Tayls of Life, Love, & Babies: Oliver

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Oliver - 8 months

I took him to the doctor because his eczema sores (mostly on his arms) were getting out of control. Topical steroids and other skin soothing measures did nothing. She referred us to an allergist. Oliver had skin tests and a RAST blood test. He has been diagnosed with peanut, nut (cashew and pistachio were by far the worst), milk, probably shellfish, and possibly wheat. There are still lots of unknowns - we have a follow up next month. He is on two topical steroids, an oral antihistamine, and we have Epi Pens in case of an emergency. More on that in another post...
He learned how to clap, babble (dada, nana, yaya) and (sort of) wave this month!
He also learned to roll over four days before he turned 8 months! Woohoo!! He is a total pro at rolling from his tummy to his back.
He went swimming for the first time this month, once at Aunt Penny's pool and then in the lake for the 4th of July.
He likes to hit, kick his legs, and splash in the water.
He also is cutting teeth for the second time - now his top two teeth are cutting in.
Will throw little fits if you take something away or don't give him something he wants - current loves are water bottles, the remote, paper, and rolling ball across the floor.
Real food is still pretty much a novelty to him. He likes to eat bites of food, but loses interest pretty quickly. He is at the point where he insists on being in a high chair and offered food if we are eating, though.
Still likes to eat bananas and avocados. Eats squash, sweet potato, and carrot baby food with oatmeal. Has tried little tastes of refried beans, pear, peach, broccoli, zucchini, watermelon, and strawberry. I made some banana bread (soy milk and no nuts) and gave him some tastes - he really liked it! He's never had anything other than fruit and veg so that was different for him.
He is such a sweet baby. You can really tell his personality compared to other babies. He is very observant.....he likes to watch a lot. At this age at least, I would not describe him as goofy, wild, or silly. He loves to smile at people who talk to him, laughs big laughs when he's tickled or plays peekaboo, and will grab anything close to within reach. But other wise is very content to be held and/or watch people around him. I took him to preschool story time at the library with Gabs and he sat on the floor and just stared at the male story teller while he read three books. He was absolutely intrigued. He really is the sweetest baby boy in the whole world.
Goes to bed about 8pm and wakes between 6:45 and 7:30am usually. Still wakes 1-3x/night. Takes two naps, usually about 10:30a and 3p.
Wears about 75% 12 month and 25% 9 month clothes. Either size 3 or 4 diapers.