Charlie had a big big day. First up, a pediatrician appointment to commemorate his fourth month. A few vaccinations, a few measurements, a little chatting and we were happy to be done. I always have a hard time watching my kids get stuck with needles. No fun. Here's the skinny on today's appointment: Charlie is 17 pounds, 11 ounces (2 ounces heavier than Walker was at his four month visit.) His length is 27.5 inches (almost three inches longer than Walker at his four month visit.) He's in the 95th percentile for weight, and off the charts for height. His head circumference, which is being closely monitored because of his cranio-fuse, is in the 10th percentile. Growing steadily but not placing pressure on his brain. Our doc is still watching for signs of possible cerebral palsy. She's still concerned about his lack of tone in certain muscles and overtone in others. There is no way to diagnose a baby so young with something as complicated as CP, but its good to be on the lookout so that we can gear Charlie's physical therapies towards his special needs. Overall, our pediatrician said he looked "amazing" and that she was very pleased with his "extraordinary progress". Yay Charlie! After returning home from the doctor's office, both boys hopped in the tub. Gramie Betsy snapped a few shots. This is their first bath together!
After bathing, Walker and Gramie headed to the neighborhood park so that I could feed Charlie and bake some Christmas cookies. Shhh... don't tell Walker.
Gramie Betsy returns home to Seattle tomorrow, so we thought we'd do a mini Christmas gift exchange tonight. Walker is learning how to give and receive gifts - a tall order for a boy who is newly three years old. But Walker handled himself beautifully! We're so proud.
December 6, 2010
December 5, 2010
Christmas Tree is UP!
We have a tree! A really real live real tree! We're so excited to be spending the holiday at home this year. Don't get me wrong... we love traveling to see friends and family for Christmas, but after years and years of hopping on a plane, we're so ready to stay home and enjoy some calm. Here is Jack unwrapping the netting from our tree.
Charlie watches on...
...while the rest of the family helps align the tree.
We invited the Friedli Family over to help us decorate our tree.
Charlie watches on...
...while the rest of the family scurries around the tree.
After a dinner of stew, bread and beer (how very British of us), Emmawyn and Walker decorated star shaped sugar cookies. Yum yum and yum.
Walker is styling the tell-tale Greenman tongue.
This means he is focused and very serious about getting it right.
Let the Christmas season begin!
December 4, 2010
4 Months Old via Gramie's iPhone
Charlie is - believe it or not - four months old today. Our chubby bubby is happy and looking to the future! Here are some smiley photos captured by Gramie Betsy's phone. They're a little fussy, but definitely worth posting. Happy four-month-a-versary, Charlie Fighting Bear!
...and a video:
December 3, 2010
Daddy is home from Milwaukee!
Jack returned home to us from his job at the Milwaukee Rep. Yay! The weather was so beautiful today (in the high 60s) that we took in the sweet autumn air on the front porch. Walker was napping inside, so Jack had some time to get reacquainted with Charlie Bear.
I took the photo below so that you can see the fused skull plates on Charlie's forehead. So far, Charlie's Craniosynostosis doesn't seem to bother him. His head circumference is still small, but growing at a normal pace without placing pressure on the brain.
I took the photo below so that you can see the fused skull plates on Charlie's forehead. So far, Charlie's Craniosynostosis doesn't seem to bother him. His head circumference is still small, but growing at a normal pace without placing pressure on the brain.
Kisses from Daddy.
What could be better?
December 2, 2010
Morning in bed...
HUG O'WAR
I will not play a tug o' war.
I'd rather play a hug o' war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs,
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses,
And everyone grins,
And everyone cuddles,
And everyone wins.
-Shel Silverstein
Here's a shot from yesterday morning. Gramie Betsy and Walker were reading in his tent. I think Gramie is the only adult who actually fits in the tent.
December 1, 2010
In the Dark!
Tonight, Walker and Gramie Betsy headed out for an early evening walk to our neighborhood park. We keep forgetting that the days are getting shorter and shorter and they soon found themselves in the dark. The upshot was that all the neighborhood Christmas lights were on when they walked home!
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