Food!

At Ezra's four month check up our pediatrician suggested that we start feeding him solid food. 
I'm not sure if it was out of disbelief that Ezzy was old enough to eat from a spoon, or the fact that everything I was reading suggested starting solids at six months, but I decided that we would start at five. 

His first meal was pureed sweet potatoes, we are currently working on mushed bananas, and yams are on the menu for tomorrow.   

Dr. Kolsky told us that at this age eating is for the experience, not for the calories, and it is a good thing because most of his food ends up on his face, fists, and bib.  Unfortunately, the look on his face leads me to believe that it hasn't been the best experience... 
Ben said it best, Ezzy is passionate about his milk.  He sees no need for substitutes. 

M

5 Months

Dear Ezra,
To say that you are curious is an understatement. Your big brown eyes are always wide open, soaking in the sights around you. You don't want to miss out on any excitement!  As a result, your naps are short and your meals must be in a peaceful, quiet room. You are very territorial when you are eating and now insist on holding your own bottle.  You love people and are always quick to treat others with your beautiful smile.  Even better than your smile, is your infectious laugh.  You are very ticklish!  Even the anticipation of waiting for someone to tickle you makes you crack up.  I can already tell that you are going to have a good sense of humor!  You are becoming more interested in your toys and have taken a special liking to your Sophie giraffe.  I think your hands are happy to have a break from all of your slobber and gnawing! One of your favorite things to do is play on your Exersaucer. You love all of the colorful gadgets and signing buttons.  Playing in the "bouncy castle" at Grandma's is where you discovered your newest trick, spitting!  You get very serious when you spit and always make your dad and I laugh when you get going at it.  One time when you woke up in the middle of the night, rather than crying like usual, you just laid there and spit! You are very interested in everything I am eating!  Your little hands have made it into multiple bowls of cereal and your finger landed in the middle of my sandwich once, only to be covered in siracha. You watch me like a hawk while I am drinking water and always grab at my cup.  With all of this interest in food, we decided to welcome you to the world of solids.  Your first taste was sweet potatoes.  Most of the food ends up on your clothes, but you are beginning to get a hang of things!  It is only a matter of time before you are eating like your daddy! Even though you are growing up and becoming more independent, your very favorite place to be is still in my arms, and that is right where I want you! I love you more than ever,
Mom

 How can you not love this face? 

M

Shoes Fit

Sometimes when I feel sorry for myself because I have nothing to wear, or none of my clothes fit.  I look at these pictures to make myself feel better. 

At least I can wear all of my shoes and socks again! 

M 

"Shoulders"

As Panda continues to grow into a healthy, happy, and STRONG "little" guy I can't help but reflect on times of old. The other day we were with his Aunt Kelly and she was saying how big Ezzy is, she said that while he's got chub he's a pretty solid little guy (which I fully agree with). It made me laugh to myself because it reminded me of something Meg's nurse Kim said during Ezra's birth...........

So Meg is in the middle of one of her pushes; Kathy and I are next to her encouraging and rooting her on as she's putting forth this Herculean effort (still amazed to this day by what she did). Kim says to all of us "If he (Panda) has his Father's shoulders we're going to need some extra help." At the time I recall thinking to myself "Well its not like I was born with big shoulders lady! I earned these with countless hours in weight rooms." :-) My attention quickly snapped back to Meg as she was in the middle of another push, and I pretty much forgot about the comment. The next thing I know just before Panda is set to come out I look up and there is a small army of nurses in the room with all kinds of extra equipment waiting for this semi truck of a baby to come out, at this point I'm thinking..."Oh! She wasn't kidding about that extra help" :-)

Well fortunately we didn't need the extra nurses since Panda's shoulders weren't as wide as Kim thought, but his head sure was :-) all 98th percentile of it :-). Fast forward almost 5 months later and voilà it looks like Panda is going to have his Father's shoulders after all, Kim sure does know her stuff not that I ever doubted her she was an AWESOME nurse. 

"I like it when they call me Big Papa!"

 
We have been truly blessed to have such a happy, health, little guy full of life and laughter. I'm loving being a Dad even more than I ever imagined I would, but even more than that I love watching Meg as a mom. I always knew she would be an outstanding momma bear but she is truly one of kind that inspires me everyday. 

Love,

           T

 

Doctor's Orders

Our sweet Ezzy's 37.2 cm head (98th percentile) didn't exactly get along with the birth canal.  Like many babies, he was born with a bit of a cone head- small trade off for such a smart brain.  
We expected that as time went on, his head would become more round.  While it is more proportional to his body, and most people wouldn't notice the abnormality, his dome still comes to a bit of a point and is a tad flat on his right side. 

At Ezra's 4 month wellness check, I asked the pediatrician what she thought about it and she recommended that we meet with a specialist at Children's Hospital. 

After a scan of his physical abilities and measurements, it was confirmed that his head shape is from positioning (being cramped) in utero. The doctor felt confident that it will continue to get better on its own, but recommended that we make another appointment if we haven't seen improvements by the time Ezra is 7 months.  At that point we would discuss helmets.  In the meantime, she suggested that we keep Ezra off his back as much as possible. 

Per the doctor's orders... I am being more diligent about tummy time, we borrowed the Buehler's Johnny Jump Up, and were forced to purchase an Exersaucer.  Our curious Panda loves his new equipment!

M

Just the Two of Us

Every once in a while I kidnap Levi for a little time, just the two of us. 
Whether we are at Pump it Up, The Children's Museum, or the McDonalds play zone- we always have fun!
He loves to play with other kids and is so outgoing.
People always assume that he is my son, and I of course don't tell them otherwise. (Usually gets awkward when he starts yelling c'mon Megan!)
 


I felt like a proud momma yesterday when he got right out of the pilot seat just as soon as someone asked for a turn. I was so impressed when he calmly responded to a little girl who destroyed his long chain of trains. I was prepared for tears, spit, and beeping, but instead I saw him take a couple deep breaths and then say "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" (which is what he expected her to say).

Kelly has done such a good job teaching Levi manners. He is full of thank yous, pleases, excuse mes, sorries, and no thanks (with a finger wag and head shake). Between his precious smile, persistent chanting,  and sweet manners, it is hard to say no to this cutie!

I love our just the two of us time.

M

Photo Dump // March

M