Baby girl is growing up, and I know I am way overdue for an update in this space. Working and being a mom have been difficult to balance. More on that in a future post, but for now, let me bring you up to speed on how the little one has been.
What is Magpie's personality like these days? Magpie is very smiley and bubbly and seems to be an extrovert so far. When meeting new people, she'll tuck her head in to my chest (our only sign of stranger anxiety) but can't resist peeking out to see the other person and smile at them. And then fairly quickly, she's reaching out to them and calling to them. So not a shy girl here... She loves peekaboo. She is very expressive and a bit intense and opinionated, but has a happy disposition overall. She is always in motion, always on the go. Smiling but doesn't like to be constrained for long - quick hug and then she's off to the next thing. I cherish the rare moments when she is mellow and will snuggle against me, which is usually just when she is waking up and right before she falls asleep.
Motor Skills: Ms. Magpie's been crawling since she was 6 months - we thought she'd be walking by now, and she is close, taking a few unassisted steps before falling, but she is not walking without holding someone's hand for any distance yet. When she crawls, she moves fast, and slaps her hands down on the hardwood floors so you can hear her coming no matter where in the apartment you are (slap, slap, slap, slap, slap). It is a sound I will miss when she's sturdily on two feet : )
Communication: Verbal skills-wise, Magpie loves to babble and seems to be saying a few meaningful words - "hi," "mamamama," "dadadada," and "cat" (which is funny, because we don't have a cat) - in addition to making many other consonant-vowel combo sounds. She loves to make a "spppt" sound (with less spit than it used to include, thankfully!), she does a light fake cough to try to get you to cough back at her (Eh! Eh!), and sometimes she pants (breathes out of her mouth really fast over and over) when she is excited - maybe because her "sister" Moxie is a dog? This is usually in combination with arms outstretched and waving excitedly. She also loves to put her hand against her mouth as she is making a sound to listen to how it changes the volume and sound quality ("Ah-Wah-Wah-Wah-Ah-Wah-Wah-Wah"). She also loves to wrinkle up her face and make a pig face and noise when she is happy and excited.
We've been trying to teach Magpie signs for "milk" and "more" and "water" and "eat" and "mom" and "dad" (all from the baby signs, vol. 1 video, which is her one experience of watching the television), but the only sign she has picked up is the sign for "dog," which is funny and sweet, but not that useful. She waves hello and good-bye and just learned to clap last week, which she loves doing. Here she is on her first day "clapping" with one hand. She's a pro now, clapping excitedly at everything.
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Moxie and Magpie: Magpie loves playing with Moxie, "throwing" (more like dropping) the ball for her and patting her while making ooing and aaahing noises.
Activities: Activity-wise, Magpie loves the playground near our house, especially the swings and the sandbox (altho she will eat the sand, given the chance!). On hot days this summer, she really liked the water sprinklers they have at the playground. She loves the Manhattan Children's museum and the library as well and also loves all the sights and sounds of the grocery store and just street life in general in NYC.
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Napping/Sleep: Sleepwise, she's doing well. She naps for two naps a day, morning and afternoon, for anywhere from 2-3.5 hours total. And then she sleeps at night from 7 or 8pm until approximately 6:30am. She usually sleeps through at this point unless something is bothering her, like a new tooth coming through. Speaking of teeth, she has two on the bottom and four on the top. More are on the way, based on some recent fussiness and drooling. : )
Eating: Magpie likes to eat a bunch of solids now and prefers to feed herself. Last night she had lamb saag and chickpeas and cantaloupe and strawberries and some naan. When she is done, she tends to drop her food off the side of her highchair (much to my frustration), but gets quite a bit in her mouth prior to that as well. She seems to prefer "real" food to baby food purees. She is still very small and so I still give her about 24 ounces of milk a day. This past week I started replacing one bottle of milk with a bottle of formula and she likes it and drinks it fine. My supply is diminishing because I am pumping less, and I'd like to stretch out our freezer stash as long as possible. And I have to admit, I am completely sick of exclusively pumping at this point. I plan to stop at 12 months and cannot wait to be done!
