The Per Report

I can't think of many things that are sadder than a sick baby. We are all sick right now -- Per is getting over his first double ear infection, which also included an eye infection in both eyes, and a cold on top of that; Zak and I have subsequently gotten the cold that Per had. I got it first. I like to think that's because I am Per's favorite parent to throw up all over. I think the proof is substantial -- he threw up four times last week, and I was holding him every time. Zak did get an honorary spit-up from Per, though, lest he feel left out.

The good news is that Per is on the upswing. He has taken all his antibiotics and no longer wakes up with horribly crusty eyes and nose. Now said areas of his face are just slightly crusty. Zak and I are hoping that we are on the upswing, too.

Most everything else remains the same for the time being... but we hope that our job situation will be changing Very Soon. We'll know more in a week or two, I think.

Aside from Per's recent illness, he also had his 9 month check-up recently and he is doing great! He is still in a high percentile for his head size, poor child. He's got a whopping 18 3/4 cm head -- good thing it's full of brains. He weighed in at 19 pounds 7 ounces, which is down in the 42nd percentile. This is most likely due to his insanely fast crawling. His height is 29 inches, which is in the mid-range of the percentile chart. He has started clapping his hands when he thinks he's been particularly clever, and he does this most often when he gets all the rings on the rock-a-stack (in any order at all). He also gives the best open-mouthed kisses on the cheek, which sometimes includes a little nip with his teeth, and sometimes not. You just have to ask for kisses and he'll usually oblige with one, then pull back smiling hugely. He has a new "crinkle face" which is exactly what it sounds like. He scrunches up his face as he smiles at you. Soooo cute.

It is really fun to watch him grow and learn new things!