The First 100 Days (14 Weeks, 3 Days)

This week we reached a new milestone of sorts. Yesterday, Zeke was 100 days old. Again I ask: Has it been that long of a time? Has it been that short of a time? Yes and yes. I guess this will always be the paradox that will Zeke will always be my baby, but he will be growing up, too.

My good friend wrote me to ask me if I had found Zeke's mom yet, a question I posed just after Zeke was born. For better or worse, I think I have. Let me introduce myself: I'm tired, I don't keep the house neat and I forget everything. (I even spent a half hour the other day trying to remember the name of an acquaintance that I had spoken to that day!) That about covers it. And, aside from the small worry here or there about tummy time, whether I sing enough or whether Zeke is eating enough, I feel pretty confident about how we are doing. I think we are doing pretty darn well. Zeke is still sleeping six and even seven hours at a time, he hasn't been sick and he seems to be hitting all the right developmental milestones. As you can tell, we also think that he is pretty photogenic!

These are more photos from the weekend of Gabrielle's wedding. In this photo, he is being held by his Great Uncle Bob and he is being doted on by his grandmother.

We finally went back to the pediatrician today after having had to reschedule the appointment a couple of times. Zeke was so good! He hardly cried at all even though he got three immunization shots, and as I mentioned in a previous post, in the past Zeke has really let the good doctor know his lungs worked. Zeke officially weighed in at 13 and a half pounds. We forgot to ask how tall he was and the doctor forgot to write it down for us. I forgot because I now forget everything and the doctor was a little under the weather. I enjoyed the visit because it is just nice to hear that Zeke is in perfectly healthy condition -- it's not that I thought he was sick, but I sometimes worry that I might just be missing something. I need professional validation!

Have I mentioned I really love our pediatrician's manner? He is just so calm and non-plussed by everything. For most questions, he'll say "That's what some babies do" or "The baby will do something different when he's ready" or "The baby will let you know." Almost every question we have asked can be answered as such: when will the baby start having more than 2 bowel movements a week? When he's ready. Should the baby be getting more than 4 ounces of milk? The baby will let you know. Is it normal for Zeke to gasp and hold his breath when he gets excited? That's what some babies do. The good doctor just removes the worry from any question, but always follows up by letting us know that we can call him or that we can keep any eye on something.

Here are some of the interesting things he told us. We can start Zeke on solids in the next month. He recommends rice cereal followed by fruits and then oatmeal. Really? I don't think that I am ready for Zeke to start eating solids, even if it is more convenient for me as I wouldn't have to nurse or pump as much. I think we'll revisit the issue in a month. Guess it is time to find a high chair.

Also, he said that we can add an ounce of water to Zeke's bottle. After nursing or getting a bottle, Zeke fusses for a few seconds until we put a pacifier in his mouth and then he is fine. We figured that he wasn't hungry, but just enjoyed it. The doctor says a little water would be fine and then I don't have to worry about pumping more milk than I am now.

Finally, we thought Zeke had some bruises on his behind. He has had them since birth, but at first figured that they were from how they pulled him out and then maybe how we were holding him, the carseat, etc. They seemed to fade and then come back. But, no, they are not bruises. The doctor said they are temporary birthmarks known as Mongolian spots, and they are more common in certain races like Asians. Huh. I learn something new everyday with this parenting thing.