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Weight: I still worry a lot about Magpie's weight. At almost 11 months, she weighs just 15 pounds. To give you a sense of how little she is, she still wears size 3-6 month clothes. She was 8 lbs., 3 ounces at birth...so gaining quite slowly. Any thoughts on that? Her pediatrician says she isn't worried because Magpie's development is right on time. But I've read that she should triple her birth weight by one year of age and she hasn't even doubled hers. She has dropped from the 50th percentile at birth to the 2nd percentile. Which honestly just makes me cringe inside. I'm thinking we may need to get another opinion to get to the bottom of this, but I'm not even sure what would be the right avenue. A developmental pediatrician? A nutritionist? A feeding specialist? Something else? Please let me know any thoughts or ideas on this.
OK...enough for now....but better to get this off a little stream of consciousness-like than to have another month pass with no update!
Oh! She's like a real PERSON now! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteOne thing to consider about her weight is that she sounds like she may be more physically active than the average baby her age, and may burn more calories and therefore be less pudgy, for non-worrisome reasons. (We had some major percentile drops with our Bean, small but healthy, for that reason.). If she is growing hair and fingernails, moving about, and seems happy, I would (in principle, probably not reality) try not to worry about it. So many infant development "shoulds" seem to be based less on real concerns than on what many babies happen to do.
It sounds like she eats well (I am jealous), so if you do want another opinion, I would be more inclined to visit some kind of peds development person than a diet person. Just my gut feeling, not based on special knowledge.
Congratulations on your beautiful daughter!
My son is just a bit older than Magpie (he turned 1 at the end of August). He was 7lbs 12 oz at birth and was only 17lbs 8 oz at his 1 year well visit. His pediatrician is not concerned either. His father is rather thin and has always struggled to keep weight on. We are working with him on eating more table foods, but he has some texture aversions. If he does not improve soon, we will be going to a pediatric occupational therapist for a swallow study. She may just be a petite little bug! She sure is a cute though! If you do feel strongly about it, seek a second opinion to ease your mind.
ReplyDeleteHi Mo,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Magpie is doing great. I love seeing new posts from you in my reader.
To give you hope on the weight thing (I think all of us parents of kids on the small side feel this deeply) S was 7 lbs. 8 oz at birth and weight 18 lbs 2 oz on his first birthday. This wasn't close to tripling (which is common for most kids). 12 - 24 months were full of worry and weight checks. At 24 months he finally hit 22 lbs (triple!) and we did a lot of blood tests for allergies and metabolic stuff just to be sure there was nothing going on.
His development has always been on track or ahead in every other area. He's just a small kid who is very active. Also, remember that someone has to be in the bottom 2%, that is how we have curves.
We had some issues with eating solids and I found the book "My Child Won't Eat" really helpful in re framing my expectations of food and weight gain. And definitely get a second opinion if you want to. We changed pediatricians because the first wasn't taking it seriously.
My daughter was born March of 2004. At birth she was 6lbs 5oz. She gained very slowly. She was off the chart at one point. At 1 year she was wearing 6-9 month clothes that were still baggy. She is now 9 years old and is very healthy. Her weight and height are proportional and she wears and average size for her age.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest son, born June 2011 has followed a similar pattern. He was 6lbs 2oz at birth (full term) and gained on the low end of normal. He is 2 years old and weighs 22 lbs.
I personally take the stance that the charts are outdated. I chose in both cases not to supplement their diets. They never lost weight, they were both breastfed and introduced to a variety of food/fruits/veggies. As a mom that is in a higher weight bracket I try not to make weight and eating an issue. I want my kids to be healthy. We don't force them to eat or have a "clean plate club"
Seeing a specialist may give you peace of mind though.
As long as she is happy, healthy, and thriving (which she appears to be!), don't worry about her weight. She's active and always burning calories. Sounds like she is eating healthy so I honestly wouldn't worry. She may simply be a petite little girl. One thing for sure ... she sure is precious!
ReplyDeleteKids are unique. Some are just peanuts. Our niece has never been on the growth chart once she hit three months, At 26 months, she is just fitting 18 M clothing. Her older half sister was the same way. Once my son became active at 6 months, his weight gain slowed a great deal, and at 5.5, he is not yet 40 pounds. As long as they are developing and following their own unique curve, they should be OK.
