Just a Few Pictures

4 Month Check-up

Case went for his 4 month check-up today. He weighed 15 lbs 9 oz and was 24 1/2 inches long. The doctor said he was in the 25th percentile for height and head circumference and the 75th for weight, however I don't think he took into consideration that Case is actually 4 1/2 months at this check-up. I looked at the growth charts and I think he's actually in the 50th percentile for weight. Not that it matters. The doctor said he wasn't too fat just gained more than he expected. I really think these extra 2 weeks made the difference because when we weighed him 2 weeks ago he was a whole pound less. I don't want anyone thinking he's eating too much! : )

As you can tell I'm very into his height and weight and percentiles and such, but just as important are his developmental milestones. He met most of those. They actually are things he should meet between 3 and 5 months so they told me not to worry if there are some he hadn't met yet. The nurse said he may be behind on some and ahead on others. The one thing that he's definitely not doing is reaching up for us to pick him up. Otherwise, everything else was mastered or almost mastered. I wasn't sure if he made 2 syllable sounds, or short a and o sounds or was comforted by a a familiar voice but after talking to Keith and thinking about it, we think he does those too. I guess we'll be working on reaching for people in the next couple of weeks.

Healthwise, the doctor said he looks great. Eyes, ears, nose, stomach, arms, legs- everything looks good.

I was very excited going in today thinking they would say I could officially start solids. Imagine my shock when they said they generally recommend waiting until 6 months. I guess the shock and disappointment was all over my face because he conceded. He did tell me how there was no nutritional value to feeding solids at this point and that it was probably going to be more trouble than it was worth. I think he was trying to discourage me. I didn't bother to tell him that we've already tried it and it's no trouble at all. Case is turning into a snapping turtle and will grab that food right off the spoon if you don't give it to him fast enough.

On another note, many people seem shocked that Case sleeps 10 hours straight at night. So much that I was starting to be concerned myself, but after finding out today that his weight is good maybe even a little heavy and that he eats a little more milk a day than the average baby I'm not going to worry anymore. Instead I'm going to revert back to my original thinking- it's a blessing. Plain and simple. The good Lord knows how much my body needs rest and this is His way of making sure I get it!

Thanks for checking in. We'll put up some new pictures soon!

Oh. I forgot to mention that Case got 6 vaccinations today. So far he hasn't been cranky. Just a little sleepier than usual for this time of night.

Halloween Part 2

Good Morning.

Mutton Bustin'

Mmmmm. Smarties!

I want all of it.

I don't know about this candy.

Ok. Give me more.

Watching football.

Beware of the Sock Monkey!

Aparently most of Houston is unfamiliar with the sock monkey as case was more often called Curious George by the people who's house we visited. They all still thought he was cute though so I guess it's alright (though not with his mom). He even had one girl take his picture.

Happy Halloween!

Tootie thought he might want to carve a pumpkin today.

But when we told him how slimy it was, he started to have second thoughts...

But then we told him how fun it was and he got excited.

He wasn't too impressed at first.

But then he saw the inside and it looked a little more interesting.

Then he started to get hungry...

But he has to settle for peas.

In the end he said it was pretty worth it.

But boy was it tiring.

In the jungle...

Case decided he wanted to get up a little early and talk to his jugle pals in his crib.

He rolled over and lay there talking to his mobile for about 30 minutes. He has started looking around at everything and gets mad if you put him down and he can't see anything. I can't imagine what he is going to get into when he starts crawling... or even walking. Mom's going to have her hands full during the day. He wanted us to take this video of him for his Grandma Josie who is going to get to see him today (if only online). Hopefully we will have some pictures of pumpkin carving later if we get the chance to run to Wal-Mart. We can't wait for you to come home and see us Grandma, hurry home.

Stem Cell Research...

is a loaded topic, but to our family it is very important. A baby's cord blood can be used to collect stem cells that have the potential to treat many diseases not only in the baby itself but also siblings, parents, grandparents and cousins. Some of these diseases include cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's- all things that have affected our family already. Based on my history of an inherited neuromuscular disease, we chose to save Case's cord blood with the hope that some day with more research his stem cells could possibly help him if he develops the same thing. His stem cells could even help me or his Grammy or even a future sibling. We realize that a lot more research is needed before we could possibly use his stem cells for any treatment, but we are prepared and hopeful. Please take the time to look at the many possibilities that can come from cord blood stem cell research.

Diseases Treated with Cord Blood

FAQS about Cord Blood Stem Cells

Read about Cord Blood Research

And watch The Doctors on Monday, October 27th for more information.

Dear CBR Families,
Advances in the use of cord blood stem cells are increasingly the focus of national health care news.This coming Monday, October 27th, The Doctors, the thought-provoking new health talk show created by the producers of Dr. Phil, will feature two CBR families whose lives have been significantly changed by the decision to bank their baby's cord blood stem cells.The show's celebrity host, Dr. Travis Stork, as well as resident Ob/Gyn expert Dr. Lisa Masterson, interview the parents of Dallas Hextell and Hannah Barber - both diagnosed with a form of brain injury. The Doctors lead the discussion about how a child's own cord blood stem cells are being used in regenerative therapies designed to help heal injuries to the brain.The Hextells and Barbers also share their perspectives on the importance of educating all new parents about cord blood banking, especially because of the exciting developments in regenerative medicine.You won't want to miss this inspirational program. Check here for your local listings.In addition, help us spread the word by sharing this program notice with your friends and family!