Thanks to Jen for hosting.
1. Violet had her 4-month check-up today. The doctor was a little concerned because she is slightly underweight. I don't have her exact stats yet (Collin took her, and I think he still has them) but I'm rather surprised -- she seems to be eating well, she has plenty of wet and poopy diapers, etc. She's just not gaining a lot of weight for some reason. I'm not sure what to do. The doctor (who I trust) advised supplementing with formula or rice cereal. I'm hesitant to do either. I'd rather do formula given that I'm wary about starting solids so early, but I worry that supplementing at all might detrimentally affect our breastfeeding relationship, and it's hard enough as it is pumping 3x per day. I'll have to do some more research before I make a decision.
2. Collin called the IRS today, and OUR AMENDED TAX RETURN HAS BEEN APPROVED!! We filed it back in April. A check for our $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit will be mailed late next week. WOOHOO!
3. The first thing we plan to do with the money is get our Ford Escort's air-conditioning fixed. It's around 110 degrees here lately, so I've been taking the van to and from work; I would much rather take our smaller and more fuel-efficient car, especially since I no longer need to take kids to/from daycare.
4. Another item high on our list is a dining room set. Since we moved to Arizona, we've been using a rather rickety card table and folding chairs. I desperately want a sturdy wooden kitchen table, one that will last us for years and years to come, and one that can seat at least five (preferably more, or at least one that has leaves so it can expand for company and such). I'm thinking something like this. If you have a recommendation, let me know!
5. We're also considering purchasing a flat-screen LCD TV (40"-42") and Nintendo Wii as a joint anniversary gift (our 9th anniversary is September 1). Flat-screens have really come down in price, and we've both really wanted a Wii ever since they came out. We've never had the room or the money for either until now. Again, any recommendations are welcome.
6. I may also try to talk Collin into getting a deep freeze so we can buy more meat and etc. in bulk, but we'll see about that. I think we'd rather both use the remainder of the money to pay off some debt and/or put into savings.
7. We had a terrific trip to Las Vegas last weekend. We didn't do everything we'd planned, but we certainly kept busy! I think my favorite parts were the Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur and the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. The kids LOVED the Excalibur; they were thrilled to be staying in a castle. We bought Elanor a princess hat and she's hardly taken it off since we've been home. I think my dad had a fun time too.
We got home the evening of the 3rd. We went to a Rookie League baseball game, with a fantastic fireworks show afterward, on the Fourth of July. A great time was had by all!
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Hi there! Fun to read about all your happenings. I'm especially liking the game of "what would *I* do with a ckeck for 8 grand?"!!
ReplyDeleteA few thoughts about Violet - probably you've already considrerd these, but on the off-chance - - there is still a bit of a controversy, I think, about the growth curve chart, because I believe, if I'm not mistaken, it was formulated off of formula! So,...there might not be as much concern needed...
- when you feed her at home, is she a fast nurser, or slow? If she's fast, perhaps you could encourage longer feedings (somehow, I don't really know how...) so that she gets the fatty hindmilk.You might somehow adjust pumping as well, to make sure the hindmilk gets into storage for her as well.
Just some thoughts. She sure looks beautiful, healthy, and interactive. I'm thinking that the doc is just erring on the side of caution, but, I'm with you - I don't like the forumla supplementation idea unless there are some really serious issues going on. If you find out any more, I'd be curious for an update. But, rest assured, she'll be in our prayers! ;-)
Love, Laura
Oh, a deep freeze is a lifesaver! Not more important than dept being paid off, I'm sure, but very helpful nonetheless. What a treat to have such an awesome refund FINALLY taken care of!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
My son is 15 months and for the last 7, his doc has been trying to get me to freak out because he hasn't been gaining much (sometimes any) weight. However, he does everything he should; he is developing fine, and as this is my third child (and my second has Down's, so we've been through the medical wringer with her), I can't get excited about it.
ReplyDeleteEducate yourself, and be cautious about jumping just b/c the doctor says jump. Docs tend to freak out b/c they want control.
Also, as far as longer feedings and hindmilk, just be sure you're nursing as long as the baby wants to on ONE side before trying to switch. And if she's falling asleep, just wake her up. :)