Ivan and Mont Tremblant

Ivan's first vacation is here, at Mont Tremblant. We are all enjoying the weather, the beautiful vistas and just not doing much. This time also will be memorable because we have discovered Ivan's first tooth yesterday (which now explains his crankiness of the past week)!!! When we get back home next Monday, Ivan will be introduced to the wonderful world of solid food, starting with the rice cereal. After all, he now has the whole tooth to put to work!!!

Comparative metrics

Going through my old "Mother & Baby" book, I came across a little square of paper with Phillip's measurements at 3 months. It was given to me 11 years ago at the doctor's office and is now, except for his measurements at birth, my only record of Phillip's growth during his first year. (Yeah, I know, I wasn't a crazy mother back then.) Intrigued as to how Ivan fairs size-wise compared to his big brother, here is what I discovered.

At 2 months (there was no 3-month check-up for Ivan), Ivan was slightly heavier than Phillip at 3 months: 6.66 kg v. 6.65 kg!!! Height: Ivan was 62 cm at 2 months, while Phil was 64 cm at 3 months. Considering that Ivan is 70 cm at 4 months, I estimate that Ivan grew 4 cm a month and was probably around 66 cm at 3 months. Ivan's head circumference at 2 months - 41 cm - again matches Phillip's at 3 months.

So I was thinking, Phillip is no small boy - but it seems that Ivan will one day be looking down at him. We are breeding giants back here. :-)

Ivan rolled over!!!

Just this morning, from his back to the belly!!!

4 months

Ivan's 4-month celebration was marked by a couple of pretty significant milestones. Ivan put on his first pair of jeans and instantly started to look like he is ready to go to school!!! Then, consistent with his "mature" jean-clad looks, Ivan ditched his "little baby" Bugaboo bassinet and has "graduated" into the "big kid" stroller seat, which allows him to sit either facing me or outward. Now, the walks are so much more exciting - there is the whole world out there!!!

Developmentally, Ivan started to talk. :-) Well, almost. He is making long vowel sounds as if conversing. When I mimic him, Ivan gets very excited - he smiles and waves his arms. Very funny! On Thursday, we will finally get Ivan's measurements. Stay tuned.

Update: Just got back from the pediatrician. Ivan is off the charts height-wise: 70 cm! Weight: 8.13 kg (or 18 lbs.) - the 95th percentile. NHL, here we come! :-)

Ivan and TV

Apparently, there is a special channel for babies - cable 233 "Baby First"!!! And, yes, it is commercial-free. :-) Phillip is quite pleased as now he can watch the tube with his little brother as I captured on camera earlier today! Don't worry - soon, it will be "The Simpsons".

16 weeks

Ivan has entered a stage where he screams every time anyone but his immediate family "lingers" around him for longer than 1 minute (during which he would leniently smile and be all nice and friendly). Then, as if someone has flipped the switch, Ivan emits a rather ear-piercing cry and the "intruder" hastily retreats. In a minute, Ivan is happy again. :-)

Developmentally, Ivan has started (several weeks ago actually) to put his hands together and can interlace his fingers amazingly well. He shows more interest in toys and grasps an object if it is held in front of him for several seconds. However, what captivates Ivan the most is Chester, who, in turn, is mesmerised by numerous frogs in our backyard. So, I am watching Ivan, who is watching Chester, who is watching the frogs. That's what we are up to these lazy summer days! :-)