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Todd at 9.5 months old – June 7, 2015
TENTH MONTH
(MAY 21 – JUNE 21)
WEEK 40
Todd’s first tooth…but not the way you’d think!
On the afternoon of May 26th, I was taking clothes out of the dryer and Todd–always right on my heels– stood up at the open dryer door as he’s done several times before. He usually picks at the laundry.
This time, something caused him to slip, and he bonked his face against the metal door. He cried and I saw blood on his left cheek. I was able to locate the source of the bleeding, which was inside his mouth at his right upper gum. It appeared swollen. Todd calmed down quickly with a hug and a bottle of cold formula. (Todd’s been drinking his formula cold ever since he was less than a month old. This time, the cold must have been soothing to the area.)
Within 15 minutes of the incident, Todd was back to his “old self”: playing, smiling, and putting toys in his mouth. There was little residual bleeding. I made an e-mail inquiry to a local pediatric dentist.
Todd had a good night’s sleep and we had an uneventful morning on May 27th. Then, at some point after lunch (Todd ate cantaloupe, curried vegetables, applesauce and green smoothie), I found a tooth near where he was standing, looking out the window. A TOOTH?
Todd’s right front top tooth – May 27, 2015
It was his upper right front tooth! I looked at it in disbelief. I knew it had to be his, but I couldn’t believe that he could knock out a tooth that hadn’t even started to come in yet! I tried to get a thorough look inside his mouth, but it was impossible because Todd declined my attempts. I phoned the dentist office, but they made it sound like it wasn’t an urgent matter.
Once Todd fell asleep on me at bedtime, I was able to palpate his upper gums with my clean finger and I could feel a spongy depression in the frontal plane, where the missing tooth had been. The opposite side had its familiar firmness. I was able to snap this picture, which shows the bloody area and the “slit” where the tooth must have slipped out.
View of “missing” right front top tooth – May 27, 2015
On May 28th, I decided that Todd should be seen by a dentist. I called several places, and Dr. Olga Ortuzar, at Children’s Dental Center (Everett, WA), was nice enough to accommodate us that afternoon. She was fantastic! She explained that the tooth slipped out because the tooth was still developing, therefore it lacked the full root length and the ligamentous support that would have formed a bit later. The blow to the mouth was enough to do that damage.
What this means for Todd is: 1) the permanent tooth will be delayed coming in, 2) the adjacent teeth may or may not use some of the vacant space, and 3) there will be bone loss in the area, but the permanent tooth will bring bone with it.
I’m bummed that this happened! It’s too bad that Todd won’t have a full set of baby teeth. Fortunately, it’ll just be normal for him. And I know he’ll still be a cutie pie with one tooth missing. Needless to say, I don’t let Todd come near the open dryer door anymore. Gosh, it’s so hard to keep that kid from getting into everything! (Feeling guilty…sigh.)
At any rate, we found a really awesome dentist for Todd. She suggested that our next appointment with her could wait until next Spring.
Todd and Dr. Olga Ortuzar – May 28, 2015
Developmental highlights:
- 9 month doctor appointment, including blood draw for peanut IGE (5/22)
- weight = 18 pounds, 5 ounces at 9 months old (5/22)
- new sound: “va va” (5/23)
- he took 11 steps, twice (5/25)
- instead of couch “cruising,” he does couch running
- playing pat-a-cake with Eric, on the toilet
- he opens kitchen cupboards
- when placed in the grass, he immediately goes over to pick at whatever plants and dirt he can find. (I’m teaching him the word “yucky” every time he tries to put something inappropriate in his mouth.)
Climbing the wall! – May 22, 2015
Other highlights:
- visit to the birth center and Eric’s work (5/21)
- 1st visit to a beach (on Camano Island, 5/23)
- visit with Grammie, Granddad and Uncle Jeff (5/23)
- bike rides, out to eat (The Shire Cafe), hot tub “swim”
- he’s always super smiley when I brush my teeth
1st time at a beach – May 23, 2015
May 23, 2015
Stopping at a park in Arlington – May 25, 2015
WEEK 41
This week Todd started to walk on his own! In weeks 39 and 40 he took his first steps (up to 11 at a time). But– those steps happened when Eric really encouraged him. This week, Todd started to taking steps that he initiated. When encouraged, he walked even further (up to 20 steps).
