First Doctor's checkup....

Today was Sequoia's first Doctor's visit. The big target, especially for breast fed babies, is to get back to their birth weight by the second week. I had not realized until we started taking classes and preparing for this whole experience, that babies lose up to a pound in the first day or two following birth. That has to do with no longer being hooked up to the 24/7 buffet tube in addition to things like evaporation of fluids (they spend nine months in the tub and literally come out water logged) and the extra energy required to survive outside of the womb. I can not think of a more ironic or cruel twist of biology than the fact that immediately AFTER giving birth to a healthy 8 1/2 pound baby, it then shrinks by a pound. What most mother's wouldn't give to have that little scenario reversed. It certainly does not sound fair to me.... Anyway, Sequoia was born at 8 pounds 5 ounces. Her discharge weight when she left the hospital was 7 pounds 13 ounces. Today at the doctor's office our little chow hound weighed in at 7 pounds 15 ounces. She is eating great and the doctors think she will easily pass her birth weight by the next visit. The doctor was also very impressed with Sequoia's color. She already has a better tan than her dad ever gets - yet another reason that I am so glad that she is a miniature Colleen.

After her doctor's appointment she got to try out her new underwater exercise mat. It is a magical little mat with accurately depicted fish, whales and other underwater creatures. Her mom thought this was a great feature when we picked it out as it will implant good, scientific images of sea life and give our Sequoia a head start in her pursuit of a spectacular career as a shark researcher. I probably should not point this out, but if you get a chance, check out the octopus and crab that Colleen painted on Sequoia's dresser ... I am guessing that consistency of message may not be high on our list. Regardless, Sequoia absolutely loves her play mat ... well as much as is possible when you can't really move much ... but where she lacks motion, we supply enough narrative and back story to fill in the gaps. I think it will be funny as her real personality slowly replaces the one that Colleen and I have made up for her.