2 months

Yesterday Braden had his 2 month Dr. appt. We've been hoping that he was keeping up with the 1 oz. per day weight gain recommendation and he has- exactly. He now weighs 9 lbs. even which is exactly 1 oz per day more than the last Dr. appt. Yeah! He's now 21 3/4 inches long and 37 cm head circumference. He's still bottom of the chart, but we've climbed up a little from 2% to 4-9%. Little by little. . . .

Just a few days ago we had another episode of him apparently ingesting blood, likely from a crack on my nipple. He then spit up blood- a lot of it. It's was really scary and gross. I called the Dr. and he didn't seem terribly concerned since Braden was acting happy and healthy. I just pumped the entired day and bottle fed to give my nipples a little bit of a break. Then at his appointment we discussed it further. Dr. Kersteff (his pediatrician) thought it also could have been from a small tear in his upper GI from increased spitting up that he has done lately. He decided that we should do a trial of giving him 3-4 weeks of Zantac for reflux. So, we're trying that, but I still believe it's from me. I also may speak with a lactation consultant just to make sure we're getting the latch right and not continuing to break blood vessels on me. Also, he got his first shot, a combination of 3 vaccines DTP?, Hib and polio. There was another they wanted to do also, but we're postponing that for a month. I believe vaccines have their importance, but I also believe in being cautious with all the publicity about possible austism risk. ( Although research denies that claim). Our basic plan with vaccines is to get only what is necessary and not more than a few at a time.

Braden and I have had lots of outings lately. I've been to lunch with several friends that have had babies within a few weeks of Braden. He'll have several little friends right around his age. I also took him into work last Thursday so everyone could meet him. He's a little charmer smiling at everyone. :)

We'll be going home at Easter which will be our first time to travel since having Braden. I'm sure it will be quite the circus with him, Chloe and all our stuff and just being away from the conveniences of home. It will be good to be with family, though. :)

Smiling boy!

Braden gets cozy with Chloe. Hanging out with Grandpa

Grandma feeding Braden a bottle

Our first walk in the stroller on a beautiful 70 degree day!

Braden trying on a hat made by my friend Laura.

And. . . the best one yet. . . Braden's beautiful toothless smile smiling at Daddy. He started smiling at 6 weeks and he's the cutest thing ever!!!

Braden is becoming increasingly more alert and interactive. It's so fun! What initally was a somewhat glazed expression responds to our voices and now smiles at us. We love it! He is such a good baby and now rarely fusses unless he's hungry, needs a diaper change or is tired. And, the best news is that the last 5 nights he has slept through the night (6-7 hrs). It's been awesome!!! I'm hoping it continues.