What a long way you've come! Chuck and I have recently been discussing how absolutely AMAZING Charlie is. We are obviously biased, but it is truly remarkable to think of how our time with Charlie started. It was just 10 short months ago that we were extremely surprised to find that we would be welcoming Charlie in just 48 hours. While it would not be path many people would choose , we try to look at the bright side - and think of how much extra time we were able to have with our little boy:)
Since our last post, we made a quick trip to the Quad Cities and to Des Moines for Grandma Christine's housewarming for Charlie. Below are a few pics from our IA/IL road trips....
Tank Top Baby
Charlie & Uncle Jamie hanging in the garage...
I can think of two people that need to work on their smiling...
Grandma Chris was so excited to show Charlie off to all her friends. We had such a nice afternoon in Des Moines:)
Getting ready for the party to start!
Some of Chris' best friends stopped by to say hello to baby Charlie.
We were so excited to show Charlie off to Aunt Pat and Jane Terhune!!!
Love this one:)
We also visited a GI doctor since the last update. We were anxious to finally get in to see a doctor, but nervous about what the outcome may be - and if the prognosis would mean additional treatment or medication. To our surprise the GI doctor informed us - Charlie was fine! I then asked him 10 more times if he was positive:) He assured me he see's cases of severe acid reflux each day, and that Charlie did not have this. He said Charlie did have reflux, but nothing that could be treated with medication. This was was a huge relief and also a huge frustration. There is nothing we can do for the amount he throws up and only time will help. In time he will grow and in turn his tummy will grow and lengthen and be able to handle the amount of intake - but for now we will have to deal with lots and lots and lots...and lots of pukey clothes;(
Charlie still has a milk protein allergy (which we hope he also will grow out of) so we are on hypoallergenic formula. I recently heard from a friend of a new amino-acid based formula that worked for her daughter with similar symptoms that we are going to try. It's of course one of the most expensive formulas on the market - but if it works then it will be worth it.
At his 9 month check-up, Charlie was just shy of 14 pounds, which I'm sure he has long surpassed:) Our pediatrician is amazed each time we come in and she see's the great progress Charlie is making. Again, I cannot believe that he arrived just 1 pound 11 ounces - UNBELIEVABLE. Charlie has a physical therapy session one day a week that I feel has helped tremendously. Not only is he rolling, literally ever way, he is actually almost crawling! Which is also unbelievable given his current small stature;) He is getting a lot better at sitting on his own, but not 100% yet.
My mom stayed with us last week and she was quite tired after her week of nannying with a very active baby. After Grandma Wendi left us on Saturday Chuck and I discovered a little surprise that she had left. In the middle of one of Charlie's, slightly annoying whines, we heard a mamammamma come out! We couldn't believe our ears, and I felt slightly bad:) It happened a few more times so we were also excited to hear Charlie begin making consonant sounds. We since heard a few more and I'm pretty sure the start of a dadda:)
Some pics from our 8/9 month photo shoot - I think these are really closer to him being 9 months, but who's really paying attention!
Charlie unsure of the grass??? Please note the stark contrast in color...he's definitely part Irish.
Grandma & Grandpa!
Aunt Judi & Uncle Glen stayed with my Mom and Dad for about a month this summer and were able to spend lots of quality time with Charlie! They helped my Mom out a ton and I think Uncle Glen was showing Charlie how to crawl...and eat lemon cookies:)
My two favorites:)
Twins in Riverside!
More 9 month photos in his 8 month tie - oops.
Special Thank You to Megan Branch for the oh-so-cute quilt she made for Charlie. It's so wonderful:) Megan recently welcomed Baby Nathan to the world and Charlie cannot wait to meet him!
I mean, this face is the best:)
I almost forgot! We started food! What a mess.
At first this happened at every meal, but with time (and Grandma Wendi training) Charlie is now eating like a champ and less mess - kind of. He prefers all food and wants to be fed fast.
I guess we are lucky to not have a picky eater:)
One of my best friends has recently (as in today:)) moved to Ohio. Aunt Angela will surely be missed by many - but we are all so very happy for her and Chris.
And ask Chuck confirmed, we will be obligated to visit within a year:)
Charlie and Aunt Angie on their last playdate:) We love you Angie!
