6 Month Check-up

I really need to get on the ball, it seems.  Sierra is almost 7 months old and I am just now posting her 6 month stats.  Where does the time go? Well, it seems like our little one is growing, growing, growing.  At her 6 month check-up she measured 26 1/2 inches long (90th percentile) and 17 pounds, 10 1/2 ounces (95th percentile).  At the check-up we talked at length with our doctor about starting Sierra on solid foods.  Much to my surprise (and relief) our doctor was not at all worried/disappointed that Sierra had not started solid foods yet.  We have felt very confident about the fact that Sierra was 6 and a 1/2 months old and still only breastfeeding. Obviously her weight is not an issue with just breast milk alone and nursing has been going wonderfully and been such a blessing for all of us.  The doctor did recommend some foods to start trying and she also recommended starting her on some water in a cup.  Brian and I are happy with the discussion we had with her and we will take her advice at our own pace.

Aside from all the accomplishments, Sierra did have to get 3 shots. :(  I hate the shots!  Thankfully Brian was there with me, Sierra does better when Daddy is around (seriously, that is not a lie).  This is the first appointment that Brian's schedule has allowed him to come to and it was his first time witnessing the dreadful shots.  Both Daddy and patient did well...Mommy on the other hand was still a little weary about how BIG the needles are! She got 2 immunizations and 1 flu shot.  Here are some pictures of her "battle scars"...

I am not a big fan of the flu shot, I have never had one.  I don't really "believe" in it.  Ever since they gave one to Daniel (because supposedly all cancer patients should get them) and then 2 days later I was taking care of not only my husband who was battling cancer and chemo but ALSO my husband who got the stinkin' flu!!!  Brian graciously pointed this out to the doctor (the fact that I don't "believe" in them) and that indeed I have never had a flu shot and yet I got the flu TWICE while pregnant last winter.  O'well, nature took its course and we are fine in the end!  Thankfully Sierra had no adverse reactions to the shot and prayerfully she will not experience any flu symptoms this coming winter. 

Unfortunately, because Sierra is so young, she will need to get a 2nd flu shot (they come in a series of 2 for children her age).  She is also still due for her 2nd Hep B shot, so we will be back again for nasty shots in just a few more weeks.  However, her next well check-up won't be until 9 months (January)!

Here are a few of her other 6 Month Stats:

• Sitting up like a champ!
• No teeth - Lots of drool!
• Nursing 4 times a day
• 2 naps a day - about 1.5 to 2 hours each on average.
• Bedtime = 7:30 pm - Wake-up Time = 9 am (generally)
• Loves books and is starting to interact with the books more.  Also, she will lay back and rock with us as we read now! So fun!
• Loves her exersaucer - I think she would stay in it all day if I let her
• She is fascinated with the cats.  She knows and understands the words and gets so excited when you ask her "where are the kitty's"
• Only rolls to the left and only rolls from back to tummy - silly child!
• Laughs all the time now, she is always so happy!
• Very ticklish, you can tickle her just about any where and she will squirm and laugh.
• Loves her pink blankie, can't sleep without it (Thanks Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Deb)!!!
• Wearing size 9 month clothes
• Stands up / puts weight on legs a lot more now when you hold her around the waist.
• Talks / babbles non-stop.  Verbally she is off the charts; whereas, physically she is still pretty lazy!
• Loves her feet and her hands.  She is still very fascinated by her hands and I will catch her looking at them often.  She is starting to suck on her toes, yummy! :)
• Pure Joy!  She is a wonderful blessing and Brian and I are overwhelmed with love for our precious little girl!