Feeding

Trying to feed himself

The Nutramigen didn’t seem to be helping, so after a week on it, we switched to Similac Alimentum, and noticed a difference rather immediately.  He began eating better, and his mood seemed to improve.  He’s still spitting up a good bit (back to wearing bibs…..ugghh), but I’m still playing with the thickness levels and am hoping to get the right thickness so it will stay down.  One thing to note --- this stuff STINKS!  And the smell is even worse when he spits it back up.  And I checked with insurance – they won’t pay for the formula unless he requires tube feeding.  So it’s $50+ a week here on out….

Also – we started him on solids yesterday (rice cereal combo he gets via bottle…..just practicing with using a spoon now).  I’ll post on that experience soon!

Talking

Jackson has always been fairly “vocal” from early on (like his early days of “talking to the dinosaurs” in the artwork above his changing table).  His favorite things to say now are “mamamamamama” and “babababababa” and sometimes he mixes the two into “mamabamabababa” or the like.  The other day though, he started making a new sound --- I can only really describe it as a happy shrieking.  Here’s a short video of it:

Sad / Crying

He has also started developing object permanence, and he gets upset sometimes when we leave the room or are not in his sight.  For several nights, he began to cry when I left the room at bed / nap times.  Now, he doesn’t always cry when I leave, but sometimes if he’s in a fussy mood (like last night) he’ll cry as soon as I step away from the crib (seemingly, he’s “learned” that me stepping away means I’m leaving).  We’ve been having to let him cry-it-out somewhat at bed and nap times.  Once he’s asleep, he’s usually that way for good (at least at night), and we don’t have to get up with him at all in the night.  But going to sleep has become a bit more difficult with him being upset at us leaving the room.  So sometimes he just fusses for a few minutes; sometimes he cries heartily (how sad!) and after 5 minutes I go in to comfort him a bit, then leave again.  The next step is waiting 10 more minutes before I’ll go back in, but it usually doesn’t get to that point, because he finally goes to sleep.  So I’m hoping this is a good mix of not setting up bad sleep behaviors but also not going 100% cry-it-out and possibly undermine the sense of security he should be developing in these early months.  The saddest part is that he now cries actual tears, so sometimes when you go in to check on him his face is all wet [UPDATE] I wrote this blog earlier, but at bedtime tonight, he didn’t cry at all!  So we’ve either turned a corner, or he was just too tired to be upset…

Mobility / Motor Skills

The one thing Jackson is “behind” (relatively speaking --- since the experts all say these things are on a wide timing scale) on developmentally is mobility-related.  He’s only flipped over the few times in White Lake (on the cushy bed).  We can’t recreate it at home on the floor, as much as we coax him.  He just hates tummy time, so it’s usually a countdown to some major crying when we lay him on his stomach.  So I have a feeling crawling might be delayed as well….  But he does love sitting and standing!  ….which leads me to the notion that he might be an early walker.  I wonder if he’ll just skip crawling and walk first?!   Crawling or walking, either way, I’m not looking forward to baby-proofing the house!

Music Class

Jackson absolutely loves his Music Together class!  It’s the only guaranteed 45 minutes of no / minimal crying during the day.  He loves watching the other kids, and seems somewhat mesmerized by them (many of them are mobile, and are crawling and walking all over the room).  And I think he really likes the singing too.  When I sing the songs at home, he gets really smiley (especially the Hello Everybody song).  And --- he may have started to recognize his name, which was evident in class!  Stephanie was with me at the last class, and she said Jackson smiled really big when they said his name in the “Hello” song (I can’t see him because he sits on my lap facing out).  He seems to be recognizing his name at home too.

Not much new to report from this past week.  One new kind of cute / funny thing Jackson does is string together his favorite syllables -- “maahh” and “baahh” are his favorites.  Mahmahmahmahmah is what he chants when he’s tired, upset, or not feeling well (but he doesn’t know it means me, yet) and he says bahbahbahbahbahbah when he’s playful or having fun.

