Official Stats

At Monkey's official one year check up today, he measured:

28" long - 5th percentile!
17 lbs, 5 oz - still at the bottom of the chart, but gaining with the growth curve
His head remains in the 10th percentile and heading towards the 25th

We aren't sure if the jump in height was really that dramatic as it is very difficult to get Monkey to lay flat for an accurate measurement, but it is good progress nonetheless. Brilliant Pediatrician was very pleased with both his physical growth and his development. In particular, she was very impressed that he is standing up all by himself (sumo style, with his legs spread apart and his hands on the floor, then hoisting his torso upright) and also that he is engaging in pretend play (almost every object is a 'phone' to him, which he must put up to his ear). We are very happy to say that we had a good visit, and have decided to return to our regular Brilliant Pediatrician in six weeks rather than seeing the gastroenterologist in a month. Normally kids have check ups at 12 months and then again at 18 months, so this is only one extra visit, where we will check his weight gain and his iron/hemoglobin levels.

There were shots today, of course, and so far we seem to be handling them fairly well. It's hard to tell if he is just sleepy because he's working through the shots or if there was a huge birthday weekend... probably a bit of both, but we are happy to accommodate him either way.

Hoosier Hysteria

Birthday Party

First first birthday card - thank you, Ms. S and Ms. TA!

Today was Monkey's first birthday party, even though his birthday isn't until tomorrow. A good time was had by all. Thank you to all of our friends who came out to celebrate with us!

Birthday crown (and other fun things) can be found here.

...and the livin' is easy

Mr. Z's Square Foot Garden
(onions, peppers, eggplant, tomato, carrots, lettuce, and a bonus petunia)

A wriggly worm (or are there two...?)

A bonus toy for Monkey

It must be for dirt.

At the ballgame

We can't wait for fireworks!!

Magically Delicious

This morning, Monkey was chattering happily in the kitchen as Mrs. Z was pouring herself a bowl of Lucky Charms. In order to free her legs from the small primate hostage taker, she offered him a single piece of cereal (not a marshmallow). As she was putting the milk back into the fridge, she happened to catch a glimpse of that piece of cereal being dunked in the dog's water bowl and then EATEN. She was too slow to prevent this from happening, but apparently Monkey found it to be quite delicious and highly satisfying.

In short, we are frequently quite occupied.

And Monkey weighed 17 lbs, 4.2 oz today.

One Giant Leap for Monkeykind

As of 6:45 p.m. last night, Monkey took his first steps all on his own.

We are trying to get it on film, but it is strangely much more difficult than you would think. We'll keep trying today though. Mr. Z still hasn't seen it for himself, so don't feel too left out.