ReplyDeleteOH! She's such a scrumptious little girl! Let's make plans! I want to see this happy girl in action. No advice on the weight thing, but it's great that she's enjoying so many foods. And as frustrating as the dropping food on the floor is, it's totally age appropriate. They ALL do it. I just calmly expressed my displeasure until I felt Sunshine was capable of doing better (can't remember what age, but definitely much older than this), and would have her pick up the dropped food after she was done eating. Although, I expect Moxie hoovers it up. ;-)
ReplyDeleteCat was also one of Sunshine's first words. She would joke with me by pointing to the dogs in the neighborhood, saying "cat", but signing dog. With a gleam in her eye!
I'm totally jealous about the sleeping through the night. Sleep was just awful for Sunshine until her adenoids were removed.
Smooch your DAUGHTER for me!
I just wanted to chime in that I have concerns with weight at the other end of the curve (G was a big baby at 9#5oz and is currently 24#). He was 21# at his 6 mo check (and his 9 mo is next mo) and his pedi was also unconcerned. She commented that he was the size of an average 1 yr old but when I inquired about how much he was eating and adding solids and if I should cut back, she said not to, to feed him what he would eat. I looked back at my older son's progression (even though they are not genetic siblings my 1st son wa 8#9oz) and he followed a similar growth pattern.
ReplyDeleteAs with most things parenting, I think we often worry for not as we're bombarded with information about what are child should be doing/eating/weighing etc. That said, I also think that peace of mind goes a long way to relieving the worry so, if a second opinion would do that, another pediatrician is a good next step (Magpie doesn't seem to have eating issues) as they see a variety of children and have perspective.
So good to see your happy baby girl!
So stinkin cute! I suggest a gastro specialist. They out my daughter on pediasure and that uped her weight significantly. They also tested for any absorption problems
ReplyDeleteNo advice for the weight issue - just wanted to say she is ADORABLE!
ReplyDeleteShe's so adorable! I love the messy face pic! :-)
ReplyDeleteAs for the weight gain, I assume she's short as well since she fits into 3-6 mo clothes. E's weight completely plateaued between 4 and 6 months and he almost dropped off the charts, which led me to seek the assistance of a breastfeeding MD. He had just started solids when we saw her at 6 months. She had us mixing organic coconut oil into his foods as it's pretty calorie rich in addition a few other things. It seemed to help. Maybe you could try that? She certainly sounds like she's thriving despite being on the small side.
She is so adorable, oh my goodness! I know there will be all kinds of opinions on this ; ) I have 2 friends that had kiddos with health issues that contributed to slow/inadequate weight gain so they used "toddler" formula after year one instead of regular whole milk as per their Pedi's b/c of the added calories, vitamins etc..maybe worth asking about? ( I know Enfamil has a version, and whole foods carries one as well)
ReplyDelete1. She is the cutest EVER! I love that smile!!
ReplyDelete2. Both of my kids have always been small. They turn 4 on friday and M is at the 25th percentile and T is at the 5th.
3. i have MAJOR issues, personally, with food. it's my hot button. I think it stems from feeling inadequate in terms of milk supply. I am always worried about the kids getting enough calories. I've even gone so far as to have each of them throw up at the dinner table b/c i was trying to push them to eat more when they said that they were done. :(
4. my doc has continued to say that it doesn't concern her if the kids are on track developmentally.
5. more information is never bad, right? ultimately, if you feel better seeing a specialist, it may relieve some anxiety.... and if it means that you have less throw up to clean up at the table, that is AWESOME :)
Those are some gorgeous pictures. What a beautiful, happy little girl you have!
ReplyDeleteI'm in agreement with the people who said get a second opinion if it's worrying you. As has been said, if she's happy and progressing normally then there's probably nothing wrong. But in your shoes, I'd probably worry too, and for a mother, you can't put a price on peace of mind!
She sounds like she's developmentally on target, eating and sleeping normally, so maybe just a small kid.