Developmental and other highlights:
- initiated walking 4 steps at a time (without encouragement)
- walked 12 steps (5/30)
- likes to slide toys on the floor while he crawls
- possibly showing a special preference for his large stuffed frog, Gilbert. And he gave him a kiss (6/4)
- funny spitting before bed (6/3)
- likes playing the drums with Eric
- walked 20 steps (6/4)
May 29, 2015
Food notes:
This week Todd started doing unsafe movements while sitting on the counter of our kitchen island in his small, portable Fisher Price booster seat. He’d push with his legs, causing the chair to move backward and/or he’d tip the chair back against the edge of the stove range. Instead of strapping the booster seat to a chair, I decided that Todd would use his big Chicco high chair for meals at home.
After rollerblading the Centennial Trail – May 30, 2015
WEEK 42
June 7th was a big day! Todd stood up twice without holding onto anything. The “problem” was that I didn’t get to see it! Only Eric saw it. (Except– before that– I did watch Todd stand up next to the couch and I was pretty sure that I saw him touch the couch only after he was already up.) He wouldn’t repeat this important skill again until the start of his eleventh month (stay tuned!).
On June 8th I went into Todd’s room only a minute after he went to bed, to plug in the monitor. I noticed him already snuggling up to his “pillow blanket.” (Sorry for the blurry image– it was taken in the dark with a flash.)
I started putting Todd’s pillow blanket (a gift from his cousins) in bed with him during his ninth month (when he had a few rough nights of sleep). His crib also has a small lamb rattle and a small stuffed baby in it. When he wakes up in the morning, it’s so cute to seeing Todd sitting, grinning and holding his pillow blanket and/or baby in his hands.
Todd with his pillow blanket – June 8, 2015
Developmental and other highlights:
- initiating lots of walking spurts, starting from a pull-to-stand at various surfaces
- lower gums feel bumpy, like the teeth are on the verge of coming through
- crawls fast, then gets up into a tall half kneel, almost able to stand up from that position (6/6)
- he touches things in books and helps turn the pages
- 1st stand up from floor level without using something to pull-to-stand (6/7)
June 7, 2015
Stopping at a park in Arlington while out on a bike ride – June 7, 2015
WEEK 43
The first tooth started coming in! On June 15th, I could see the tip of the bottom left front tooth just starting to break through Todd’s gums.
Todd’s first tooth is barely visible – June 15, 2015
Developmental and other highlights:
- instead of getting frustrated when he pushes his Little Tikes car into a wall, he now goes around to the other side and then walks his car from that end.
- he loves when Eric gives him rides on his car, and he gets mad when the ride stops
- party at Dan’s house (6/13)
- 1st hike being carried in the Ergobaby carrier (Anderson Butte, 6/14) (See that post for details)
- 1st tooth visible (bottom left front, 6/15)
- started treatment for buttock eczema using 2.5% Hydrocortisone cream (the redness wasn’t resolving using the 1% over-the-counter strength)
Making friends with a dog at Dan’s party – June 13, 2015
Anderson Butte hike – June 14, 2015
WEEK 44 (PARTIAL WEEK)
This week we drove to Bend, OR for an action-packed 3 day weekend (June 19-21). Todd met his great aunt Ginny for the first time because she was in town for a visit, too. (She lives in Texas.)
Todd & Eric at our usual coffee stop on the way to Bend – June 19, 2015
On Friday the 19th, Eric and I went to Ashley’s dance recital while my mom and dad babysat Todd for about 4.5 hours. That was the longest I’ve been away from Todd (except when he’s sleeping, of course), and it was the first night that someone besides myself put Todd to bed. According to my mom, Todd went to sleep within a few minutes of putting him down, after chatting just a little bit. He was tired. Then, he slept through the night. It was just like at home…yay!
