Operation Gain Weight!

Ethan has one goal and one goal only: gain weight!! We had a doctors appointment Friday where we learned that he only gained three ounces in the last month. This was definitely surprising considering we had been noticing Ethan's cheeks and tummy filling out. At this age, babies are supposed to gain approximately one ounce a day - going by this standard, Ethan should be 9 lbs. Friday, he weighed in at 6 lbs. 10 oz. After a long consultation as to why he might not be gaining weight, the end result was this: plump this guy up as quickly as possible! The doctors put me on a strict feeding/pumping schedule that would (hopefully) result in 8-10 feedings a day. I had been doing six feedings a day with him eating every 2 1/2-3 hours so I've definitely had to step it up. In the couple days I've been doing this increased schedule, I've only made it to 7 feedings because, well, I'm exhausted! However, we got GREAT news during his check-up on Wednesday. In five days, he gained nine ounces and is now up to 7 lbs. 3 oz! They were so encouraged by this jump and Ethan seems to be responding so well with the increased amount of food! This poor boy was just hungry!! His whole demeanor has changed now that he has a full belly. Before, he was so fussy in between feedings and would fall asleep for a "nap" 20 minutes before it was time to eat again. Just in the short time I've been feeding him more often, he is so much more content, happy, and satisfied. I've been able to actually put him down for a nap in his crib - hallelujah! It's amazing what you can get done when you don't have a baby attached to you! =)

During his appointment on Wednesday, he also got his two-month shots. They administered one orally and three through a shot in his thigh. Poor little man doesn't have any meat on his bones so they had to use special tiny needles (and she still stuck a vein and blood was everywhere...eekkk)! Ethan did great - cried really hard when they stuck him, but stopped the minute she was done. He held me finger the whole time and just looked at me like, "what are they doing mommy?? HELP ME!!" Naturally, I had a couple tears stream down my face - I just hate hearing him so upset. But, I picked him right up and cuddled him in his favorite blanket and he was happy again. He was asleep before we even left the parking lot!

Starting with the two-month appointment, the doctor will tell you where your child ranks height/weight wise compared to other children of the same age. Most moms brag that they child is in the 90th percentile in height or 75th percentile in weight, etc. Ethan? He's ranked in the third percentile in both categories! Hahahaha. We've got some major catching up to do - but again, we saw lots of positives come out of the increased feeding schedule and we are moving in the right direction! We go in for a weight check on Tuesday - keep your fingers crossed for another big gain!