18 Weeks Old

I am writing this blog post as we head down to Myrtle Beach to hang out with a few of our friends. This will be Kader's second beach trip! I am looking forward to seeing how Kader reacts to the sand and ocean. (update: Kader did good at the beach today. He didn't mind the water or sand as long as the water didn't splash on his back when it was coming up on shore). So far he's been on the lake a few times and has been to the pool once. He seems to like the water. I guess it's in his genes! He is the most laid back baby I've ever seen wearing a life jacket. Those jackets are the least kid friendly contraptions I've ever seen. Oh well, safety first!

In mid March Kader had his first illness related fever. He ran a low grade temp for about 10 days (99.8-100.1) but continued to be his happy self and eat well. He stayed constipated during that time and only pooped twice during the whole episode (TMI, I know!). His poops and toots during that time were foul! Anyway, after about 10 days of the low grade temps I finally called the pediatrician. They told me not to worry about it as long as he continued to eat well, act like himself and the temp didn’t get above 100.4. The next day his temp was up to 101.5. Kader was still acting fine but being the paranoid Momma that I am I brought him to the pediatrician to be checked (even though I knew his exam was normal-because I checked him out before we left the house!). They check his blood counts which showed a low white blood count which is consistent with a virus. I was relieved! Now that I am a mother, I have a new found compassion for all of my past/current patients that I thought were so neurotic over their children. I now can see how easy it is to get worked up when you think there is something wrong with your child. A day after his fever broke Kader broke out into an impressive rash. He stayed happy the whole time!
Kirk enjoyed his first Father's Day a few weeks ago. We celebrated Saturday night after I got off work because I had to work on Father's Day. Kader got his Daddy a black powder rifle and got the barrel engraved "Happy 1st Father's Day Love Kader." Kirk was very suprised! A few months ago his black powder rifle was stolen out of his truck, along with several other guns. He replaced the other guns, but was going to wait to replace the black powder rifle. We sent him on a wild goose chase through the house that ended up with him opening up the safe to find the rifle. I wanted Kirk's first Father's Day to be memorable and the gift to be timeless.

I've been back to work about 5 weeks, Kirk continues to watch Kader while I work. This arrangement has worked well for us. We've needed to enlist the baby sitting services of Auntie Ray and GiGi on a few occasions when Kirk has had work come up that he can't put off. Kirk continues to work for KLB as well as doing "side jobs" such as clearing and grading for himself.

Kader continues to grow and change daily. I know we keep saying it, but I can't believe how much he is growing/has grown! The most recent tricks up his sleeve include: rolling over from tummy to back, sitting up with minimal support and passing objects from one hand to another. He loves playing with his feet and continues to verbalize and laugh more. Tomorrow Kader will be 18 weeks (4 ½ months). I’m thinking we will introduce him to rice cereal in a few weeks. I’m excited to try something new with him, but sad that these days are passing so quickly! Since Kader’s birth we’ve coined a few nicknames for him: KJ (of course), Kaderbug, Kman, Scooterbug (Kirk hates this), Lilman, Kdub, Bug, Boog-a-boo, Booger Bear, Bear and Booger are just a few. Kader has his official well child check next Thursday. I’m interested to see how much he has grown since his 2 month visit. He looks like such a big boy to me and Kirk!
My Dad will be home from Korea on leave at the end of July. Kader will meet his PaPa for the first time then! I can’t wait for them to get to know each other.
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer! I’ll post pictures ASAP.

Love,
Kirk, Tiffany and Kader