Wordless Wednesday (sorta).

Differing attitudes toward their doctor visits!
(And, ironically, Levi was the only one who got pokes this time!)

Nathaniel (3 yr): 39 in; 34 lb
Levi (1 yr): 29.75 in; 22lb, 7oz

15 week appt.

I had my 3rd OB appointment yesterday, and am happy to report that the baby looks wonderful! I've still been feeling some movement, but a peek inside via ultrasound is always reassuring (and fun!). He/She was laying down, knees propped up, and feet crossed--so cute! And, that little heartbeat makes my own heart melt!
I was reminded how much I like my doctor as she was operating the ultrasound machine, pointing out body parts and movement, when she suddenly said, "This is just so amazing!" And, she was right. Not only is it amazing that a tiny human is growing and developing perfectly right inside my tummy, but it's amazing too that we can actually see him/her! I, of course, was fascinated to see those itty bitty fingers and elbows and toes. But, I loved hearing the awe from a lady who has been doing this daily for probably at least 20 years. As much as we know that our own babies are miracles, it must be incredible to be the one who helps bring babies into the world every day. I'm sure she's seen her share of heartbreak throughout her career, but it must be overshadowed by oh, so much joy and wonder!
And, without any further ado, here is our little peanut! These are the three ultrasound pictures that I've had done so far--can you believe the growth in just a little over 2 months?! {Less than a month until we have our anatomy scan done and get to find out if we're having a boy or a girl (we hope!)}

the hiatus.

Holy Moly, it seems as though I've been abandoned the ol' blog for an entire week! Any other week, I would be apologetic and try to post some awesome photos from the past few days, or a story about Nate's latest antic that would make you smile and tell me that it was worth a few blog-less days. This week, I've got nothin' but a few sad, sorry excuses.
Sometime late last week (like right after that last post...), Nate stopped sleeping. I'm pretty sure that he was awake for 48 straight at one point. He didn't nap, and he spent most of his nights crying. More than once, I considered joining him in his tearful wails. After several sleepless nights and a few ear tugs, we made a visit to the pediatrician. And, although I would never wish any pain upon my baby, I secretly hoped that there would be an ear infection solely so that we could get started on an antibiotic and get some rest! When the doctor proclaimed Nate's ears perfectly healthy, my reaction was something like, "YAY no pain or antibiotic!! But, wait, why isn't he slee......zzzzzzzzz!" Hah. Really, I stayed awake (and by "awake", I mean in some sort of dazed trance known only by those who haven't slept in 70+ hours) to hear the doctor's opinion. And, it was brilliant. Nate is teething. Again. Seriously?! He's teething AGAIN?! And, we didn't figure that out ourselves? Cool. So, with the help of some infants' ibuprofen, we've had ourselves two nights of sound sleep now. It's been heavenly. And, I can finally focus on the computer screen well enough to type again!
The other reason that I haven't blogged recently (you know, because being so tired that I have to tape my eyelids open isn't enough to keep me away!) is that my camera is broken. It's not totally gone yet, but I think that we're on our way to a new model. The flash doesn't work anymore, so I can only get decent pictures outdoors when it's light. Otherwise, they turn out like this:

Combine no flash with an almost-10-month-old, and you get a bunch of photos like this:

So, while I'm sure that the barrage of Nate pictures won't be stopping any time soon, it might be slowing down for a bit. And, you'll be seeing lots of outdoor/not-so-close shots in the near future!

9 month check-up.

Nathaniel had his 9 month check-up today, and, as always, he's growing wonderfully! He weighs 19 lb and 10 oz, and he's 28.5 inches long; he's in the 30th percentile for his weight, and the 70th for his length. We saw one of the physician's assistants today, rather than our regular pediatrican. She was very happy with his growth and development, although Nate wasn't so happy with her. As I've mentioned, we've started seeing some stranger anxiety recently, although it's never been more than a little fussing. On the other hand, most strangers are not looking into his ears, poking his belly, and manually rotating his hips!

Nate was all smiles when we arrived at the office, and, although he was a little suspicious of the nurse, he allowed her to measure him. While we waited for the doctor, Nathaniel enjoyed looking at himself in the mirror. When the PA arrived, he smiled at her. When she checked his eyes and ears, he thought she was playing a game. When she listened to his heart, he was more interested in taking the stethoscope than in her. When I laid him on the examining table, and she started feeling his abdomen, he was not happy. When she turned him over on his belly, we had a meltdown! (Thankfully, he was not due for any vaccinations today!) In true Nathaniel fashion, as soon as I scooped him off of the table, he stopped crying and grinned at the PA! Overall, it wasn't a terrible appointment today, but I'm not sure that I'm looking forward to the 1 year check-up, involving strangers and shots!

doctor.

Nathaniel had his 6 month check-up yesterday, and they told us the same thing that we've heard at every appointment--he's perfect! He is 27 inches long now, and he weighs 17 pounds and 11 ounces. Everyone is happy with his growth and development. {Not a word about the lack of rolling, much to Mommy's relief...} We were given the go ahead to continue introducing solid foods, and to start a sippy cup soon. Our baby is strong and healthy--and, oh so brave!
He had to get 4 vaccinations, one oral and three injections. He's never had more than two injections at a time, and the doctors have been super quick about them. Yesterday, a nurse administered his shot.........then she did the next one..........and finally she did the last one. My poor little guy was SHOCKED that someone hurt him, then MAD that she did it again. And AGAIN! I know that practice makes perfect, and somebody has to be practiced upon--but why my baby?! Oh, she was so slow....and, while Nate was quite peeved about the needles, I felt like she was breaking my heart as I watched his eyes well up with tears.

After that ordeal, Nathaniel did calm down relatively quickly. I rocked him until he stopped crying, then I nursed him to sleep before we left the office. Babies don't like shots, but mommies dread them! That being said, we were promised NO SHOTS at our 9 month visit!
Nate has been a trooper, and, after an extra-long nap, he was been his normal cheery self yesterday! He's been a little grouchy and sleepy today, but nothing we can't handle! He's especially excited to have his aunt and future uncle come play with him this evening while Mommy and Daddy have themselves a date night!

Nate isn't worried; he knows that he'll be in good hands since Mommy bribes babysitters with cookies, AND leaves them two typed pages of notes with instructions and his likes/dislikes. He doesn't think it's a bit much; he likes a very thorough mommy...!