Henry had his 4 month doctor's appointment this week (although he's technically closer to 4.5 months). He weighs 15lbs, 1oz (39th percentile) and is 26 inches long (76th percentile). Basically, he is still long and lean! However, when you look at him, I doubt anyone would describe him as "lean." :) He's happy and healthy and all was well. He did have to get his vaccinations again - same as at 2 months - two shots and an oral one. It is so sad when he gets his shots. I know it will probably be worse when he is bigger and can anticipate what is coming, but right now it just takes him by surprise and makes him so mad. He was almost asleep the entire doctor's appointment (worn out from a full morning of preschool, I guess), and was laying on the table with his hands above his head and eyes half closed, all sweet and relaxed. Then the nurse stuck him! Poor little thing. It didn't take him too long to calm down at least. He seems to be handling them better this time too. He hasn't been nearly as fussy as he was last time. I think it helps that he is so much bigger. The doctor said that a lot of his fussiness last time was probably due to his little thighs being sore. He's got a lot more "meat" on his bones now, so hopefully that has helped.
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| Big Boy! |
We are very thankful for how well he is doing and how much he is growing. He goes back again in two months for another well visit and another round of shots. I know they are super important, and I am glad he is getting most of them now while he won't remember them, but poor thing...I feel so bad for him!
One thing he has started doing this week is giggling more. Like his first few smiles, he makes you work hard for it, but really it is the sweetest thing when he starts to laugh. Like I said before, it is addictive. He's also discovered his feet and toes and loves to grab them. He hasn't figured out how to get them in his mouth, but he lays on his back with his legs in the air and holds on to his feet. It is pretty funny.
Since birth, Henry has loved his pacifier. It has been a lifesaver on numerous occasions, and I always have it attached to him so that we can find it at a moment's notice. I have noticed lately, however, that while he still likes his paci, he is definitely starting to suck on his fingers more. Most of the time it is his right thumb, which he puts in the side of his mouth. It is super cute. I know I might regret this habit later, but I was a thumbsucker myself so I love seeing him do it now. The pacifier is still important, especially in moments of particular despair, but more and more he is going to his hand.
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| Sucking my thumb...in the corner of my mouth. |
Another thing I love is that he has started really paying attention to things. He will watch the TV intently if we let him, and you can tell he is really observing his surroundings. I decided the other night that this was the perfect time to start reading books together, so while he was laying on his mat doing some tummy time, I brought out some of our books. I think he likes hearing my voice as I read them, and he definitely was looking at all the colors and shapes on the pages. Hopefully, this is the start of a long and happy relationship with books and reading!
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| These pigeon books are hilarious - seriously! |
