Dear Doster- 10 Months

Dear Doster,

Month number 10 was amazing, yet really challenging.  You grew so much this month, both physically and personality-wise.  Unfortunately, there were some issues with sickness that plagued our household this month (that’s where the whole “challenging” part came in to play).

You were Patient Zero of the Gilbert Stomach Virus Epidemic of 2014.  It was a very stressful few days, but we made it!  A few ear infections reared their ugly heads this month, one even manifesting in conjunctivitis.  We’ve been talking about tubes for a while now, but I am still trying to avoid them if possible.  We’ll see how that goes.  Lastly, I got strep throat this month.  It was so hard being quarantined away from you for a few days.  Your Dad did a great job of solo-missioning the parenting while I was down and out. He even took you to Emma’s birthday party, and it looks like you had an awesome time.

Your throw-up landed on Dad's face.  I should have known you were sick!

Cute pic that your Dad took at the party.  I love that big smile from Graham!

Another highlight of our month was your first zoo trip (though I hate that we unknowingly drug you there with a stomach virus).  You seemed to enjoy being outside and soaking in the environment, though we could tell that you were not 100% yourself.

We also did some very cute Easter Bunny pictures.  I thought you'd be a little scared, but you were amazing.  You seemed a tiny bit unsure at first, but we told you that he was "like Brighton" and you seemed to accept that. 

Size:

I really don’t know how much you weigh.  Your weight fluctuated so much at your doctor appointments.   I’m guessing you weigh a little over 20lbs.  And you’re still a shorty, which is pretty much destined to be the case with short parents.  You are still in your size 4 diapers and are wearing 9 month clothes, as well as some 12 month clothes.

Feeding:

We are still doing 4 bottles and 3 “food” sessions per day.  We are trying to thicken up your food texture a little.  You LOVE puffs and yogurt melts.  I think you really like that you can put them in your own mouth, and take a little control.  We’ve tried a tiny bit of table food, but need to experiment more! You’ve had: grits, mashed potatoes, banana pudding, bread, bananas, and strawberries. You loved the banana pudding, shocker!

You also make the cutest noises while you eat: Hmmmmmm

Sleeping:

Sleeping was a little rocky this month due to your sickness.  You’d wake up in the middle of the night crying.  I thought it was just separation anxiety of some sort, but apparently your baby ears were hurting.  Sorry guy.  I’m writing this a few days after your 10-month mark, and you are now sleeping beautifully again.  Thank you!  A non-sick Doster sleeps around 12 hours at night, and does 2-3 naps during the day.

Development:

This was a big month for crawling! You started off slowly around the end of March, and a few days later you were all over the place! You started pulling up on your knees, so we had to lower your crib. What a big boy! You also started feeding yourself (puffs and yogurt melts).

First time feeding yourself!

Personality:

Even when you are sick, you are wonderful.  You are such a joy to be near. Whenever you are around, you light up the room with your smile. I think I’ve said this before, but you LOVE making us laugh.  When we laugh at you, you beam! 

Some of your likes: tags, trying to touch Brighton, cell phones, your music table, baths, trying to crawl in to the forbidden bathroom

Dislikes: Morning diaper changes, waiting on your first bottle of the day, having your face wiped

It seems like each day with you is even better than the last.  I am so lucky to be your mom.  I am thankful every single day for the time that I get to spend with you.