BIG BOY! Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 |

So my "small for gestational age" baby boy has decided to catch up to his peers in a big way.  He is now 10.6lbs!  Ryder wakes up HANGRY and needs his bottle immediately.  Heaven forbid you don't have it warmed already or you will be introduced to "baby Bobcat".  This is one of the few times Ryder cries.  It's not so much of a cry as a bobcat growl and red face with shaking fists.  Its so funny and cute--even though he is trying to be serious and angry!  He is still waking up to eat every two or three hours and has long periods of being awake in the morning with me and in the evenings when he spends time with his grandparents.  My Mom and I have baby "shifts" so that Ryder has someone with him at all times.  YES we like to watch him breathe!  My mom starts off the night and watches him from 8pm-3am when I take over. I usually watch him from 3-10am.  It gets pretty tricky when I have him alone, because I am also trying to take out the dogs to pee, pump, feed him, change his diapers, wash and sanitize his bottles, go to that bathroom, and eat.  Speaking of eating--I know have the appetite of a 17 year old boy.  I have 4 peanut butter sandwiches for my first breakfast, followed by two bowls of cereal, and then a few hours later a tofu scramble with vegetables.  YES, this is just breakfast.  The good news is, I have lost all of my pregnancy weight, so I am going to continue eating like a linebacker for now.  I read that breastfeeding is the equivalent to doing two hours of aerobic exercise a day SO on top of everything else I am up to it makes sense that I would be so hungry.

Ryder had his first doctor's appointment yesterday at his new Pediatrician Dr. Polokoff.  He was actually my pediatrician when I was a kid.  Ryder is doing great and everything went well during his appointment.  Unfortunately he got his second Hep B shot which made the baby Bobcat show up again.  I hated seeing him in so much pain, so the Dr. and I had to have a little talk about his 2 month checkup where they want to give him 5 SHOTS at ONE time.  This is not happening.  I am going to take a more conservative approach and get them spaced out.  I live right around the corner, so it won't be difficult to get there PLUS with all the Autism and vaccination controversy out there, I am going to be safe rather than sorry.

NOW back to Ryder.  He loves looking at lights: the lamp, the digital picture frame, the TV.  I am going to be sure to buy him some toys that light up.  He is also really getting good at his head control and eye-hand coordination.  He can hit and kick all the toys in his activity center.  Ryder loves to hold onto blankets, and snuggle with them.  He gets very happy when one is tucked under his chin because it seems like a burp cloth to him and makes him happy for a bottle.  When Ryder is sleeping he likes to have his hands up by his head and the vibration on for his mattress.  If it goes off he will stir and sometimes wake up. I wish it didn't shut off so he could get some good rest--and I could go to the bathroom!
We are very glad to be in Georgia and have my parents help!  We miss Jesse SO much, but are happy to know that he is doing good and having fun.  He doesn't really like me to talk about his work (he likes to remain secret squirrel) but just know that he is basically Jack Bauer on "24."
The baby is starting to stir...Must figure out a way to rig the Pack n' Play to stay on for a few hours.....