On the advice of his pediatrician, Phoenix has "graduated" to eating solids. First, he tried rice cereal, made with pear juice and water. He did pretty good and, now we're trying stage 1 baby food (fruits and vegetables), one kind per week, to watch him for any negative reactions (allergies, etc.).
This week, we're trying peaches! Phoenix had a "taste" of a peach at his Mormor's house in Seattle and seemed to really enjoy it. But, maybe canned (jarred) peaches don' taste quite as yummy as fresh!
He's still getting milk / formula / rice cereal mixture for his regular meals, but two or three times a day, we supplement with a small serving of either rice cereal with juice or baby food.
Phoenix visited his pediatrician on 8/20, and got some good news. He's growing like a weed! He's now 25 1/2" long and 13 lbs. 9 oz. Without even adjusting his age (not subtracting the 7 weeks that he was born premature) he's already in the 50th percentile in length. He's only in the 10th percentile in weight (before adjusting his age). But, his doctor is very impressed. He laughed and had a "conversation" with the doctor who noted how "social" he is and that he is "just sunshine"! He is very good at holding his head up, but can't roll over on his own yet. He can "stand" (put weight on his legs, when someone holds him by his hands).
He is doing well with his reflux and now only takes his liquid Zantac once a day (before bed).
Phoenix does have a doctor's appointment with an eye specialist, due to his "lazy" left eye. His doctor said this is a good time to get it "corrected" before it gets worse, and he starts to see double or just shuts it down. He may have to wear a patch, glasses, or just do "eye exercises". His appointment isn't until 9/21. We'll know more, then.
Phoenix also got a "clean bill of health" from his urologist on 8/6, regarding his circumcision. He will have a follow up appointment when he turns one, just to make sure everything still looks good.
Steph's son, Trey (Phoenix's big brother) has become a great help with Phoenix, when he is here. Trey entertains Phoenix, when he's fussy or his mommies are busy, and he even holds him and reads stories to him.
About a week and a half before going to Seattle, Steph had 2 major surgeries. When Phoenix and Lisa came to visit her, after she came out of recovery, Phoenix tried to show Mommy how to "lose" the tubes. "This is how you do it, Mommy. Just curl your fingers around and PULL! That's how I used to do it, in the NICU!".
Steph and Lisa and Phoenix drove up to Seattle to attend the wedding of Phoenix's aunt Anna Maria and uncle Dimitri. We saw many friends and relatives, including several of Lisa's aunts and uncles and cousins. Unfortunately, Lisa didn't get the camera out early enough to take photos of everyone. But, we got a couple of good photos of Phoenix and his great-uncle Paul (his grandpa's brother) and his wife, Phoenix's great-aunt Mary!
And, Phoenix got reacquainted with his uncle Per (in the teal blue t shirt) and met his aunt Gabrielle for the first time.
We also got to celebrate Lisa's 40th birthday while we were up there. We were awakened with cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate in bed, with a birthday song, candle, and flower, and cards and gifts. And, Phoenix's Mormor and Morfar (grandma and grandpa) paid for a wonderful dinner and movie in downtown Seattle, for Steph and Lisa while they babysat Phoenix for the evening. Fun!
Steph got to experience the wading pool at Green Lake with Phoenix (pictures coming soon - they were taken with the cell phone!).
And, of course, we enjoyed Dimitri and Anna Maria's Orthodox wedding. The priests "chant" the wedding ceremony and Phoenix decided to join in, from his front row seat! I think he thought they were talking to him!
On the advice of his pediatrician, Phoenix has "graduated" to eating solids. First, he tried rice cereal, made with pear juice and water. He did pretty good and, now we're trying stage 1 baby food (fruits and vegetables), one kind per week, to watch him for any negative reactions (allergies, etc.).
This week, we're trying peaches! Phoenix had a "taste" of a peach at his Mormor's house in Seattle and seemed to really enjoy it. But, maybe canned (jarred) peaches don' taste quite as yummy as fresh!
He's still getting milk / formula / rice cereal mixture for his regular meals, but two or three times a day, we supplement with a small serving of either rice cereal with juice or baby food.
