Alex Back to Normal

The good news is that Alex was feeling better Tuesday and returned to daycare on Wednesday. The bad news is that Michele and I both caught a cough/sore throat! We're not even sure we've got the same thing. Regardless, this will be a quiet weekend here.

Last Saturday (just before he got sick) he was in a good mood, so we let him sit on the new couch. He was very good to it and may get to use it again some day!

He is becoming quite skilled at the use of a speaker phone. He's also become quite proficient with solid (OK, mushy!) food and will lean into the spoon (with an open mouth!) when he sees it coming. Sometimes he gets distracted and looks away, but I've taught him that a "moo" means he should straighten his head because there's another spoonful coming. He still misses once in a while. He's always happy when his belly is full, even if he sometimes frowns during the process.

Alex Returns to His Birthplace

Alex was cranky all day Sunday. He wanted to be held constantly and cried whenever we'd put him down. Around dinner time, we gave up and took him to the ER (the hospital where he was born!). After about six hours, an IV, and a chest X-ray, he was released with a diagnosis of conjunctivitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and bronchitis. He also had a tube of eye ointment (Bacitracin) and a prescription for some oral antibiotics.

We had him home and in bed by 2 AM. He slept soundly, waking around 8 AM. Michele canceled her trip (work) to San Diego, and we're now taking turns caring for him during the day. Follow-up appointment is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, where we hope to be told he's better and can return to his usual daycare routine. (I'm convinced he's bored at home -- how can either one of us possibly be as entertaining as watching two grown women chase seven other babies around?!)

Alex at Six Months

Here's a look at Alex's face after eating some mashed sweet potatoes. He didn't like them so well.

Last week, he hit the six-month mark. We took some pictures as he ate the rice cereal he loves so much. For some reason, ee seems to prefer his bib.

Weekend Update

Alex seems to be slowing down on the growth side. As of last night, he's approximately 18 pounds. On the plus side, he's now able to sit in a chair for as long as he can hold still. He can grab his feet (even both at once).

Apparently he's still a bit embarrassed by the "naked" pictures. His is still smiling during bath time (perhaps not always).

Granny Susan sent some teething toys a few days ago. Alex was quite interested in the box they came in (& a close-up).