Max, September 21st, 2011, 6 months, 1 week
Recently, Max has decided that the “Back to Sleep” program no longer applies to him. It does not matter how we place him in the bassinet, he immediately flips on to his left side, and overnight, he works his way to belly sleeping. When he does wake up in the morning, he’s amazingly cheerful. Quite a feat for the child who absolutely hated Tummy Time in the beginning.
Max, October 3rd, 2011, 6 months 2 weeks
Too Max to a local children’s store and was showing him all the different Sesame Street characters. He showed complete disinterest towards Big Bird, Snuffalupagus, Grover, and Cookie Monster. However, he saw Oscar, grabbed him, and refused to let go. He squeals at Oscar, he chews on Oscar, he falls asleep with Oscar in his arms. Only my kid would want to be BFFs with the snarky green monster that dwells in a garbage can.
Max, March 18th, 2011, 4 days
At 3 pounds, 6 ounces, Max had almost no brown fat that full term babies are born with. An expressive baby, Max quickly developed “worry lines” between his eyes and on his forehead, and little chin creases. Most have faded as he’s grown and gained weight, but they are still some residual faint reminders of his “grumpy old man” face.
Max, March 15th, 2011, 1 Day
Max had to be difficult right from the start- after multiple sticks, the pediatrician was only able to place an umbilical vein catheter for IV access. It would be several days before Max would trade the UVC for a regular peripheral IV line. Until that time, our ability to cuddle and hold Max was limited due to fears of losing his venous accidentally through any small tug. Needless to say, we’d cradle Max in our laps as he would lay on a pillow, surrounded by bumpers, sleeping safely and securely.
Max, March 19th, 2011, 5 days
Like most preemies, Max’s gut wasn’t quite ready for use at birth. While he had the NG tube for the bulk of his NICU stay, he was able to start working with a bottle at day of life 5 (he was deemed too small and not strong enough to attempt breastfeeding.) His initial feeds were only 5mL – roughly one teaspoon each. He’s now up to 4-6oz each feed – such an amazing feat to go from a teaspoon to 1/2-3/4 cup each feed!
Max, September 22, 2011, 6 Months, 1 week
He’s getting so he really enjoys going shopping. For so long, he would get overstimulated with sounds and activities – it’s so nice that he’s actually enjoying the world now.
Max, September 4th, 5 months, 2 weeks old
Max’s grumpy face. His nickname at times like this is “Grumple.”
Max, September 14th, 2001, 6 months old!
Looking pretty happy considering he had gotten his 6-month vaccinations just hours earlier!
Max, September 6th, 2011, 5 months 3 weeks old
Practicing his poker face for future interactions
Max, September 7th, 2011, 5 months 3 weeks old
Taken at Oak Glen, California, one of my most favorite places on earth!
mondaymax 