Oh my….what a tumultuous adventure the last few days have been!  Jackson’s 4 month check up was Friday.  Unfortunately, I developed a severe stomach virus Thursday evening (and so did Lynn, so we’re guessing we caught it from the little one, since he was a bit fussy and throwing up a few days prior).  At any rate, I had to drag myself around to make it out of the house to his dr. appt Friday morning, but I was determined to go because it was time to bring up our digestive concerns again.

He weighed in at a less-than-estimated 16 lbs, 13 oz, 77% (less than what I weighed him at last month with my at-home scale), and a seriously tall 26.5 inches, 95%!!  His head is at 50%, but I don’t know the exact measurement.  I’ve updated the 4 month post to include these measurements and his growth charts.

Jackson developed a rash marking on his neck a month or so ago, and we thought it was from irritation from the velcro on a bib…and then it never went away or faded!  I was so worried that we had created some kind of freak rash with the bib.  The doctor noticed it right away and said “oh look, he’s got a capillary hemoblahthingeymabob.”  Huh?!  After she repeated the name of it --- capillary hemangioma (aka strawberry mark) – she explained that they’re somewhat common, more so in Caucasian babies, they just develop out of nowhere, sometimes grow bigger and bigger, sometimes don’t (his is about the size of a dime), and eventually disappear (anywhere between 1 – 5 years old, usually).  It’s essentially a benign blood vessel tumor.  Sounds scary, but the doctor wrote it off as nothing to worry about.  I’ll try to get a picture of it & post soon in case someone is googling them so they can see it (the pictures that come up now are extreme cases --- nothing like the small mark J has).

And of course --- we brought up the reflux issue again (this is with a dr. who has not yet seen Jackson for reflux problems), mentioning that for a few weeks, the Prevacid seemed to work, but back to evening fussiness, etc.  I explained some of my trials this past week with the Prevacid (splitting doses, giving a slightly higher dose across the day --- all based on reading samples of what other doctors have suggested online).  The doctor didn’t like me giving him more than his prescribed dose (I gave him 22.5mg for 2 days), saying it should be enough for his size (even though I’ve read about multiple babies being prescribed 30 mg vs Jackson’s 15).  So I conceded that if that was the case, we needed to investigate what would work to make him feel better, as it has now been two months since his onset of symptoms, and nothing has really made him better.  “I’m becoming frustrated …. help me figure out how to get my baby better!” was what I was *trying* to say without saying it.

She asked if he had ever been tested for a milk protein allergy.  He had not; the other doctor we have seen repeatedly mentioned to us that it wouldn’t be an allergy / formula type issue because he was gaining weight normally (and that it was either regular or acid reflux causing  his issues).  Contrastingly, this dr. said the allergy can be mild or severe, but is easily tested with a bit of “poo.”  So we were told to bring in the next poo to have the test done.  Stephanie kept Jackson the rest of the day (since Lynn & I were both still horribly sick)…and she was kind enough to transport Jackson’s poo to the doctor’s office for testing! 

They quickly returned with a call indicating that Jackson’s poo did indicate a milk protein allergy, and that we needed to switch to a hypollergenic formula and change the brand of rice cereal to BeechNut (which does not contain the milk protein, unlike Gerber).  Some online research indicated that the allergy can often create or exacerbate a reflux problem, so the allergy might have been our main issue all along.  And we also found out it’s not to be confused with lactose intolerance, and the allergy is often outgrown after a year or so old.

We promptly headed out to purchase the new formula and cereal.  $25 for a small can of powdered formula (vs what we were paying --- $12 for a large can of Target brand)!!!  So it is about 3-4 times more expensive.  Oh well --  you have to suck it up and do it for the little one to get healthy (the Prevacid wasn’t cheap either)!  And we’ve learned we may be able to get insurance to pay for some of the formula, since it is medically necessary. 

