9 month stats: Our little bean pole

This is our week of doctor visits. Yesterday, Cade and I went to his neuro appt. We went to Children's first to get a new picture of his brain. They tried to do another head ultrasound but his soft spot has closed enough that they couldn't get a good picture. So, we had get a CT scan. That didn't go to well since our child does not like to be confined. He remained calm until the actual scan needed to happen. Then, he started screaming a trying to wiggle free. I ended up giving him a bottle to keep him still enough to get the scans done. Then, we had to hang around for 2 1/2 hours before our meeting at the neuro office. That is along time for a baby. We went to McD's for lunch and then sat in Abbott's lobby for awhile and called Sean. Finally, Cade ate and then fell asleep for a little bit. We went to the neuro office early only to find out that the nurse practitioner was running late. Oh well. The good news that we received was well worth the wait. Cade's ventricles have completely shrunk. No more extra fluid. I think they were a little surprised but happy that his head circumference grew and the fluid volume decreased. Our baby is getting a bigger brain :) They did change his shunt pressure setting slightly so that he doesn't lose too much fluid. We don't have to go back in for another 6 months as long as he continues to show no signs of a shunt malfunction.
Today, we had his 9 month check with Dr. Stealy. Our little boy is still less than 15 lbs. Here's the stats:
Weight :14 lbs 11 oz (not on the 9 month chart, around 10th percentile for 6 months)
Length: 27 1/4" (27th percentile for 9 month, around 80th percentile for 6 months)
Head Circumference: 16 1/2" (not on the 9 month scale, around 10th percentile for 6 months)
Like the title says, he's our little bean pole. Never would have guessed that Sean and I would have a skinny baby :) but actually my Mom says Cade is similar to me as a baby.
He grew 3 1/2" in 3 months but only went up 1lb 9 oz in weight. He used to gain an oz a day and now he's lucky if he gain 1/4 oz per day. But, the doctor was not concerned about his weight. He just suggested we try 3 solid meals a day instead of 2 and start trying some meats. Basically try to up the caloric intake because Cade seems to burn alot. Dr. Stealy was really impressed by Cade's strength. Cade gripped his stethoscope and then his finger and the doc said "he's strong like an ox". We have known he was strong (how else would he have made it through all of his ordeals) but it was good to have the doc mention it too. He even called in a colleague to test Cade's grip :) The other doc was equally impressed. Another thing that the doc was impressed with was Cade's alertness and attentiveness. He said that there are alot of 9 month olds that are not as aware and trying to learn like Cade. Did I mention that Dr. Stealy is not one to make off the cuff remarks. He is very good at what he does and does have a sense of humor but would never tell you something just to make you feel good about your child. So, I took all of his compliments to heart. Cade is doing great!

On a more somber note, yesterday we learned that our friends lost their baby boy (Ty Gary Moore) at 34 weeks. They still do not know what happened and may never know but all of our thoughts and prayers go to them. We pray for comfort and strength through this unbelievably tough time.

Breakfast with Belle

So, yesterday when Cade was having his breakfast of oatmeal and apples, Belle decided to join us. She jumped on the dining room table and laid down to watch us. Cade thought it was entertaining but I knew what she really wanted. She wanted the oatmeal that was mixed with formula. The other day, I had forgotten a partially eaten bowl on the table and came back to find that Belle had eaten half of it. I tried to get a picture of her on the table but as soon as I went to find the camera, she took my chair.

On track

On Monday, the ECSE teacher and PT came to visit us and do the monthly evaluation of Cade. I really enjoy their visits and think that every new mom should have access to experts like them. Cade really likes them too. He was all smiles for the hour that they were here. They were happy with his progress and said that he's right on track and ahead in some things. He has accomplished most of the "typical" 6 month things according to the article that they gave me. Also on Monday, we went to get his synagis shot. He now weighs 14 lbs 9 1/2 oz. So, he gained a little more this month but is still skinny. But, he seems really healthy. He certainly has enough energy. Most days it's tough to get him to take his naps. His 9 month appt is at the end of the month so we'll see what the doc has to say. He still seems to be growing in length. We've been working on eating cereal and fruit and today he actually did really well. Maybe we can fatten him up if he decides that he likes cereal. Other news around here, Sean still has a job! I wasn't that worried since Sean is so good at what he does but Seagate went through a big round of layoffs today. Unfortunately, some of our friends have lost their jobs. It's so sad to hear. Also, the people that are left have to take a 10% pay cut. I guess Sean and I will need to continue to budget and try to cut out what we can. Also, other great news: Our friends Jer and Amy welcomed their twins last night. Nolan Dunstan (5 lbs 8 oz) and Brielle Hope (5 lbs) arrived 6 weeks early via c-section. Mom and babies are doing well and we hope to go visit tomorrow or Friday. I decided to dig out some of Cade's preemie stuff to see if the babies could use it. Wow, has our little guy grown. Here's a picture of him compared to his preemie outfit that was way too big when he first wore it.

Here's a picture of the same outfit on taken on June 18th.
Here's some pictures from Monday. The animals like that we now have a play area in the basement.And here's a video of Cade's new trick.

Happy New Year

Happy 2009 to everyone. Well, 2007 was a big year for Sean and I with our marriage in September and 2008 was a big year because we welcomed Cade into our family in April. It makes me wonder what 2009 might bring into our lives. I hope for a little less drama than 2008 but I also know that we can handle the dramatic if it comes our way. Amazingly, Sean and I have grown closer through our trials rather than pitching it all due to the high amount of stress that we have been under. This year has really taught us that we are in "it" together. "It" being life, marriage and parenthood. Even though we don't always see eye to eye, we know that we will work out our differences because neither of us is going anywhere. Our love for each other and for Cade grows stronger everyday. We are a family. Ok, enough about that. I originally started this post to share some funny videos of Cade.

This is what I got when I tried to record him giggling.



The boy that hates his swing at home loved the one at my aunt's house on Christmas day