Itty Bitty

That's what we call the littlest member of the family.  Usually I just call him Bitty.  

Leyton's Game Face--total concentration

Isn't it funny how nicknames just suddenly pop up without being intended?  Brody has a ton of nicknames--Brodimus, Brodes, B, Angel Cakes, Goober, Cheeks, and more that I can't think of right now. I find myself doing the same thing with Leyton--Bitty, Bitty Baby, or Smiley Pants are the names I use currently.  Of course, we call him Baby Brother a lot, too.  That's Brody's nickname for him.

Leyton went to visit the pediatrician last week for his four month check-up.  He is doing great and developing appropriately in all areas.  He weighed 14 pounds, 13 ounces and measured at 26 inches long.  I know, I know, you're all wondering how that compared with Brody at the same age. I was wondering, too, so I looked it up in my baby files.  Brody was 16 pounds, 8 ounces (what a chunk!) and only 25 1/2 inches long.  So, it looks like Brody might be the football star after all, but I'm thinking Leyton might want to take up basketball.  Long and lanky--he's definitely a Brad baby.

Those eyes are ALL Brad, and this man loves his thumb!

Other than the measurements, we talked about his awful barfing problem, and I think the Doc referred to it as something along the lines of "Happy Reflux" as it doesn't seem to bother Leyton at all that he spits up rivers after every feeding.  Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about it.  Meds help with discomfort, not the actual spitting up.  Since he doesn't appear to have discomfort, there's no reason to put him on medication.  The doctor recommended starting rice cereal whenever I'm ready to see if that might possibly help to keep some of his food in his belly.  I plan to try it as soon as we get back from vacation.

Sleeping has been an on and off battle.  Some nights he wakes up twice and others he still wakes up four or five times.  The doctor agreed with me that he is most likely not hungry every time he wakes but is using mommy for comfort and soothing.  He recommended having Brad go in and try patting him without picking him up.  Of course, since then Leyton's only been waking up twice (except for one night) so maybe we are actually turning a corner.  I am knocking on a really big piece of wood right now--it's 10 pm and I should be sleeping.  Every minute of sleep is crucial!

Personality wise, Leyton is doing great!  He's really interacting with us and always turns to the sound of my voice.  Brody can make him erupt into fits of giggles, which is really cute.  He laughs when we tickle his neck or when I blow on his tummy.  He recently started grabbing for his toes when he's lying on his change table, and I think he can almost get them in his mouth. He is very interested in his toys and learning how to use his hands to grab things and get them to his mouth.  And he is quite a little cuddlebug.  I love to hold him and watch him sleep or rub his soft little head.  He is pure sweetness!