We started it last night, but it has been a horrible experience thus far.  It’s terribly hard to mix, and it, as well as the new rice cereal, are thicker, so we’re still trying to find the correct measurements to get the right amount of thickness – so far, it either rushes out of the nipple too fast, or clogs up the hole!  Reviews online indicate we’re not the only one with the mixing, clumping and thickness problems.  And Jackson hasn’t wanted to eat it much either.  We’re not sure yet if it’s due to not feeling well (he’s been fussier than normal) or due to not liking the new stuff.  And his spitting up has increased dramatically since we started it…again, not sure if it’s from this or something else.  Hopefully he’ll take to it, and it will be the miracle cure!!!! 

We chose Sears because we found out we could purchase the cd with all the pictures and copyright to print and use at our discretion; also, one of my “mommy friends,” Erin, had her little guy’s pictures done there recently and had a very positive experience.  So we made an appointment in the middle of Jackson’s 3rd month….and then he had a fever the night before, so we had to cancel.  The next available weekend for us was last weekend….so they are his “almost 4 months” portraits :)

The experience wasn’t too bad.  Jackson didn’t spit up until AFTER the pictures were over (I was sure he’d ruin one or all of our clothes)!  And he was his usual smiley self for the first portion….until we finished the family pics.  He had some fussy time (he was tired), and I was almost sure we’d have to cut the session short, but then we got him smiling again, somehow (if you look at the gallery, the pics of me holding him in the middle are me working on getting him happy again). 

Click this link to see the portraits.

We’ll probably go back at 6 months for new portraits.  Can you tell we love pictures?!

Jackson is 4 months old today!  He weighs 16 lbs, 13 oz & 26.5”.  He’s a solid chunk ‘o TALL baby.  Here’s a comparison:

2 months old
13 lbs, 12 oz (82%)
23.5 in. (73%)

4 months old 
16 lbs, 13 oz; 77% (I’m gonna place bets on somewhere around 18 lbs)
26.5”; 95% (betting on 25ish”)

Growth Charts:
 

Current Developmental Milestones:

• Still really smiley
• Laughs more and more often
• Has started getting “scared” sometimes – at people or sudden noises, events
• Is close to being able to sit unsupported (he kind of leans forward, but holds himself up with his hands)
• Holds head and chest up well and for lengthy periods when on tummy time
• Easily grabs and holds objects, and can bring them to his mouth
• Notices feet & grabs / holds them when laying on his back (which is why we had to remove the mobile from his crib…somehow he pulled it down with his feet!)
• Stands and plays in the stationary entertainer (can turn himself 360) & jumperoo
• Sleeps through the night (11-12 hours straight) & usually naps well (2-3 45 min – 1.5 hr naps)

…why am I still counting weeks??  Well, in truth, I lack the creativity for titles every week.  At some point I’m either going to have to break my rigid weekly posting cycle (?!!??!!) or start getting creative.

We started a new music class last week – Music Together in Charlotte on Thursday mornings.  I specifically chose this class because:  i) the location (very close to where I work uptown; and ii) it’s comprised of mostly babies (the oldest is 13 months).  Jackson’s Grammy is kind (and accommodating) enough to drive him to Dilworth for the class, and I use my lunch hour to break away from work and have some fun music time with Jackson.  He’s the youngest baby (I think the next was 5 months), so he’ll have some good role modeling for socializing, crawling, walking, etc!  We really like the teacher and it seems like it’s going to be a really fun and engaging program (I may even learn some things, since I’ve always been musically deficient……seriously….I failed the singing portion of my final exam in an Intro to Music Education course in college).  What’s really neat is they give you the song book with the lyrics, music, ideas for activities, and a recorded CD so you can play along at home in between classes.  We think we might have Josh pull out the guitar and see if he can play some of these fun songs :)

We also had some portraits made this past week.  Look for a post soon.  Some are super cute, and they got me wishing I could enter the J-man in the magazine cover photo contest….sadly, he’s not old enough!  Next time, I guess.