ReplyDeleteI know she was a pretty normal size at birth, but perhaps she was "large" compared to what she might have been had you not had GD? I know some babies that were HUGE at birth because of GD and they too fell off what would appear to be their growth curve... just a thought.
But what a cutie!
I can't comment on normal weights or anything, but I do know, having Celiacs diseAse, that it causes malabsorption and smaller growth and sometimes has no symptoms...so maybe have her checked for any similar disorders?
ReplyDeleteShe's beautiful though and she sounds like she's well ahead of the game for a 10 month old!
Her development is fine which is great news. I would not worry but for peace of mind, you can see a pediatric GI just to be sure. You want to make sure her %ile in height and weight follows a normal pattern from birth to now.
ReplyDeleteHer development is fine with is great news. I would not worry but for peace of mind, just go see a pediatric GI. You want to make sure her %ile height and weight follow a normal pattern from birth to now.
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the weight worries! My little guy is 14.5 months old and only weighs 18lbs. We've gone from the 4th percentile (at birth) to the 15th and now we're back at the 2nd. It's frustrating. My LO sounds a lot like Magpie: he refused almost all baby purees, wants to only feed himself, and is constantly moving. They burn a ton of calories with all that activity! We've seen our family doc and a dietician and both have said because he's meeting all his milestones, it's probably nothing to worry about. Perhaps we just make small babies? Also, remember that SOMEONE has to be at the bottom of the growth chart, otherwise there wouldn't even be a growth chart. She's gorgeous and happy and healthy. Try not to worry!
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the weight worries! My little guy is 14.5 months old and only weighs 18lbs. We've gone from the 4th percentile (at birth) to the 15th and now we're back at the 2nd. It's frustrating. My LO sounds a lot like Magpie: he refused almost all baby purees, wants to only feed himself, and is constantly moving. They burn a ton of calories with all that activity! We've seen our family doc and a dietician and both have said because he's meeting all his milestones, it's probably nothing to worry about. Perhaps we just make small babies? Also, remember that SOMEONE has to be at the bottom of the growth chart, otherwise there wouldn't even be a growth chart. She's gorgeous and happy and healthy. Try not to worry!
ReplyDeleteWhat a charmer! I love the pic of her in the high chair -- well, all of the pics, actually.
ReplyDeleteI have no insight on the weight issue or what to "do" about it, if anything, but I can tell you that my brother was the same way ... actually literally off the bottom of the charts for much of his childhood. He did (also) have some childhood health issues, including allergies (assorted, eventually resolved after allergy shots) and problematic ear infections, but has grown up to be a boringly normal human being (well, mostly, he did get a doctoral degree in the humanities, so clearly he's not quite right, but he seems blissfully unaware, so we just let him muddle along...). So, not to say you shouldn't look into whether Magpie has a treatable/manageable issue, and I'm sure they know lots more now than they did when we were kids, but ... well, it's OK to be on the low (or high) end of the charts -- someone has to be.
Love the update!
ReplyDeleteFirst, about the signing - stick with it. She's probably still a little bit too little to be making a lot of the signs back to you reliably, but she's learning them. We did a few basic signs with Miss A starting from almost the very beginning (milk, more, eat, thirsty), and she didn't start reliably signing back to us until about 12-14 months. We've also added "please", "thank you", "all done" (a handy one that has reduced the amount of food thrown on the floor at the end of meals) and are working on "down" now. Being able to sign doesn't completely eliminate all communication gaps and the frustration that comes with those, but it does seem to help a great deal.
With regard to her weight, our pediatrician feels the same as yours - as long as she is meeting her developmental milestones, is generally healthy and happy, and is eating a normal amount (which can vary widely from meal to meal for babies and toddlers), he doesn't get too worked up about weight.
We've had a very similar experience with Miss A. She was 7 lb. 12 oz. at birth, and dropped to 6 lb. 14 oz. within 24 hours after birth. She did not come close to doubling her birth weight by 6 months - in fact, she was just a little bit over double her birth weight at 1 year. I was stressed about that, but the pedi said to give it 3 more months. Well, at her 15-month check-up, she had only gained 9 ounces! In 3 months! I was super stressed, but he really felt it was because she had started to move more and asked me to give it 3 more months, with the offer of coming in whenever I wanted to for weight checks in the meantime. She will go for her 18-month check-up at the end of this week, and he's right - she has gained 3 pounds in the last 3 months. So she went from about the 55th% at birth, down to 15% at 1 yr, 3% at 15 mo., and now back to around 45%.
