4-Month Checkup

Isabella had her 4-Month checkup yesterday and Dr. Miller said she looks "Marvelous." She measured 25 3/4 inches for height; that puts her between the 90th and 95th percentiles. Her weight was 13 lb 15 oz, which is in the 50th percentile. I can't remember her head circumference offhand, but she was in the 75th percentile.

She had three vaccines at yesterday's appointment, and today she has her first fever. Poor thing. It also seems like her gums have been bothering her (even though we can't see or feel any teeth yet) and making her cranky and hard for her to sleep. Tylenol has been worth it's weight in gold this week at our house!

4 Months

Isabella is 4 months old today! We'll go for her 4-month appointment on Tuesday. I am anxious to see how much she has grown, but not so excited about the shots. I am also expecting the pediatrician to give the ok to start rice cereal.

I have debated back and forth about whether we should start rice cereal at 4 months as our pediatrician normally advises or delaying solids until 6 months. Rice cereal really has no nutritional benefits and is basically a "practice" food. I was leaning towards delaying solids until 6 months and starting with oatmeal rather than rice cereal, but I think I've changed my mind. I really feel like Isabella is ready for something new. She is a very distracted eater and almost seems bored with nursing these days. She's also starting to give cues like showing interest in our food, blowing spit bubbles, and chewing. I decided to practice with a clean baby spoon and she readily opens her mouth when her lips are touched and mimics eating with her mouth and tongue.

We'll go ahead and give it a try, and if it doesn't seem like she's ready we won't force it. Now my problem will be finding time to pump milk to mix the cereal with!

Here are some other thingss Isabella has been up to this past month:
-rolling over both ways
-making lots of noises
-laughing
-grabbing toys (or anything really!) and bringing them to her mouth
-"petting" her furry sisters (she seems particularly fond of Brenna)
-turning herself in the excersaucer
- jumping in the jumperoo
-sitting unassisted for very brief amounts of time

One year ago today...

Last year we found out that we would become parents. We now have the best baby any parents could ask for. She has changed our lives in a way that words cannot describe. All those old cliches really are true. Sometimes when I look at her my heart feels so full that it could burst. We are so lucky to have Isabella in our lives. We love you Baby Wiggles!

3 Months Old!

Isabella turned 3 months old yesterday. Can you believe it?! Where does the time go?

2 Months

Can you believe our gorgeous girl is already two months old?! We had her two-month appointment on Thursday and she has definitely been growing! She's measuring at 24 inches long, which puts her between the 75th and 90th percentiles. She's gained two whole inches since her last appointment. The 0-3 month sleepers are officially retired. She weighed in at 11 lbs 4 oz, which puts her between the 25th and 50th percentiles.

Of course, she also had her first round of shots which did not make her happy. She calmed down after nursing and receiving a dose of Tylenol. Unfortunately for Mommy she was not the typical super sleepy baby afterward. At least she wasn't too fussy!

Since I haven't posted in a month I'll give you all a quick update on what Isabella's been up to in her second month of life:

-sleeping between 7-9 hours at night before waking to eat
-rolling from back to tummy
-lots of smiles
-starting to transition to her own room and from the bassinet to the crib
-grasping
-developing more consistent waking/sleeping patterns
-starting to grow out of 0-3 month clothes

And of course, some pictures. Follow the personal photos link to the right to view more. Don't forget to get an orders from the Newborn/Family session to me within the next couple of weeks so I can forward them to Lindsay.

1 month

The little lady is now one month old. We had her one-month appointment today. She now weighs exactly 10 pounds and is 22 inches long. She is in the 75th percentile for both. She just barely fits in her bassinet, which is a real shame considering that she doesn't want to sleep in her crib. She has great head control; she loves to sit up and look around. She now gets one bottle every evening. Of course, this means Mommy has to pump everyday, but at least it gives me time to cook dinner while Clint feeds her. Anyway, here are some more recent pictures.

I haven't been able to catch a good smile. I tend to just play with her when she's in a happy, smiling mood. Grabbing the camera doesn't even cross my mind.


She takes a bottle like a champ.


Being grouchy


Those animals are fascinating I tell ya.


She is so calm at bath time.

Isabella's forst photo shoot

Yesterday our favorite photographer, Lindsay, drove up from Indy to take some photos for us. Visit her blog for a sneak peek http://lindsaywilsonphotography.blogspot.com/.