4-Month Well-Baby Check

I realize that if God blesses us with more children, at some point I'll probably stop bothering with attending all these many well-baby checks. So, I really enjoy milking them for all they are worth right now. I enjoy going in when John is healthy because it is like receiving an A+ report card!

Here are his latest statistics:

• Weight: 15 pounds 2 ounces (58th percentile) [Mama won the wager this time]
• Height: 25.3 inches (65th percentile) [This boy has grown half a foot since he was born!]
• Head circumference: 42.5 centimeters (58th percentile)

John's pediatrician said that his frequent night waking is very normal and healthy for his age and that letting John daytime-nap in my sling is good for him and for lengthening his sleep sessions.

The doctor noticed John's beginning of stranger anxiety and said that was a good sign that he is securely attached to his mama, just like he is supposed to be.

We also talked about introducing solids and the pediatrician said she was so pleased that we are exclusively breastfeeding and that she knows how much work and effort it required from us to get through the learning curve to now, when it is convenient and I can do it without thinking. She agreed with us that there is absolutely no need to rush solids, that introducing solids too early can be a risk (i.e., reduces iron absorption, proliferates harmful bacteria in the intestines, increases allergies, etc.), and that six months is not a magic number: even then we need to watch for other readiness signs. She is thrilled that we're not rushing to replace the superior infant food (human milk) with inferior food (anything other than human milk). Plus she said, "Of course, he's healthy! Look at what a chunky boy he is!"

Overall, John is doing superbly and we feel so blessed by God to have him!