On Saturday the 20th, we went to Elk Lake, which is just past the Mt Bachelor ski area. See the Paddleboarding at Elk Lake post for the full report, but here are a few more pictures:
Todd at Elk Lake – June 20, 2015
South Sister from Elk Lake (and my mom & dad are paddleboarding in the lake)
After the day at the lake, we gathered at my mom and dad’s house for margaritas, Mexican lasagna and homemade tamales.
My aunt Ginny & my mom
The boys (Eric, Todd, uncle Jason, cousin Eli)
My dad & Gary (Jason’s dad)
Highlights:
- trip to Bend, OR (6/19-21)
- my parents babysat Todd for 4.5 hours (6/19)
- 1st time being put to bed by someone besides me (6/19)
- 1st time at a lake and 1st ride on a paddleboard (6/20)
10TH MONTH WRAP-UP
Sleep–
This was definitely Todd’s best sleep month so far: he only woke up during the night 5 times. Like “usual,” when he did wake up in the night, it was just once (usually before midnight), and he went back to sleep easily after a bottle offering and some rocking in the glider chair.
Todd’s typical bed time remains between 8 and 8:30 PM. This month it was a mixed bag whether he was asleep or awake when I put him to bed. When he went to bed awake, he always fell asleep within minutes. He slept a solid 10-ish hours per night, waking up in the morning around 6 to 6:30 AM. Less often, he woke up before 6 AM or after 7 AM.
The swing is still a “thing” for naps, and he still sleeps soundly for 2-3 hours each morning. The swing technically holds up to 25 pounds but every day I wonder how much longer Todd will accept it. For now, he’s quite docile (to use Eric’s term) when I strap him in, and he seems relaxed and “at home” there. He falls asleep within a few minutes.
Afternoon naps are informal and typically of ~30-45 minute duration. They’re taken in the car seat or stroller when we’re out and about. Only once this month did Todd take an afternoon swing nap (30 minutes).
Sleeping soundly in his “special swing chair” – May 31, 2015
Food–
At month’s end, we’re working on can #58 of Todd’s “formula milk.” He’s definitely starting to go through the cans slower now, though.
He eats “regular food” for 3 meals per day pretty consistently. New foods introduced this month were: red grapes, kiwi, cherries, and green beans. He does what he can with larger finger foods and small cut-up food pieces, but I also help feed him via spoon or my finger. He seems to like having some help. He’s got a hearty appetite for pretty much anything I give him.
Balancing his olive and his garbanzo bean with his right hand – June 13, 2015
Toileting–
Things are status quo (meaning Todd goes pee and poo on the toilet daily), with just a couple exceptions.
First, Todd is much more distracted these days sitting on the toilet, so we tend to look at board books there. Sometimes he won’t pee on the toilet, but yet he’ll pee in his underwear (“trainer”) just minutes later.
Second, Todd’s had more “poo misses” this month: (i.e. 9 poops didn’t make it into the toilet.) For all but 3 instances, the “poo miss” was his second poop for that day. Now that Todd’s eating more solid food (and more variety), he’s “doing a poo-poo” a bit more often than before. That second poop of the day can be a surprise!
Lizard boy! – June 6, 2015
Well, that’s all for now!
36 weeks old – April 30, 2015
NINTH MONTH
(APRIL 21 – MAY 21)
WEEK 35 (PARTIAL WEEK)
Oh, boy a “worst sleep” night kicked off Todd’s 9th month! On April 21st he woke up crying at 10:30 PM. He wasn’t hungry but it took until 12:45 AM before he fell back asleep. Nothing was working until I turned on his Sea Dreams Crib Soother. On the following night, he had another restless period, requiring 1.5 hours to get back to sleep. Fortunately, Todd only wakes up once when he has one of his “bad” nights.
Developmental and other highlights:
- he can lower himself off the couch if we turn him feet first
- he can walk pushing his Little Tikes car without assist over carpet and smooth floors (the car doesn’t get going too fast)
- I removed the folded towels that were padding Todd’s crib (4/21)
Food notes and new (vegan) foods this week :
Todd isn’t satisfied if I only offer a pureed food. He wants to have finger foods, and he’ll look around for something “better” than what I’m offering via spoon. When he’s done, he spits dramatically, which is pretty funny.
