Measuring Up

Cooper had his 6 month doctor appointment yesterday, and we are happy to report that he continues to make every milestone and is right where he should be! He is now 27" (60%) long, and is a hefty and healthy 19 lbs 12oz (79%) weight. We thought he would definitely be a 20+ pounder for sure, but alas, not this time! We have read and been told that preemies tend to be "smaller" and may "lag behind in development" due to starting life "behind the curve". But our Cooper? HELL NO. You would never know there was anything different or out of the ordinary with his birth. He has absolutely caught up and is right where he belongs in every way, shape, and form.

Cooper is so close to sitting up on his own. He is strong enough and is able to do it, but doesn't quite have the cause/effect down with the whole if-I-lean-I-will-fall thing. But rolling over? The kid won't do it! He rolls to his side, hangs out a bit, and then is like - nope, ain't doin' it. The doctor isn't worried about it at all since he has such a strong core (lucky kid) and could do it if he wanted. Cooper seems to have established the goal of mastering standing on his own, and deems this higher on his list of priorities than the lowly and pedestrian skill of rolling over. That's our boy! Next appointment is at 9 months old, and no shots (YAY) then.

Moved up to Stage Two foods this week. Many more options in his world now! He meals used to consist of brown rice cereal, and sweet potatoes, carrots, or peas. Now there is expansion into corn, green beans, potatoes, squash, and spinach. Yeah, we know it doesn't sound too fabulous, but believe us - Cooper is thrilled. 

He hasn't started on any sorts of fruit yet, but we will introduce a few beginning next week. Chicken/turkey/etc blends will be held off for another month or so. And It will still be a little while before chicken tikka masala, sushi, churrasco, meatballs, guacamole and gelato make it into the kid's diet.

Oh, the doctor gave us the 'good to go' for Europe in the Fall, and no major precautions are needed for Cooper. We figured as much, but had to throw it out there in case she had some additional advice for us.  Spain, France, and Italy - here we come!  We have to get down to the passport office at some point in the next few weeks to submit Cooper's paperwork and get that ball rolling.

Today is July 15th.
In the month of July we already have 16 blog posts.
Craziness.