Zuber-Harris Family: 19 weeks old: check up, pterodactyl screams, and teething

Eloise had her four month check-up with her pediatrician on Friday. She is healthy! The vaccinations were no fun but she showed off for the doctor with some smiles and giggles and rolling over on the exam table. Dr. Luft said we could start supplementing her diet with oatmeal cereal anytime. I think we'll hold off another few weeks until she's closer to 6 months. Eloise is still longer and leaner than average but following the same growth curve. Her stats:

Height: 24.75" (59%)
Weight: 12 lb 11 oz (17%)
Head circumference: 16.25" (66%)

Dr. Luft mentioned that we should expect her to enter the "pterodactyl scream" phase any day, and as though Eloise took that as her cue, she began with the screams. They are sudden and blood-curdling screams, often for no apparent reason. When I took her to the grocery store earlier this week she was screaming over and over throughout the store. What are you going to do? Just keep shopping! A lady at the bakery goes, "That is awesome" with a big grin. Another lady by the eggs said, "She's practicing with her voice!" Thanks for the support, ladies.

Speaking of screams, Eloise LOVES to be tossed in the air. She lets out a little scream followed by giggles. It's so adorable. And interesting to note that the scream plus giggles is not a learned behavior.

I like being tossed in the air

In other news, it seems Eloise has started teething. She is soaking two bibs per day with drool, is suddenly much more fussy, gnaws on everything in a desperate manner, and bites down pretty hard. She doesn't suck her pacifiers anymore, she chews them. We're trying things to soothe her like teething toys, a wet washcloth in the fridge, and rubbing her gums but she still cries. She doesn't sleep as well and seems kind of restless. I feel sorry for her! I hope it doesn't last long.