How does one go from being 10 pounds 9 oz at birth to creating "cause for concern" about your weight? At Addyson's 2-month check-up she weighed in at about the 95th percentile. At her 4-month check-up she was below the 50th percentile (13 lb. 9oz). Because she gained so little weight between appointments, they asked me to bring her in again at 5-months. We had this 5-month appointment on Wednesday and she gained another 3 oz - bringing her to 13 lb. 12 oz.
Before I can ask the nurse if that is good or bad, I am sitting with a doctor - not our regular doctor who had the day off. She said this very slow weight gain was definitely a "cause for concern" a million times and something we need to "monitor closely" about a zillion times. She proceeds to tell me not to worry but they expect a child of this age to gain a minimum of 1/2 oz per day. Which means they would have expected Addy to gain about a pound (16 oz) since the last visit - she only gained 3 oz! After explaining to the doctor that Addyson eats 6 times a day - about 3 hours between feedings except at night and of course she seems satisfied between feedings (or I'd feed her more), the nice doctor sends me home with instructions to continue doing what we are doing regarding her feedings, and a promise that she will call Dr. Tinquely (our regular doctor) and fill him in.
When I get home, I have a message from the phone nurse at Meritcare to give them a call as soon as I get in. Turns out Dr. Tinquely is also concerned and wants to see us back in 2 weeks. Of course I am now worried about Addyson and I don't understand why she isn't gaining weight fast enough.
When I look at her she seems like a very healthy little girl. She is a very pleasant and happy baby- I can't imagine that she is not getting enough to eat. I have a theory that she just started out so big that she is just getting to the height/weight where she is meant to be. I don't know what to think.
So, we go back on December 8th - I'll keep you posted.
In other news... we have been having beautiful weather (except the last 2 days have been cold). I took the girls out in their matching sweaters for a 'Christmas Card' photo session. I discovered that it is very tricky to get 2 kids to both smile at the same time... even when one of them is 9 years old. After about an hour, I decided that I wasn't going to get the perfect shot so I'd choose one of the good ones I'd already captured. We go trouncing back in the house and Kevin emerges from his nap. I tell him about our photo session and he says "try again" and he'll help. So in about 15 seconds with Kevin's help, I snap off about 6 great pictures of the girls smiling - I could hardly choose between them they were all so wonderful. Guess now I know to enlist dad's help next time. I have included some of the funnier pictures from the day... you'll have to wait for your Christmas card to see the winner.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving - we enjoyed our time in Chokio and even got a little Christmas shopping started and the house decorated.
Jordyn used to crinkle her nose up like this when she was a baby.
Even Venus tried to get in on the fun
Hi Big Sister! Hi Little Sister!
