Goodbye Dr. McDermott!

Dr. McDermott is Cole's urologist. As many of you may know when he was born, the dr.'s suspected that he had a testicular hernia. That pretty much means that when he was developing some of his intestine managed to make its way down to his testicle. So we were seeing a urologist every 6 months to keep an eye on it. A few appointments ago Dr. McDermott decided that he thought it was actually a hydroseal and not a hernia. Rather than intestine in his testicle, he thought it was just fluid. His major concern was that the testicle wasn't closed off and that more and more fluid could potentially pass back and forth. If this were the case, Cole would have needed surgery.

This afternoon we had an appointment. Cole of course kicked and screamed during the entire examination. Dr. McDermott determined that no fluid is passing back and forth and everything looks great. We DON'T have to go back to Dr. McDermott anymore! YAY!!

Ran a 5k today!

My Stroller Strides class has been training for a 5k over the past 6 weeks. This morning we ran the Baltimore Women's Classic 5k. My unofficial time was 34:58. I came in 731 out of 1800 women. Not the fastest ever, but not terrible for a 22 week pregnant lady. The official times should be up by tomorrow. I will post the link (and maybe some pictures) if anyone is interested!

Gymnastics Class

Cole started gymnastics class this morning. I knew I was in for it when he refused to do the warm-up and sat on his carpet square and pouted. Honestly though, he didn't do so badly once we really got started. His gross motor skills are certainly a bit behind the other children in the class, but he did have a good time. He told me his favorite activities were the slide and the pit. Next week we will be working on actually doing what the instructor tells us, like doing a forward roll down the mat, not sliding down it like a sliding board.

He really has difficulties jumping, so that is keeping him from doing a lot of the activities. Hopefully by the end of the class he will have improved some of his motor skills.

20 Week Ultra Sound

We went this morning for our 20 week Ultra Sound. Everything looks great! The baby is measuring 21 weeks and 14 oz. We got confirmation that he is indeed a baby boy! Looks like baby Reid Steven (subject to change) should be making his appearance in late October or early November!

Arms crossed in front of his chest

Foot

Face staring right at you (Brien thinks he looks like Cole)

Between his legs...showing off his boy parts

Back from the Beach!

Cole had a fantastic week at GiGi's beach house. He loved the pool, he loved the sand and he loved the ocean, he loved the rides at the boardwalk, he loved his nightly ice cream treats. I could go on and on. He had a great time and keeps asking to do it again!

Here are some pictures of our trip.

One thing I agonized about was sleeping arrangements for him. He has outgrown the Pack N' Play. I thought about doing a sleeping bag, but was unsure if he would stay in it. I also considered letting him sleep in a twin bed with a rail, but decided to go with this kids Aerobed instead.
We put his special Mickey Mouse sheets on it and he was thrilled. It worked great and he only fell out once (without injury). I definitely recommend the Aerobed for kids!

Baby #2... 18 week belly picture

If you're interested, here's the latest belly picture. It was taken yesterday at 18 weeks and 2 days. Our next ultrasound is on June 17. We should be able to get confirmation then that the baby is a boy. Cole is getting used to the idea of a brother. He has stopped, for the most part, insisting the baby is a girl. He is very sweet to his baby brother too. He asks to see him, pulls up my shirt, then sticks his finger in my belly button. He also gives my belly hugs and kisses!

Cole's Birthday Weekend!

Cole had a really fun birthday weekend. Saturday we went to Down's Park and had a picnic lunch. We went to dinner with Grammy and Pop and then out for ice cream. On Sunday, we went to Aunt Ellen's house for a little party and then to the Herndon Festival! (you can click each picture to view it larger)


Eating his birthday breakfast...a plain waffle!

Daddy and Cole race on the seahorses

Yum, a picnic lunch!

Cole and Grammy at the park

Eating his blue ice cream

Blowing out the candles

Cole's new drill

Cole loves rides!

2 year Checkup

Cole went to see Dr. Fitch today for his 2 year well visit. He is still deathly afraid of the dr. She is fantastic with him, but he still is very, very apprehensive. We took his dr. kit along and that seemed to help a bit.

I was looking forward to having some updated stats, but Cole REFUSED to stand on the scale. Everything time I tried to put him on it, he'd put his legs out completely straight. Eventually he stood on it with one foot, so the nurse was able to record something.

He weighed 32.6 pounds (90%). I’m a bit skeptical about that since he was 32 lbs at 18 months (and of course because he was standing on one foot).

He was 36 inches tall…3 feet! (also 90%). That means he can get on lots of rides!

Cole got his hepatitis b booster shot. He did surprisingly well and only let out a little scream when the needle went in. He did not want a band-aid and keep yelling “take it off, no like band-aids”, so I did and then he was fine.

Dr. Fitch suggested that we start a vitamin (like Flintstones) and she said we can try some Children’s Benadryl for Cole’s sneezing and watery eyes. She also recommended the book “Hello Baby” for big brothers and she suggested the following sunscreens:

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby

California Baby

Blue Lizard

We don’t have to go back until Cole is 3, but we will be going back for flu shots in October before Cole’s baby brother arrives. He got two sticker crafts and a lollipop, so he was thrilled when we left.

I know I’ve said this before, but I just LOVE Cole’s pediatrician. She is just the sweetest lady. She takes her time and sits down with you to chat and answer your questions. She is so good with Cole and always tries to make him feel comfortable. She is also a mom of small children around Cole’s age, so I feel like she can really relate. If you are looking for a pediatrician, I highly recommend Arundel Pediatrics!

*Brag about myself: While I was checking us in, Cole was climbing on the benches in the waiting area. (It’s like a three tiered play area) He started slipping and I was able to run from the check in desk and catch him before he fell. The receptionist kept going on and on about how impressed she was that I was able to do that. :)