Ben's First Pediatrician Appointment Today

Ben went to see Dr. LaRosa for the first time since she examined him right after he was born! He was an extremely good boy for the doctor. He just laid there while she examined him. She bent him in every which direction and shined her light in his eyes and still not a peep! Then it went down hill. While Ben had his diaper off for the exam, he pee'd up his torso. Then he had to get pricked in the heal for a blood sample for testing. He didn't like that at all. Daddy held him while he screamed during the whole ordeal. Mommy stood there feeling helpless and nauseous.

The Dr. said Ben is in the 85th percentile for his weight. He is a good eater so he definitely packed on the ounces since his last appointment. He weighed just under 8lbs at his 5 day checkup and today he weighed in at 9lbs 13ozs! His length was measured at 23" (up from 21").

Dr. LaRosa said he was in great shape and very healthy, alert, and strong. He doesn't need to go back until his 2-month checkup where he will receive his first shots! Cue the ominous music....Dum, dum, dummmm!!!

Making Progress!

Courtney's POV: Big update today! In just one short week, I went from being only 40% effaced to 80% effaced and two centimeters dilated! Dr. Erdman said this means I could go into labor anywhere from 48 hours to three weeks. So of course, I am freaking out a little bit. Must do laundry! I feel an overwhelming urge to go grocery shopping to stock up on non-perishable items like it's Armageddon.

Brian's POV: I called it. Before we went in for the appointment, I said, "80% effaced, I bet." Courtney scoffed at me. Sure enough! But to add in the "2 cm dilated", that was a real eye opener for me. It took on a different level of realness for me. Suddenly I thought, "I have to make sure my loose ends at work are buttoned up and my cameras are charged!" Ha Ha!

The excitement of how spontaneous this is going to be was what I took away from today's appointment. It could literally happen at any minute. So cool!

Doctor Appointment Today

Today we went to see the good Dr. Erdman. She said that everything is perfect including the results of the last ultrasound and bloodwork. We heard the baby's heartbeat again today. It was a smooth 140 bpm. Here is what the Baby Gender Prediction thought of that:

For those of you not keeping score at home: That is 3 boy heartrates to 0 girl heartrates.

Dad had to get a flu shot and whooping cough vaccine today. It was his first ever flu shot since he never wanted to take the chance of having it make him get the flu. Mom got the flu shot at the last appointment. Gigi (Sharon) has to get one if she wants to babysit regularly...Doctor's Orders!!!!

Welcome To The Baby Stamp Update Page!

Welcome Friends and Family to the Baby Stamp Update Blog. We hope to share our exciting information and news about our forthcoming bundle of joy. This will be written by Brian and contributed to by Courtney. It will also double as a journal of sorts for our baby. We are extremely excited and hope you enjoy checking in every once in awhile (including after the little one is born). Save this page address into your favorites!!!

Brian and Courtney

PS. Yes, I am a dork, but I know my kid will appreciate this someday!