Kicky and Jumpy celebrated their 9 month birthday on Saturday. They celebrated by playing all day, eating cheerios and teething. Kevin, not to be outdone by Jason and his mouthful of choppers, sprouted 4 upper teeth in a 4-6 day timeframe. Both boys will bite if given a chance but don't worry, they get their shots so you're safe. Plus we keep a safety kit on each floor - lots of bandages, neosporin and alcohol (rubbing, not drinking).Stats
The boys saw their pediatrician on Monday for a 9 mo checkup. The boys are doing very well. The doctor grilled us and Sue. "What do you feed them?" "Do you take them out?" "Where/What/When" etc. He complimented the boys and us, said we were doing a great job. Which is nice. I get the impression that he's not effusive with compliments. I did needle him a bit when the topic of juice came up. He asked what they drink. I answer water and formula and "oh, we will try apple juice this weekend."
Here's the rest of the conversation:
Dr: Oh, no. NO juice.
Me (looking at Dr and then at Joe and psychically telling Joe "Arg. Are you kidding me?" and then looking back at Dr and saying outloud): Are you kidding me?
Joe: Well, she's been saying no juice all along and then she reversed her decision.
Me to Dr.: I didn't want them to have juice but figured you'd think we were being extreme and that you'd say 'Moderation in all things' so I relented.
Dr: Wellllll, years ago pediatricans thought juice was a good thing but NOW we know better. There is no reason for them to have juice. It's sugar and water and it's bad for their teeth. As long as they are eating fruit, the don't need juice.
Me --- looking at Joe, subtly and psychically commenting to him "Can u believe this?" and then looking at Dr and saying: Ok
The part you've been waiting for....the checkup and the Stats
Jason went first and was a peach during the checkup. He sat and stared at the Dr. The Dr. kept saying over and over "He's staring at me" "Wow, he's really staring at me." "He keeps staring at me." Finally I said "Well, would you prefer the alternative of him crying?" Dr:"No"
He did end up crying however when the Doc stuck his scope in Jason's ears. But that was near the end and hey, Jason had already been quite the trooper so I don't blame him one bit.
Jason weighed 20 lbs and 3 oz. He measured 29 and 1/4" long. According to the fancy schmancy chart on the Doc's laptop, Jason is in the 80th percentile for height for a baby born on his birthdate and he's in the 50th percentile for weight. Kevin was also a trooper during his physical. Of course, what you don't know is that there is a huge wall mirror alongside the table and Kevin didn't realize that anyone else was in the room other than that handsome baby lying next to him. Our Kevin does tend to admire himself. He didn't mind the Dr checking out his teeth or his eyes or his ears. All smiles and relaxed.
Kevin weighed 19 lbs and 5 oz. He measured 28 and 1/2" long. He was in the 50th percentile for length and the 30th percentile for weight for a baby born on his birthdate.These stats are pretty impressive when you recall that they were preemies so their gestational age is 8 months. So the fact that they are right on track with true 9 month olds is terrific and reassuring to anyone who is a bit concerned.
Movin' on up
The boys are on the move. Jason occasionally pulls himself up using common household objects like the exersaucers, the couch, etc. Both boys can stand up from a sitting position by themselves. This has been going on for about 2 weeks BUT....on Monday, Kevin, who was perched on my leg while I was sitting on the floor, stood up and headed off across the room. He didn't get far as his feet didn't get the signal from his brain as to what they should be doing. So, down he went. He didn't seem fazed and I was grateful for those little helmets that they both still wear.
If held up, both boys will walk and they are both good at putting weight on their legs. Jason does a little jig when you hold his arms and he starts to walk, very cute. Kevin, if held, will bounce up and down. I've never seen such a bouncy kid. Updownupdownupdownupdownupdown. He can do this for a verrry long time. Kevin loves to be in the johnny jump up. He laughs the whole time and he gets a kick out of spinning around AND jumping. If Delta happens to walk by, well, that elicits a huge squeal and a big smile. Not from Delta however. Today I co-walked Jason into our bedroom from the nursery. When we walked into our room and Joe said "Wow Jason, look at you walking like a big boy!" Jason's face lit up and he was all smiles.
Both boys tried Kix yesterday and they were a BIG hit. Sue and I took a CPR and infant safety class last night. A very good thing. Especially as Kevin tends to cram lots of things (cheerios, toys, etc) into his mouth. I've fished chunks of biter biscuits and wads of cheerios out of his mouth. You have to keeep an eagle eye on that one.
Lots more to post later.
Love,Kathy
