9 month checkup

I can't believe we have a 9 month old! That is just so crazy for me to wrap my head around! We went to see Dr. H for Tyler's 9 month checkup yesterday. We have made several sick trips to the doctor since his 6 month visit, but I was excited to get his stats. He grew like crazy the past 3 months!!

Length: 27.50", 30th percentile

Weight: 18 lbs.11oz.,  26th percentile

Head circumference: 43.50 cm., 13th percentile

Dr. H was pleased with Tyler's progress with nighttime sleeping, eating and motor skill development. We have the green light to start table food. Basically, most anything that we eat is now fair game for Tyler, except for honey, peanut butter and eggs (we have to wait until he's 1 to try those). We also need to avoid choking-hazard foods like grapes, hot dogs, raw carrots, etc. I know Tyler is ready...he pitches a fit if we are eating something that he does not get to try. Last night, he really wanted my popcorn! Ha!

I am excited about introducing Tyler to more foods, but it also kinda stresses me out. Since he should be eating 3 meals a day now in addition to his 4 bottles, that is a lot more prep and planning time for me in the kitchen and at the grocery! I am going to have to tackle that this weekend and come up with a game plan for quick and easy things we can do during the week.

We are supposed to work on "independent movement" (ha!) with Tyler over the next 3 months. He should be pulling up to a standing position (which he is already doing with help), "cruising" along furniture and maybe even taking a few steps before our 12 month appointment. So crazy!!

The only negative thing from our visit is that Dr. H confirmed that Tyler's top middle teeth are growing into the top part of his upper lip. I noticed this and asked him about it. Technically, its when the labial frenulum attaches to the center of the upper lip and between the upper 2 front teeth. It can cause a large gap and gum recession by the gums off the bone. Dr. H seemed to act like this was no big deal, that lots of babies get it (which is actually true) and that eventually will tear on its own, probably from a fall that Tyler will take. Ouch! That sounds painful to me! He said Tyler will likely need orthodontia work to help close the gap, but that most kids will likely need some kind of orthodontia work anyway. The other option is seeing a pediatric dentist and see about getting it clipped (a labial frenectomy) when he gets a little bigger. For now, we are just gonna wait and let his teeth continue to come in all the way and re-visit at 12 months. Plus, I have a friend who's son has the same thing and since he's a few months older than Tyler, we can wait to see what she does. Ha!

Now for some pictures!

He was super happy playing with the diaper rash cream!

Look at those fat rolls!