Reflux update – I think it’s starting to slowly rear its ugly head again.  We definitely saw improvements once we started Jackson on Prevacid a month ago.  But for the last week or so, I’ve been suspecting some reflux signs again --- more fussiness, crying / arching back, often after spitting up, hiccupy a lot, etc.  We’ve been giving him his 15mg dose as the whole tablet at 5:00 every day, but I started to wonder if it wasn’t lasting the whole 24 hours (crankiness was most pronounced in the afternoons / early evening), especially after hearing from other reflux moms that it’s believed children metabolize the drug faster and might require splitting doses.  So yesterday I started our super-scientific experiment – splitting the tablet so he gets 7.5mg in the morning and the other half at 5:00.  Both yesterday and today he seemed better throughout the day…..but notsomuch at bedtime….definitely an increase in fussiness/back arching/etc than before.  Luckily we have a wellness visit later this week, so I’m going to have to see what happens during the rest of my “experiment,” and get the doctor’s advice.  Up his dose?  Keep splitting?  Supplement with the Axid?  Take him to a GI specialist???  It’s such a random trial / error kind of thing.  Ugh.

New fun things:

• All of a sudden, he ADORES Mocha dog!  He watches her a lot now, and smiles at her (even though she pretty much ignores him unless he burps/hiccups/coughs/gasps/spits up, and then she tries to french-kiss him in hopes of scoring a “treat”).  And occasionally, he’ll laugh out loud at her if she’s playing and jumping around.   See the video below (and I do apologize for Josh’s Blair Witch filming style)
• More & more upper body strength.  Remember that video a couple weeks back where he was doing his he-man pull ups on the high chair??  Now, he just holds himself upright without his hands!  Feats of strength :)  He can also hold his head and chest up for good lengths of time on his tummy (although he hasn’t replicated rolling over again). 
• Sitting up – he’s getting close to being able to sit up unsupported.  He leans forward quite a bit with his hands in front, but he’s not as wobbly and requires minimal intervention typically. 

Cute pics from this week:

 
…starting out early :)
(btw – this pic was not posed….he’s started becoming obsessed with grabbing the mouse when I sit at the computer with him)

Awww…. Jackson has such a sweet Daddy!

…. to this day, I made all our wedding guests laugh by messing up and forgetting (what to repeat nonetheless!) my vows :)

That’s right – it’s our wedding anniversary today.  We planned to go out to dinner, so Stephanie came over and watched the little J-man for us (and he gave her one of his is-it-reflux-or-gas-or-babymanic-craziness-crying-episodes….sorry bout that, girl!). 

So in the spirit of Jackson’s monthly growth pictures, here’s some comparison shots of us :)

 
2004

2008

Four years down (well, technically nine together total), many more to go! (awww, mushy mushy) :)

.... I don't know, but it sure was weird seeing it roaming up and down our street!!!

My funny boy has started doing pull-ups on his high chair when it's reclined at an angle.  Here's the video.....

 
(seemingly he performs his trick on request….but in reality he just does it over and over again whether I ask or not :)   )

He also had his baby buddies (Caleb & Euan) over for a visit this past weekend -- they still don’t really interact with each other – they prefer the adults.  The dads had baby duty while Beth, Erin, & I went to a Stampin’ Up card-making party hosted by one of Beth’s friends.  We had a lot of fun getting out and about, and made some super cute stuff at the party.  Afterwards, we made sure the dads didn’t have any baby disasters (luckily, they didn’t go forward with the “Baby Olympics”), and had some dinner together. 

Jackson & Euan were playing with the same chain of links and still didn't even acknowledge each other!

Jackson getting shoulder-view for the first time :) 

This was a really busy week, with our White Lake trip, missing a couple of days of work, and then jumping right back in.  And we had things going on all weekend (babies date, lunch & movie w/ Amy, and working on the deck some more).  Thanks so much to Stephanie for keeping Jackson this week while Lynn was still on vacation!

Hopefully next week will be a bit more relaxed.  And something exciting to look forward to (maybe….) --- we’re getting portraits done!  Hopefully they’ll turn out nicely (and Jackson will be his usual smiley self).