Look out! 9 Month Baby!

Here he is, folks. Lincoln, at 9 months old.

you can really see Lincoln's eye color in this one

He's got some hair!

It's official. I am completely head-over-heels for my son! I've had so much fun this past month with Lincoln.

Here is my top ten list of favorite things Lincoln started doing this month:
1. Sleeping through the night! (Thank you Lincoln!)
2. Reaching out to be picked up.
3. Holding on to me when I carry him and giving great hugs!
4. Enjoying Tummy Time and playing with toys while on his tummy.
5. Feeding himself with bread and crackers.
6. Mimicking my expression when I stick my tongue out, and, of course, reciprocating smiles with that big gummy grin!
7. Using more sounds when babbling.
8. Shrieking with joy when excited!
9. Pulling up and bouncing when standing.
10. Beginning to understand directions and pointing.

Some of the things below have already been said in previous posts this month, but I wanted to summarize Lincoln at 9 months old:

Measurements (as of 2/24 at the pediatrician) -
weight 15lbs 15oz (<3%), length 26.75" (10%), HC 45.8cm (70%!!)
Even though Lincoln's weight isn't moving up much, his head is growing and growing, which is great!

Lincoln is wearing most of his 9 month clothes now, but can still fit some 6 month clothes.

Home therapies -
Things have been going really well with therapy. Lincoln and I both really like our therapists/nutritionist through MO First Steps Program. Currently, physical therapy comes twice a month and occupational therapy and nutrition come once a month. Lately we have been working on teaching Lincoln to sit up without assistance and to reach out to for toys and to get into the crawling position. We have also been doing a lot of sensory tactile playtime, like sensory bins and textures. Lincoln is making great progress and is enjoying himself, too. Lincoln's nutritionist helps me to meal plan and measures Lincoln to help monitor his growth. (Between doc visits and home visits, Lincoln is measured about 3x per month.)

Oxygen status -
Lincoln is still weaning and has been doing great. He is currently on 0.3 liters. Alright, Linc!

Medicines -
Lincoln is off of all oral meds, except a multi vitamin! He is currently taking two inhaled meds: Pulmicort and Albuterol, to control his asthma wheeze and cough. So far I have not seen a huge improvement in Lincoln's wheeze since starting the Pulmicort, but it can take a few weeks to see full results. Lincoln has gotten quite used to the nebulizer and usually doesn't cry anymore. It has become our time to read special books or sing songs. His favorite songs are "Wheels on the Bus" and "ABCs" by the way.

Feedings -
Lincoln is eating three solids meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner - only totaling about 4 oz of food). He has started enjoying toast and crackers. He likes puffs too, but he can't pick them up yet on his own so I hand feed him those sometimes. He really does enjoy feeding himself. I still add olive oil to his solids for a boost of fat. I did back up a bit this month with making his purees thinner again and he has started eating more. Recent new foods: whole milk yogurt(likes), cauliflower(dislikes), beef(ok), chicken(likes with fruit), turkey(likes), prunes(loves), plums(likes), cherries(likes), egg yolk (loves). Lincoln has been drinking his bottles much better the past few days, too. I think he just needed time to adjust to his new meds.

Every thing else -

Lincoln has been teething quite a bit this month. His drool is out of control! His two bottom teeth have gotten even bigger and his two top teeth on the sides (lateral incisors) have broken through his gums already. Lincoln also doesn't mind having his teeth brushed. He also enjoys drinking water from a regular cup after Pulmicort treatments. (Rinsing your mouth is required.)

Linc has been sleeping through the night! (when his teeth are not bothering him.) He sleeps about 11 hours at night and takes two naps per day for about 3 hours total. I worked with Lincoln a lot over this past month and am now able to get Lincoln to go to sleep with just patting his bottom while he is in his crib with a binky! He usually wakes two or three times before 10 pm for his bink and a pat or a blanket, but then he usually sleeps until 5:30 or 6am! It's so wonderful, for every one in the house. It's just amazing to not have to rock/bounce him to get him to calm! I'm so glad those days are gone.

Lincoln is sitting really well on his own. He has become SO active the past week. He has begun to roll all over when we play on the bed, but he doesn't roll much on the floor. He will do plenty of tummy time on the floor though. He also does great standing and holding on. Linc is pulling up on everything! He also rocks when you put him on all fours. It won't be long until he is mobile!

Lincoln's neonatologist honored Lincoln by featuring him this month in her presentation for a conference to educate new nurses and providers about CDH. He is definitely a miracle and I am happy she was able to use his story to help spread awareness and knowledge about treatments for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. The more people that know, the more donations and support we can get for research to improve outcomes for future babies! Breath of Hope is a great place to visit if you are interested in donating or just learning more about CDH.

Almost there!