- bites of quinoa mixed with jarred organic carrot puree
- strip of bread
- quartered banana slice
April 24, 2015
WEEK 36
I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before, but every week we go on stroller walks in the neighborhood, and this includes a walk to the library about once a week. We do our walks (or shopping) in the afternoon, a little while after Todd wakes up from his long morning nap. It’s really nice to be walking distance from our library. Every day, I read library books to Todd.
Developmental highlights:
- controlled crawl off a 5″ tall storage bin
- he repeatedly lifts a leg up while standing (attempting to step/climb up)
- he does deep knee bends…down, up, down, up
- 1st brief thumb sucking (in the past he’s always sucked on his fingers but not thumb)
- shows frustration (i.e. when he walks with his car and it meets an obstacle and stops…but he wants it to keep going)
- he climbed onto a 9″ tall Rubbermaid storage container
He loves to look out the window – April 24, 2015
Other highlights:
- he likes to walk his Push & Ride Racer car
- he likes getting rides on his car
- likes to be “chased” crawling in the house– crawls away quickly, then stops and looks back, laughs excitedly
- if Eric doesn’t wear a shirt Todd wants to scratch at his nipple
- 1st time at a play group (Kaleidoscope Play & Learn, Jennings Park (4/29))
1st play group – Kaleidoscope Play & Learn – April 29, 2015
Food notes and new (vegan) foods this week:
It seems like Todd really started swallowing a lot more food this week, and he lets me feed him small bits with my fingers after he does what he can with his limited fine motor skills. He was able to slurp/suck down strands of angel hair pasta this week (instead of just playing).
- green pepper
- Fig Banana Corny Oatcakes
- ripe mango slice
- roasted cauliflower
- split pea soup
- spaghetti with angel hair pasta
- drinking a little water from a pinch cup
Slurping angel hair pasta – April 27, 2015
WEEK 37
This was an action-packed week! On May 1st, Todd had his allergic reaction to his lunch. Over the weekend, we partied and we did some rollerblading. Todd got to visit with his Grammie on May 5th. We saw the allergy doctor on May 6th, resulting in Todd getting diagnosed with a peanut allergy. The week wrapped up with Todd’s first day in underwear.
I used a $10 off coupon at Kohls and scored this toy for less than three bucks! – May 1, 2015
This week, Todd’s sleep was more “normal” for him, i.e. sleeping a solid ~9-11 hour night for 5 days per week and waking up once about 2 days per week (and he didn’t take very long to get back to sleep).
He loves ripe mango! – May 4, 2015
Developmental highlights:
- he stuck his tongue out and touched tip to upper lip a lot (5/30)
- chatting to himself at 3:30 AM two mornings in a row (then fell back to sleep)
- he possibly did the hand sign for “formula milk” (make a fist and squeeze)
- he likes to slap my hands while sitting on the toilet
- he vibrates his 2 fists or a toy against his mouth to make a noise that sounds like “lada lada lada”
- he sucks on his thumb and rubs thumb against upper gums
- he seems a little more attentive when I read books to him (less focus on putting the book in his mouth)
- he started waving his left wrist (not sure if he’s just exploring hand movements, trying to wave, or doing the “all done” sign)
- he can crawl up and down on/off a 5″ tall storage bin repeatedly, without close supervision
- he can step up onto the storage bin while holding the windowsill
Looking outside my bedroom window – May 5, 2015
Other highlights:
- new sound: “na na”
- we lowered his crib to the lowest setting (5/3)
- food reaction during lunch, multiple hives on both arms, chest/neck (5/1)
- house visit from Grammie and Todd gave her a kiss (5/5)
- allergy doctor appointment and diagnosis of peanut allergy (5/6)
- weight at 8.5 months (with clothes/diaper on) = 17 lb, 8 oz = just under the 23rd percentile
- first full day starting to wear underwear, in addition to diapers (5/7)
- I made up hand signs for “smoothie” and “pancake” because he eats those foods every day
Party smiles at Dan’s house – May 2, 2015
Weekend Activities:
- Party at Dan’s house in Monroe (5/2)
- Rollerblade with stroller on the Centennial Trail (5/3)
Swinging at the party – May 2, 2015
WEEK 38
What do you call your baby? We all have cute names, right? I haven’t mentioned this before, so I’ll mention it here. I like to greet Todd first thing in the morning with “Sunshine Boy” and I usually call him “Little One” and “Little Sweetheart” all day long (or a variation, “Sweet Little Heart”). Eric likes to greet Todd in the morning with “Señor,” and he calls him his “Little Buddy.” There’s also “Mr. Todd” and “Toad.”
