Ben's Check-Up at 12 Months

Last Monday was Ben's 12-month well-baby check-up. 12-months is a rough one. There were five different shots and a finger prick to test for anemia. The latter was especially not fun. He was very upset so he was bleeding faster than normal. A bandaid wasn't enough so they made him a little gauze mitten. He was not a fan of either one!

He has grown a lot, but he hasn't gained much weight it seems. He weighed 20 lb and 7 oz, just 3 oz more than when I brought him to the doctor at the end of March. I didn't catch his height, but the tech said that he was in the 85th percentile for height and the 30th for weight. The pediatrician wasn't worried though since his overall growth curve is normal. Besides, Ben does not look skinny. I almost wonder if their scale is right because he even has a little tummy.

Later on that evening, Ben made some more news. He took his first steps! Joe and I sat across from each other and made him walk back and forth to us. He still can't go too far but he's getting braver (and steadier) every day. He is also getting more skilled and pulling himself up and cruising around. For example, this weekend we stayed at a cabin. I was in the kitchen and Joe was playing with Benjamin in the living room. I heard a noise and turned to see Ben standing there. He had pulled himself up onto the coffee table, walked along the sofa and another table, and was holding onto the wall in the kitchen. I was very surprised! I was even more surprised when he did it a few more times.