Month 6

Our little bean is 6 months old!  How can that be?!  It seems like only yesterday that I was creating weekly pregnancy updates!!

Well he actually isn't so little.  His last weight was 22lbs, 3oz!  He is wearing 12-18month clothing!!  Most everyone we meet comments on his chubby legs!  I bet most people look at him and wouldn't  guess he is only 6 months old.  In fact, we were at Chapters the other day and a little guy ran up to us who was about 2 - he was the same size as Bryce!

As I contemplated doing in my pregnancy blog, I've started signing words to Bryce. Apparently it will give him the ability to communicate his needs before his speech develops, thereby potentially alleviating frustration and tantrums.  Now you might think that signing would delay speech, but it is supposed to actually encourage it. Studies proved that babies who were taught to sign, consistently spoke sooner.  The optimum time to begin this method is 6-8 months and gradually Bryce will associate the spoken word, object and hand sign. So far we use these words on a daily basis; Mommy, Daddy, Doggy, Kitty, Snake (Daddy's Pet) Eat, Milk, More, Finished, Hungry, Tired, Good Morning, Good Night, Happy, Excited, Bath, Sleep, Sit, Stand, Up, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Be careful, Ball, Cookie, Diaper, Poo, Pee, Brush Teeth, TV, and Blanket.

We are still waiting for more teeth to arrive.  The count remains at 2.  It seems to be taking forever for those top two to make their appearance and Bryce is at times pretty miserable.  At the recommendation of my Pediatrician (who also practices holistic health), we've tried Camilia.  It contains Chamomilla which supposedly relieves teething pain and the accompanying irritability. And interestingly enough, it also contains Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) which is toxic at certain doses.  (But I guess all medicine is "toxic" if enough is ingested!)  It is supposed to ease the redness, inflammation and discomfort of the child's gum that occurs during the teething process. It can also have a sedating effect...which is why it's recommended to be given at night. Bonus!! :)

In addition to the Chamilia, I purchased an Amber teething necklace.  It's not meant to be chewed on, as some people think.  The theory is that Baltic Amber (a fossil resin) contains succinic acid.  When worn (and heated) against the skin, this succinic acid is absorbed.  Succinic acid allegedly has an analgesic effect that reduces the pain of teething.  Now being neurotic and a Medic, I did much research about this "medicine".  I was a little concerned because succinic acid is a precursor to ASA - which should never be given to children due to Reye's Syndrome.  However, its properties are not the same and there have not been any reported (that I could find) instances of untoward effects from Baltic Amber.  My other concern is that how do I know the "dosage" that he is absorbing if at all?!  To tell the truth, I haven't noticed much difference. But in fairness, he doesn't wear it very much - and NEVER while sleeping.

Well I guess I'll sign off as I must now write Month 7 - late with that one too!  lol