Growing Up

henni is 4 months old today - and a WHOPPING 21.6 lbs - miss b weighed less at 1 year. he's already being treated like an older child. my friend brittani was watching 3 of my children, plus her own, while i ran to the school to pick up briar. i came back and baby H was crying a little, and i could see the evidence of other tears. i asked how he was for her, and she said: "okay, but it was my fault." then she blushed. and continued. "i forgot how little he is, because he's SO BIG..." i braced myself for something horrifying and quickly began to assess his pupils, head shape, etc. (covertly, of course, b/c she was still holding him). there was no cause for alarm: she just set him down on the carpet. sitting up. apparently he was happy and smiling for about 2 seconds, and then he fell onto his round 4-month old face. we had a good laugh (mine being a relieved laughter). at his check-up on thursday, my doctor made a comment that went something like this: well, he's fitting in with the other boys in this family...you sure are a record producer. and you say he's breast-feeding exclusively? no, i'm sneaking him protein-shake every other feeding. not to mention the porterhouse steaks he devours at midnight. he aslo inquired how many times a day he is feeding. ummm, however many times he feels like it. babies know, and so do breasts. i don't let him use me like a pacifier. i felt like some freakish baby factory with super milk. today, another well-meaning sister in christ (this was at super-saturday) made some comment that i can't quite remember, but it left me with the feeling that she thinks i either overfeed my children or they have a metabolic imbalance...she actually said something about a "REALLY slow metabolism..." after asking me if they eat much. i love my chubby babies - i think they are beautiful chunks of sweet love...they are truly gorgeous! and my charlie, my big three year old that gets weird looks b/c everyone always thinks he is older, is no longer the michelin man. he just happens to have a big head (with very KISSABLE CHEEKS), a tall body, and large hands and feet. his father is 6'4". not all children are slender, and that's okay. enough ranting: my newborn is growing up and it's happening faster than i'd like. i think i'll go wake him up and snuggle him just b/c i still can. and then i'll force-feed him :).