With Miss Magpie's issue of being tongue-tied, and then starting to crawl at 6 months, she's on the move and burning a lot of calories. (Miss A didn't start to crawl until 10.5 months.) Plus, wanting to feed herself, if she's anything like Miss A, at first she expended a lot of energy doing it but didn't take in much in the way of calories, because a lot of those hit the floor.
Miss Magpie sounds like she's ahead of schedule and/or right on track in pretty much every area except weight, so it doesn't seem like weight is causing an issue for her.
Regarding replacing a bottle of milk with a bottle of formula, in a few weeks you might also consider starting to replace some of that with whole milk if you're planning to transition her to that. Everything I read said don't give cow's milk until 12 months, but I didn't want to abruptly switch her when she transitioned into the 1-year-old's room at day care, so about 5 weeks out, I started putting 1 oz of cow's milk with 5 oz of breast milk in her bottles, then went to 2 oz/4 oz, 3/3, etc. She didn't seem to have any issues with tolerating it, and it helped extend my frozen stash a lot - I was able to stop pumping at about 11 1/2 months.
Anyway, hopefully some of that was reassuring. It sounds like you're all doing great, and she's adorable!
Love the update!
ReplyDeleteFirst, about the signing - stick with it. She's probably still a little bit too little to be making a lot of the signs back to you reliably, but she's learning them. We did a few basic signs with Miss A starting from almost the very beginning (milk, more, eat, thirsty), and she didn't start reliably signing back to us until about 12-14 months. We've also added "please", "thank you", "all done" (a handy one that has reduced the amount of food thrown on the floor at the end of meals) and are working on "down" now. Being able to sign doesn't completely eliminate all communication gaps and the frustration that comes with those, but it does seem to help a great deal.
With regard to her weight, our pediatrician feels the same as yours - as long as she is meeting her developmental milestones, is generally healthy and happy, and is eating a normal amount (which can vary widely from meal to meal for babies and toddlers), he doesn't get too worked up about weight.
We've had a very similar experience with Miss A. She was 7 lb. 12 oz. at birth, and dropped to 6 lb. 14 oz. within 24 hours after birth. She did not come close to doubling her birth weight by 6 months - in fact, she was just a little bit over double her birth weight at 1 year. I was stressed about that, but the pedi said to give it 3 more months. Well, at her 15-month check-up, she had only gained 9 ounces! In 3 months! I was super stressed, but he really felt it was because she had started to move more and asked me to give it 3 more months, with the offer of coming in whenever I wanted to for weight checks in the meantime. She will go for her 18-month check-up at the end of this week, and he's right - she has gained 3 pounds in the last 3 months. So she went from about the 55th% at birth, down to 15% at 1 yr, 3% at 15 mo., and now back to around 45%.
With Miss Magpie's issue of being tongue-tied, and then starting to crawl at 6 months, she's on the move and burning a lot of calories. (Miss A didn't start to crawl until 10.5 months.) Plus, wanting to feed herself, if she's anything like Miss A, at first she expended a lot of energy doing it but didn't take in much in the way of calories, because a lot of those hit the floor.
Miss Magpie sounds like she's ahead of schedule and/or right on track in pretty much every area except weight, so it doesn't seem like weight is causing an issue for her.
Regarding replacing a bottle of milk with a bottle of formula, in a few weeks you might also consider starting to replace some of that with whole milk if you're planning to transition her to that. Everything I read said don't give cow's milk until 12 months, but I didn't want to abruptly switch her when she transitioned into the 1-year-old's room at day care, so about 5 weeks out, I started putting 1 oz of cow's milk with 5 oz of breast milk in her bottles, then went to 2 oz/4 oz, 3/3, etc. She didn't seem to have any issues with tolerating it, and it helped extend my frozen stash a lot - I was able to stop pumping at about 11 1/2 months.
