It's Tough Being One

Matty kicked off his "new year" in a big way this week. The day after his birthday, he had the most gigantic poop of his life. I attributed it to the cake and icing, threw his clothes away, and gave him a good bath. That night, however, we awoke to poor Matty vomitting in his crib about 2:00 AM. The stomach bug had hit. Tommy and I were both up from 2:00 on, taking care of Matty's vomit/diarrhea and consoling our miserable boy... as my own stomach began to churn. Turns out that 10 of the 15 people that were at Matty's party Saturday evening came down with the stomach flu. Taylor was the only member of our family that avoided it. Memorable.

On Wednesday, Matty had his well-visit with Dr. Quinn. The one-year appointment included four vaccinations. Taylor always seemed to do well with shots, but not Matthew. He screamed and cried as his poor little thighs were invaded with needles. Otherwise, he had a great check up and his development appears to be right on track. I asked Dr. Quinn when he felt it was safe for Matty to try peanut butter, and he said "Go for it!" Taylor eats peanut butter and jelly or peanut butter crackers several times a week, so I have been anxious to get both children on the same lunch/snack routine. Taylor was so excited to be able to share her peanut butter crackers with Matty that I let her give him one later that day. Matty took one bite, threw the cracker down, and his face promptly began to hive. Damn! The rest of the day was nerve-racking, as Tommy and I had to eye Matty carefully during his nap and monitor his breathing. The little guy sees an allergist this coming Thursday. I find it so hard to believe Matthew had a peanut allergy simply because I cannot think of anyone on either side of our families that also has it. Strange. I am bummed that I'll have to make a separate sandwich for Matty anytime Taylor wants PB&J. Tommy is bummed that he and Matty can't go to the ballpark and crack peanut shells together.

Hives after peanut butter cracker

Matthew has also developed quite a temper recently. His HATES having his diaper changed. It is usually a two-person job and involved lots of kicking, crying, and turning over. I wonder what others would think if they saw the way I have to wrestle Matty down on his changing pad. He also hates sitting in his high chair. Sometimes it is not worth the battle, so I sit him on my lap and feed him. We're going to try the booster chair tonight - there will be no love lost if I get to put the high chair away earlier than I did with Taylor!

Matty is not walking yet. He pulls himself up on everything, and he has stood on his own for seconds at a time, but he shows no interest whatsoever at walking with our assistance. He will walk across the room with a little walker, but he will not walk while holding our hands. You may remember that Taylor did not walk until 16.5 months, so I am not worried about Matty at this time.

Last, but not least, here are Matty's one-year stats:
Length: 30 inches (50th percentile)
Weight: 22 pounds, 4 ounces (40th percentile - I know Matty is not a chunk, but I find it hard to believe that 60% of baby boys his age weigh more than him - he is solid!)
Head Circumference: 18.5 inches (65th percentile)

Here's to having a better week this coming week! I hope all those mommas out there have/had a Happy Mother's Day!