Bath Graduation

It's an exciting night in our house - you can just imagine the celebratory whoops and hollars that echo the walls as Andrew and I do kart wheels in the snow.

Okay, it's not that exciting.

ANY WAY, Penny is now taking her baths in the "big bath." She still technically fits in the little bath, but her new favorite thing to do during bath time is kickickickick - and momma's tired of mopping up water.

We had some good times...

But they have to grow up some time...

In other news, it's been really cold out lately.

But that smile warms the cockles of my heart every time...

The apple of my eye...

So, I've been slacking, I'll admit it. I think part of it is I've been gearing up to share about The Big Pediatric Ophthalmologist Appointment and I just haven't quite wanted to relive that day again just yet. Not that it went badly, in fact it actually went pretty well, all things considered, but it was a LONG day and I got so worked up in preparation for it... it's like I haven't quite released all of the tension.

But hey, life goes on.

Penny did really well, despite being poked, prodded, and having various instruments put IN her eye (yeah, I know) and her eyes held open and whatnot. I LOVED the people there. The doctor was obviously very experienced and knowledgeable, and his assistant was super sweet. Although we drove through a snow storm to get there, it actually worked out pretty well for us because a lot of people had cancelled their appointments, so we had very little wait time and got in and out very quickly for how extensive the exam was. I was so fortunate to have Tom and Lu Ann there not only for their Ford Explorer to get us through the snow - but it made everything so less stressful for me and I can't imagine having to do that by myself.

The doctor is quite certain about what type of cataract she has, and this means that it is very unlikely that the cataract will multiply or grow (which would require surgery) or that it is a symptom of a hereditary disorder (which would require many more tests of the MRI/blood drawing variety).

This is the type she has: Congenital Polar Cataract with Persistant Pupillary Membrane

The cataract IS, however, somewhat in her field of vision, so it is important that we "exercise" that eye to make sure the brain doesn't turn it off since it doesn't see as well. To do this, she will have to wear a patch on her "good" eye for an hour a day, every day, and have her vision tested every 3 months.

The good news is, the patches are actually pretty cute, and she's young enough that she hasn't quite figured out that we stuck something on her face. You can tell that she KNOWS something's off - she'll rub her eyes and act a little differently when it's on - but she tolerates it pretty well.

And can I get an "Amen" for good health insurance???

4 Months: General Update

Penny rang in the new year with a bang turning a whole 4 months old! We had her well baby check up on the 2nd and everything went great (aside from the fact that she screamed practically the whole exam, but I digress...). She is 14 lbs 1 oz (60th percentile) and in the 60th percentile for height, but I don't remember what it is (bad mommy!).

It's difficult for me to see sometimes since I am with her every day, but she is changing constantly in the things she is doing and the way she interacts with the world. So here's just a little bit about Penny and what she's up to lately:

• Sleeping: We have finally weaned her from the swaddle AND she is learning to go to sleep on her own without half an hour of rocking and walking around. This. Is. Huge. She is not sleeping through the night completely yet, but she usually only wakes to feed a couple times. All in due time, I guess.

• In related news, she can very easily roll over from back to front, and often does so in the crib and ends up sleeping on her belly. Who knew my little girl who HATES tummy time would end up being a belly sleeper. 
• Feet are fun. Toes are even funner.
• She loves those crinkly toys... I need to get more.

• Her current favorite song is Manamana by the Sesame Street. Youtube it and you will never get it out of your head ever again. Ever.
• She is still smiling and giggling, especially when I blow raspberries on her belly.
• A week ago, the activity mat and swing were OUT, but they are now back IN as acceptable activities. She also enjoys the ExerSaucer and still tolerates the bumbo for a while.

• She is currently wearing 6-9 month clothing (mostly because of height).

• We very recently started tasting baby food purees and she LOVES them. So far we have tried sweet potatoes and peas. It makes for a lot of laundry on my part, but it's a fun adventure for both of us.

I could go on forever I guess. Can't wait to see what the next few months will bring us!