Harrison's 9 Month Check-Up!

Today was Harrison's 9 month Check-Up and thankfully it was a quick in & out, shot-free visit.

This kid loves to play with the paper on the exam table.

It kept him entertained when he wasn't checking out the baby in the mirror.

He was even giving the baby kisses.  So sweet and so funny!

His stats: 

Weight - 23lbs

Height- 29 3/4in.

The Nurse Practitioner noticed something about his left eye that had her a little concerned.  She tried to explain it to me and show me, but I couldn't see what she was trying to point out, but basically it has something to do with his left eye moving to the left when he tries to focus in on something.  She is sending him to a specialist to have it checked on.  She said he "could" end up needing glasses for a few years.

Other than that he had a great appointment!  He goes back in December for his 12 month visit!

Harrison - 9 Months!

Dear Harrison, as I fill out this months updates, I hope you know how much you are loved.  You really made me work for your pictures this time.  You did not want to sit still for one second.  You were all over the place.  Your mommy worked up a sweat just trying to get a few good pictures for your 9 month update.  You are precious, but my goodness, you are full of energy!  

Here is what's going on with Harrison at 9 months!

Weight: You have your 9 Month check up Friday!  I fill that info in then.

Height:  n/a

Clothes:  12 and 18 month clothes

Diapers:  Size 4, Parents Choice from Walmart have been working really well.

Nicknames:  Mister, Baby, and HarriSIN

Bottles: 6oz every 4-5 hours

Sleeping:  Up until the past few days, you had been waking up at least twice a night.  The past few nights, I've noticed a pattern of you only waking up around 2:30 or 3:30 and then sleeping until 7 or 8, which is WONDERFUL, but I am taking this day by day, because I know as soon as I hit publish on this post you could wake up.  (But please don't!!)

Naps:  You are still taking 2 naps every day, morning and afternoon.  Now with school in full swing, your naps are being interrupted, so maybe that is helping with your night time sleeping.

Milestones:   

• Drinking from a sippy cup
• Standing alone, no support, for a few seconds at a time
• Taking 1-2 steps
• You wave and say bye-bye

Foods:  You eat anything I give you.  New things you had this month were pancakes, waffles, and cereal bars.  You loved each one.  

Outings/Trips:  Only new places this month were Lincoln and Kenadie's schools.

Discoveries:  You have figured out how to climb.

Likes:  

1. Riding and playing inside the laundry basket 
2. Dumping our DVD's into the floor
3. Cell phones and remote controls
4. Playing with the floor vents 
5. Playing with the wall sockets (you wish they weren't baby proof)  
6. Medicine bottles (yes they are empty and they are child proof)

Dislikes: 

1. You absolutely hate for me to put you in your pack n play, activity center, or crib, because you know you are limited to what you can do and you can't get into things that way.
2. You hate having your diaper changed... or maybe that's me hating to change your diaper because it's almost impossible to get you to lay still just long enough to change it.

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And because these were just too cute not to share.  You and Lincoln were playing and having fun together.  Lincoln was playing Peek-A-Boo with you, trying to get you to laugh.  You thought it was so funny.  You love your brother and sister.

(yes I am fully aware my door needs cleaning... that's just life with kids!)

Bays Mountain Park

Last week, Chris and I took the kids to Bays Mountain Park for some family fun.  Chris had been to this park a couple of times, but the kids and I had never been before.  It was such a fun day.  It was so pretty there and not crowded at all.

We knew this would be one of very few last chances to do something with the kids before they start school full time, so it was so nice to have this time with them.

The pretty dam we walked across.  

Lincoln and Kenadie loved this and thought it was so neat.

They had lots of trials and different habitats.  My favorite was Lily Cove.  I love lily pads.

As soon as we parked, we were met by a doe.  It was not afraid of anyone.  Trying to bum food from others who were picnicking.

We saw three wolves.  That was pretty neat to see up close, but that's as close as I would like to see one and really ever want to see.  

We hope to make it  back during Fall season while the leaves are changing.  I know it will be beautiful then.

It was a fun family day.  We left the park and headed to Longhorn Steakhouse for supper and then we went shopping for Lincoln's school supplies.   I am going to miss these days when we can just pack up and go when and where ever we want, but I am also looking forward to the school year too. 

Harrison 8 months old

Harrison, when I put your Eight Months sticker on for your pictures, I felt a little sad.  There are only 4 more stickers left and then  you will be a year old.  You won't be a baby anymore, but I reminded myself you will still be my baby no matter what.   You have grown so much this month and I can see how much older you seem just at 8 months.  You learn quick and I am so thankful you're happy and healthy!!  

Weight: We don't see the doctor again until August at 9 months

Height:  n/a

Clothes:  12 months and 18 months onesies

Diapers:  Size 4, just switched to Walmart's "Parent Choice" brand.  Worked for my older two, they seem to be working well for Harrison as well.    

Nicknames:  Mister and Baby (really slacked off on nicknames... mostly call him Harrison)

Bottles: Usually he will eat a 6.oz bottle every 4 hours.  This last month he almost refused the bottle during the day time.  It was such a struggle to get him to eat because he was teething and I just think he lost his appetite.  Just the last few days have you really started taking more formula.

Sleeping:  This month you have resorted back to sleeping like a newborn.  You are waking 2 to 3 times EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT.  You cry something awful until I pick you up and you start looking for your bottle.  Your teeth hurt you so bad and I know it's not your fault, but you have wore me out this month.  I will be so happy when July is over and we can get back to you sleeping all night again.  I KNOW you can, because you were doing such a good job before.  

Naps:  You take two naps a day.  First nap is usually from 9:30/10:00 - 11:30/12:00 (two hours) and then your second nap is 2:00-4:00 or 3:00-5:00 (two hours).  

Milestones:   

• Crawling at a faster pace
• Drinking from a sippy cup
• Standing alone, no support, for a few seconds at a time

Foods:  This month you have really gotten into finger foods.  You had your first taste of honey nut cheerios (which you are not allergic too),  baby gold fish crackers, corn, green beans, bananas, breads, mashed potatoes, baked beans, macaroni & cheese.  You also eat your pureed foods and would rather eat the fruits instead of veggies.  You prefer peas over all the other veggie purees.  

Outings/Trips: Cades Cove - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Discoveries:  I've been working with you on saying "bye-bye" and opening/closing my hand when I say it.  I have seen you holding your arm up in the air and closing your hand and you will throw out a "bye" before or after you do it.  You are almost there.

Likes:  Tractors and lawn mowers.  Baths.  Sleeping on your belly.  - This was from last month... it has not changed!  

Dislikes: You do not like when someone takes something away from you (normally it is something you shouldn't have to begin with)