Here are some photos and updates since last month:
Health and Medical Update
Joey had his five month check up today. He weighed in at 16lbs 12oz and 28 inches, which puts him in the 60th percentile for weight and 97th for height. His pediatrician was pleased with everything that is going on with both health and development. He finally got Joey's file from CHLA, and he said he enjoyed the "light read". And when he listened to his heart, he said everything sounded good but that he still had a "Maytag washer in there". Which means that he was still hearing extra blood flow between the chambers of his heart where the holes were not fully repaired. I gave up trying to listen to Joey's heart after the first time I tried at home because his heartbeat does not sound normal, but that is just his normal, for now. We will see what the cardiologist says next time!
At our last appointment, his doctor was little concerned with the shape of his head and how anterior one of his ears was because he always favored his head to one side, so this month we were diligent about making his head go the other direction while laying on the floor playing or sleeping. He was very happy with the shape of his head this time around, so we have avoided the need for a helmet, for now. :) He did show a little concern with Joey's right eye not being as strong as the other, so we will try playing some more tracking/following games with him in order to strengthen the muscles on the weaker side.
Grandma got to come with us to the doctor this time and although she didn't like to see Joey get his shots, she couldn't stop cracking up when he was hiding from the doctor underneath his blanket and wouldn't stop playing with the paper on the table while the pediatrician was teaching Mommy about feeding food.
We still have not had any cardiology check ups, but we have cardio clinic, an echo, cardiology and electrophysiology appointments right after Labor Day. Fingers crossed that everything is looking good and that they schedule his next check up at least three months away. It feels like forever since we have been to CHLA, but I guess that is a good thing. I wonder if I'll remember how to get there...? (haha, yeah right)
Firsts and Milestones
This time last month Joey was barely rolling over, and if he did roll over, he would get his arm stuck underneath him and he would cry. Now it's a little bit different. He would roll all the way into the kitchen if we let him! We put him on the floor and in a minute or two he has already rolled into the couch. And now we put him in his crib facing one way and when we go in to check on him he has done a complete 180! During tummy time, he loves to wiggle his butt up in the air, so I know that once his arms are stronger, we will have a crawler! I guess its time to start thinking about baby proofing the house.
To all of the other parents out there, what is one baby proofing product or method that you couldn't live without?
Joey has also found his feet this month. He loves to grab them and pull his socks off. He can't quite get his toes in his mouth yet, but he tries!
Although its still a little early for baby food, last month the pediatrician suggested that we start to feed him some runny rice cereal, not necessarily for the nutrition, but to practice eating from a spoon and swallowing. Sometimes he likes it, sometimes he doesn't. More recently he has seemed more interested, in chewing on the spoon mostly, but he is making progress. We can start feeding him pureed fruits and veggies in September. I have already made and frozen batches of peach and plum baby food, so that I could take advantage of them being in season now. We will now have a few weeks to get ready for all of the eating fun. The high chair is ready, and Joey even helped Grandpa put it together!
Likes and Dislikes
We have definitely found Joey's favorite song this month! He loves the Baby Shark song, which is by Pink Fong on YouTube. He also likes the songs from Dave and Ava and Little Baby Bum. (BTW, there are a lot of weird nursery rhymes that I was unaware of until now... "Johnny, Johnny, yes Papa" anyone?)
Joey is definitely a MORNING PERSON. He is so happy, smiley and playful right when he wakes up each morning! He loves to play and talk in his crib before we get him up for the day, and then during his morning playtime he rolls all over the place! So much that we have to create a "baby cage" with and upside-down fitted sheet on the floor with corners wrapped around things that hold the elastic edges up off the ground. This is the only thing that prevents him from rolling onto the hardwood floor!
Last month the jumper was just a way for Joey to hang and spin around in a circle, but now he is finally getting the hang of it! Well, at least he can touch the ground now. He will get the jumping part of it soon, I know it!
Our little guy has spent a lot of the last two weeks watching the Olympics and cheering on the USA!
Until now, Joey hasn't really been into toys, but he can now reach for and grab his toys. They immediately go into his mouth, but that's okay!
Joey has done pretty well with his sleep and nap training. It's still hard to put him in his crib and listen to him cry, but he usually settles down on his own and he loves his snuggling up to his blankey. Sometimes he falls asleep with his face completely covered up by his blanket. (Don't worry, it's one of those really thin and lightweight bamboo swaddle blankets!)
Family Update
Mom and Dad are doing great. Definitely getting more sleep, and getting into the groove. We try to do some family outings when we are both off work and we still like running around and chasing Pokemon throughout Monrovia.
Joey got to see his Sbicca side of the family for the August birthday celebration, and he had so much fun in the pool with everyone! He can't wait for the other little ones that will be joining that side of the family in a few months!
Grandma and Grandpa continue to watch Joey about three days a week when both Jamie and I are working, and we are so grateful for their help. Next week, Grandpa is on his own because Grandma is going out of town for work! I can't wait to see the outfits Joey will get next week!
Joey is happy that his Grandpa Don is doing better after his recent back surgery! He likes to go visit him and go out to lunch on days that Daddy has off.
Scruffy continues to howl when Joey cries or is in a chatty mood. Luckily, he does not howl when Joey cries in his room or crib, which is great since sleep and nap training would be nearly impossible if he did. Scruffy recently had to get one of his toenails removed after he cracked it and bled all over. But after hobbling around for a few days, is all better now!
Next month we will let you know how our first rounds of veggie feedings have gone and we will see if Joey has any new favorite songs! See you soon!