Anyway, hopefully some of that was reassuring. It sounds like you're all doing great, and she's adorable!
amazing how big she is, I wouldn´t worry about her weight if she is growing in length and is happy, healthy and developing normally.
ReplyDeleteMy full term daughter was 7lbs 4 at birth and at 1 year was only 16 lbs. My ped wanted to make a big production out of it. But she was growing, on point for milestones and was happy and eating. Today she is 20, 5feet 5inches and about 125. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was long and skinny. Magpie will be what she is, I wouldn't worry. She is eating and growing and happy!!!
She is also adorable!! Just precious!! That smile!! She is sooo cute.
Are those percentages the WHO growth curve or the US version? The WHO is very different.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't worry if you trust the ped and he/she isn't worried.
My kids are routinely the smallest for their age. I was at a baby shower with my daughter when she was a year old. There was a little girl there who was a few months younger than her and a baby boy that was 8 months younger. My daughter was the smallest of all of them.
It is what it is.
Just another commenter with a small kid -- my daughter didnt triple her birth weight until she was THREE. Doctor was unconcerned -- she continually gains, meets milestones, is active and healthy. It's just genetics I guess (neither of us, her parents, are particularly small, but my paternal grandmother was 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, so ...)
ReplyDeleteJust hoping to reassure you!
Mo, so much in this post!
ReplyDelete1. Can't wait to hear about the work/ life balance
2. My K was always small (tall and thin) and she was always fine - paed had no problems - but when the nurse had concerns, we took them both to a paediatric nutritionist who put them on (I can't even remember what it was ... so long ago... about 18 months... memory is very fuzzy)______ and after a 6 month stint, nothing changed. She is just tall and thin (like my D). She's now filled out a bit and doesn't look quite so skinny.
3. Keep at the sign language - BEST thing we ever did with our babies - remember it "reduces frustration in toddlers" and I was all for that :)
XXX
We had similar concerns with our daughter but now she is 3 and right on target. I fed her coconut butter mixed in with other things (you can't feed that to her straight as it will make her gag) and avocado. Our lactation consultant suggested adding in probiotics too to make sure her gut was healthy.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was 7.7 at birth, and 18 lbs at a year. Very petite, and still is to this day. She walked at 10 months, where my boys were both over a year. My youngest was referred to an endocrinologist because he was 6.6 at birth, and then dropped off the charts. He was 30 lbs for 2 years. The dr felt it was "just genetics" since I am not even 5' and my husband is short too. The best part of the appt was that the Dr himself was barely over 5 feet tall!
ReplyDeleteThis update was delicious! I love seeing young Magpie's personality come out in the photos, and in your descriptions!
ReplyDeleteI'd agree with the other commenters-- someone has to be at the bottom of the charts; my goddaughter is; at 4 she wears mainly 2T, and it's baggy. So just realize that she'd delicate and I wouldn't worry. However, if a second opinion would make YOU feel better, I'd say do it.
Thanks so much for the wonderful update, and I, too am interested in your reflections on work/life integration and maybe a sibling eventually (or not-- 2 is a lot!). Wishing you all the best!
I had a similar experience with my first son wrt size. he was 8-3 @ birth and then was in the 3rd % at 1 year- 19 pounds. he was 17 pounds at 6 months, so that was very slow growth for the second half of his first year. he was developmentally right on track tho and did not seem to have any food intolerances or allergies that could be contributing so his ped was not concerned. we did go in for a few extra weight checks around 1 year just to make sure he was gaining at all. he is now 5.5 years and remains on the smaller side but is totally healthy. my second son is the complete opposite, and weighs 31 pounds at 2 years, which is what my older son weighed at 4 years! all that being said, obviously investigate further if you are concerned. my niece was really petite, maybe 17 pounds at 1 year, and her ped tested her for cystic fibroosis. she does not have CF, and is now 14 and still very petite. i have heard that breastfed babies should have a different growth chart? i don't know if that's true, and both my kids nurse for 2+ years and are totally different size-wise, so who knows. at the end of the day, always listen to your mama instincts :)
ReplyDeleteShe is precious!!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the others, that I think she is fine and probably just petite. If you trust your pedi and they aren't worried, I wouldn't worry. She is a busy baby and looks well nourished and is obviously meeting her milestones. Of course, it's always easier to say don't worry when it's not you I suppose!
