walked I got gush after gush but not a twinge or cramp.

Once home I showered, washed my hair, and called the doctor. "Go to labor and delivery even though you're scheduled to come in at 3:00."

About noon I strolled into labor and delivery and was surprised that they wanted me naked and on a table, pronto. For real?

The triage physician confirmed my membranes had ruptured and let me know Room 2 would be set up for me. The cervix was still only 2 centimeters dilated and was not completely effaced.


Since membranes had been ruptured since 7 am, assuming that little trickle was the beginning, pitocin was started right away and we just hung out. Pitocin dose gradually increased but it wasn't for several hours that I began feeling strong contractions, so strong that I felt like I could have scaled the building holding on with my fingernails.

So with no real progress I was given an epidural.


The epidural wasn't as bad as I thought and allowed me to make use of my iPhone to pass the time. Monitor was placed on Freddie's head and to help Freddie's vitals remain constant I was rolled to my side and given some oxygen.


And we wait some more.

Throughout the night I was checked periodically and given a predicted pushing time at 7 am, but no progress past 5 cm was ever achieved.

By 7ish meconium was present and I was spiking a temperature, so it was time to move on to more drastic measures to get Freddie into the world.

Freddie arrived at via cesarean section at 9:52 am. He was blue when the doctor pulled him out, and I was desperate to hear him cry even in my foggy state. He was rushed to the next room and it took a few minutes, but at last we heard him scream.


Seeing him for the first time was a huge sense of relief. My feelings were pretty out of whack at this point due to the medication, but I remember just feeling thankful that he was here.

Charlie took off with baby Freddie and left my skilled surgeon to patch me up. Really, the guy bragged about what a great job he did and every nurse who checked on my incision this week oohed and aahed over the fine work. I can't wait to here what Dr. M has to say.



He weighed in just over 7 lbs and was 20 inches long. He's got his Papi's chin and a pinched ear like his Daddy. I was so surprised by how much hair he had.

My daddy teases me to this day about the banana head I had when born from hanging out in the birth canal, and wouldn't you know the Freddie had quite the cone head as well. Poor guy had a red ring on the top of the cone from where his head was pushed against the dilated cervix. The cone head measured 13.5 inches.



It was when I got to see him in recovery that I was finally struck by what had just happened.



Charlie and I are parents. We have a baby boy. Our life is forever changed.