Do you remember so long ago, when he made cute frog noises? “Ribbit” was his earliest nickname that Eric used while Todd was still in the NICU. I used to call him “Little Mister,” but now I tend to call him “Little Sir” or “Little Son.” On the internet, his “hashtag nicknames” are #minivegan, and #tatertodd.
Elisa & Todd – May 11, 2015
Developmental highlights:
- very interested in small particles on the floor, tries to put them in his mouth
- he’s initiating more unsupported standing again (in addition to “cruising” with support all the time)
- able to stand unsupported for 30 fast counts
- can walk with a one-hand hold a little bit, and a two-hand hold a lot
- tries to climb up on anything he possibly can, to reach things he wants
- he climbs over our legs/waist all the time when we’re on the floor
- he imitated me doing the “all done” sign and before that he did it himself (I don’t know if he knows what it means yet, though)
Lock Up Your Daughters – May 11, 2015
Other highlights:
- he likes to “take a break” from playing and prop himself up with his back leaning on the couch (or even a wall)
- he loves when Eric throws him (face down or face up) into pillows on my bed
- he still loves lurching from pillow to pillow on my bed, then he quickly spins onto his back
- he likes to throw his toys out the window
- he loves various kitchen noises (i.e. blender, salad spinner, coffee grinder, etc). He races over (crawling) to see what’s going on, and stands up at the cabinets to try to get a better look
- he likes to stand and shake the bottom rack of the dishwasher
No teeth yet – May 11, 2015
Outings:
- Rollerblading on the Centennial Trail (5/9 & 5/10)
- Out to eat at The Shire Cafe (5/9)
- Kaleidoscope Play & Learn group at Jennings Park (5/13)
At the play group this week, Todd was much more interested in the story reading and songs than he was 2 weeks ago. He was also more interested in little bits of things on the floor. He likes going over to other kids, and he smiles at everyone. I don’t see any stranger anxiety yet! One little girl that was there 2 weeks ago (who doesn’t like him touching her jeans) commented several times, “He grew up.” I thought it was pretty observant, because he did seem different to me, too.
Rollerblading on the Centennial Trail – May 9, 2015
Food notes and new (vegan) foods this week:
He likes to dip one fingertip in his pureed food to taste it, and then takes several more “bites” that way. He loves eating black olive slices by sticking his finger in the hole to pick each piece up. Other small bits of food he can pick up by working them onto his index finger.
- little bit of Field Roast sausage
- homemade black bean burger with ground cashews and quinoa flour
- raspberries (I fed him little bits at a time)
- vegan taco soup and pita bread at The Shire Cafe
- winter squash jarred organic baby food
- black olives (now he’s eating them)
Black olive technique – May 12, 2015
WEEK 39
This was an exciting week for a few reasons.
First, we got ourselves set up for bike riding with Todd! On May 16th, we got a hitch installed on our Subaru Outback that we bought last Fall. On the way home from the hitch installation, we had lunch in Renton, at Blossom Vegetarian (our 2nd time there). Todd liked being fed garbanzo beans from Eric’s chopsticks.
Dining at Blossom Vegetarian – May 16, 2015
The next day, we went to Costco to pick up an Everyday Traveler Bike Trailer. Such a great deal for only $199! We expect our bike rack for the car to be delivered on May 22nd. Eric ordered the 1 up USA Double Bicycle Quik Rack.
Of course, we wasted no time taking Todd’s new wheels for a ride in the neighborhood. It was also my first time back on my bike since before I was pregnant. Ah…it was about time! I’m looking forward to many more rides to come!
