10 Months and more photos from Jenny...

As promised, here are more photos of Ian that Jenny took....

 

 

 

Ian turned 10 months last week and continues to amaze and entertain us.  He has started to copy what he sees other people and children doing which is very cute.  His fourth tooth is emerging and, as usual, he is chewing on everything he touches... he has even tried to nibble on my big toe, ouch!  He wants to explore everything and has learned how to open drawers and doors (assuming they are not latched).  He spends a little time each morning with me in our bathroom which is not childproof... he LOVES to open the drawers below the sinks and remove their contents!  It makes my morning routine much more fun.  Lots of things that used to seem like a chore are much more fun with Ian.  For example, I look forward to drying my hair and brushing my teeth with my little explorer at my feet, opening and closing the drawers, marveling at their contents.  He also is quite fond of the grocery cart.  He loves our trips to the store and loves to look around from his seat.  When he gets tired of looking at all of the colorful merchandise he turns around and tries to grab my purchases from the basket to chew on!  He says Mama when he's tired and hurt but I don't think he truly has associated the word with me.   He also loves to say Da-da...  "Da-da, Da-da, Da-da, Da-da," he'll say over and over throughout the day. 
I have been back to work for nearly 2 months now and had my first week back on-call last week.  My love for pediatrics and OB has grown tremendously since having Ian.  I also find my way of practicing medicine to be much different.  I understand why a mom brings in her child with  runny nose or other minor illness.  They need the same reassurance that I have needed when Ian has been sick, that their little one will be OK and that they are doing the right thing.  I no longer am so firm in encouraging parents to follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  I now understand that pacifiers are sometimes necessary after 6 months, and bottles in bed sometimes happen and that sharing a bed with your little one is one of the great pleasures of being a Mom.  I find myself offering suggestions but also spending a lot of time letting parents know that they are doing a good job.  Guidelines are important, but I now know that what a parent needs most is support and encouragement.  Being a Mom is hard work!