I absolutely love the joy in your posts, this little one is a true treasure. <3
First of all, Magpie is gorgeous!!! What a smile :)
ReplyDeleteSecond, I didn't blog much about this, but we went through a very similar thing with Smudgie's weight. He has consistently been on the 3rd %ile his whole life, but periodically would start to drift away from the appropriate trajectory to something lower. At 15 months, his pediatrician (who'd been very calm about everything) said it was time to see a pediatric GI and nutritionist.
We went to a hospital I have a feeling you're very familiar with (let's just say, far east side). Smudgie had a whole bunch of tests--blood tests, stool analysis--and we also tried some strategies the nutritionist mentioned. One easy one was adding a flavorless, sugarless calorie supplement called duocal to his milk--the nutritionist preferred it to things like pediasure because it won't lead to any cravings for sweetened drinks.
After months of tests and analysis, the results all came back normal. He's just small. I suspected they would since he was thriving in every other way, and I truly believe if your child were suffering or malnourished you would know. But his eating improved and he stopped drifting from the charts with the tips we picked up. I'm happy to pass along the doc's info it you want to e-mail me.
-It's Secret Sloper, writing from my new blog.
I highly recommend Ellyn Satter's book Child of Mine -Feeding with Love and Good Sense. It will make you feel better about her weight. I would think as long as she is proportional (wt/lt above the 15th percentile) and she is tracking on the growth chart, she would be ok. She is completely adorable and I love hearing about all her developmental milestones!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweetheart, that Magpie girl. She sounds like a happy, active almost toddler.
ReplyDeleteI am with TurtleMama on the book recommendation. I think Ellyn Satter's got it right on, and my area of research was obesity and eating disorders. Magpie had a difficult start with eating and it may be that she never goes back to the 50th percentile for weight. But if she seems healthy and the paediatrician is happy with her health status, then I would believe her to be just where she needs to be. My friends have a 2 years old who is 22lbs. She is tiny and very healthy. It's just the way she is.
But of course, if you are concerned, it sounds like a second opinion might be a good idea for your own sake.
I'll add to the chorus of folks with skinny mini babies. Our elder kid had to stay rear facing because she was something like 15 lbs at a year old (born right around 8 lbs as well) but she walked at 11 months and ran at 11.5 months. She was pretty close to 20 lbs at 18 months, maybe finally over, because she got the ok to face forward (and now they stay rear-facing until 2 anyway so it isn't a big deal). She got back toward the 30-40th percentile for weight/height having previously been tall but quite a bit lower weight around 4.
ReplyDeleteI've decided those size charts are pretty wrong and I'm not going to worry about it if the baby is growing and developing new skills. Ours started at the 15th percentile, bounded up to the 70th, and then at 6 months is back down around the 10th percentile so it's varied widely so far.
She is so adorable and sweet... Such an active little sprite! Love her grin... SO VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!
ReplyDeleteShe is gorgeous! Most likely she's just on the petite side and may not gain as much as a more average kid. My kiddo was 7 lbs. 12 oz./20.5" at birth (39 weeks) and at 10 months was a little under 17 lbs. and about 27". She was well over 2 years old before she tripled her birth weight. She's very healthy and no doctor has ever been concerned. In spite of being average height/weight at birth, it took her a month to regain her birthweight, and after that she has always measured on the very low end of the charts. There is more concern when there is a lot of up and down on the chart, but even when there is there may be nothing wrong. My kiddo is about to turn 4, and she is the size of a kid about to turn 3. However, when I plug in her data into the height predictors, they come up with an adult height of about 5'2", just 2" shorter than her mom. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, so cute...seriously one of the cutest babies ever... :)
ReplyDeleteShe is so beautiful! Glad to hear you guys are doing so well.
ReplyDeleteShe's beautiful! What a little angel. Love your update pics.
ReplyDeleteI don't think she could be any cuter!!!
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