Todd’s 1st bike ride – May 17, 2015
Developmental and other highlights:
- 1st steps! He took 4 steps, stepping toward Eric (several times) (5/18)
- he climbed into the 9″ tall Rubbermaid storage bin (5/19)
- he took 4, 6, and then 11 linked steps (5/19)
- he climbed both feet up the wall simultaneously while holding onto the windowsill (5/20)
Other highlights:
- he got excited looking at himself in his little mirror and kissed himself several times (5/16)
- 1st & 2nd bike rides with the new trailer (5/17, 5/18)
- he loves to stand and bang on the washing machine
He climbed in the bin – May 19, 2015
Food notes and new (vegan) foods this week:
On May 21st, I noticed that Todd did a pincer grasp to pick up a garbanzo bean. That was the first time I noticed him doing that.
- roasted curried garbanzo beans
- orange slice
- peach mango fruit pouch (Earth’s Best Organic)
- red lentil dal
- raisin
- Tofurky sausage (little bits)
- pickled beet
May 19, 2015
9TH MONTH WRAP-UP
Sleep–
Right now, Todd continues his “normal” sleep pattern of sleeping through the night ~5 days per week and waking up once ~2 days per week. If he wakes up crying, it’s always within 3 hours of his bedtime (which is typically ~8:30 PM). He gets back to sleep without difficulty.
These days, Todd is asleep when I put him in his crib at night. He falls asleep in my arms after I give him his bottle, then I rock him in my glider chair for at least another 15 minutes before I put him in bed. I cherish that “snuggle time” with him.
The one thing that’s different lately is that Todd is becoming more of an “early bird.” Before, his typical wake up time was definitely after 6 AM and frequently closer to 7 AM. Now, he’s waking up chatting and turning on his crib soother music before 6 AM more often than I’d like! Of course, since Eric leaves for work around 6:30 AM, he’s always happy when Todd wakes up before he has to go. That makes all of us happy!
Regarding naps– Todd is essentially taking one nap per day. It starts about 3-4 hours after he wakes up in the morning. He’s still using the swing and his naps still last 2-3 hours (and even longer). He’ll take catnaps in the car or the stroller sometimes in the afternoons. Occasionally I offer an afternoon swing nap, but usually not.
I think Todd gets enough sleep because when he’s asleep, he’s OUT. That goes for daytime and nighttime. It seems like he gets really good quality sleep.
Before bed – May 20, 2015
Food–
Todd is wonderful eater! I’m feeding him solids at least twice per day, and sometimes three. Green smoothie and a pancake (of various flavors/ingredients) is breakfast. Organic applesauce is a regular offering if I give him a lunch. Dinner includes any smoothie that he didn’t eat at breakfast and then a wide assortment of whatever we’re having.
At the moment, Todd is finishing up his 52nd can of “formula milk.”
Red lentil dal – May 18, 2015
Toileting–
This month Todd had 3 poop “misses,” which means that at least some part of a poo-poo ended up in the diaper instead of the toilet. On 2 out of those 3 times, it amounted to just a “nugget,” which was followed by a large poop in the toilet.
Ever since Todd’s first day in underwear (May 7th), we’ve been using his underwear daily. I only put Todd in diapers for mealtime, naps/bedtime, and when we leave the house. Sure– Todd goes through a lot of wet “trainers” each day, but we have a stash of 12 and haven’t run out yet. I just round up all of our laundry every evening and run a load of whatever size it happens to be. With Todd in underwear, I know exactly how often he goes. It’s helpful information to have!
Todd pees in the toilet throughout the day. The number of times depends on how often I take him. He can pee a lot within the hour after drinking his formula (4-5+ times). It’s not unreasonable for me to take him to the toilet every 15 minutes. It might sound like a lot of work, but I do think it’s worth it! There’s no doubt that Todd is gradually learning about his body and learning about toilet use by establishing this regular habit.
May 18, 2015
What else can I say except Todd is a real sweetheart! He’s such a joy to be around.
Freeheel Vegan 