Large and In Charge

A satisfied smile after "stepping" on the scale yesterday.

When Evan was born I marveled at how similar in size he was to his brother. There was a mere 1.6 ounces and 1/4 inch difference between them at birth. Evan was bigger in both dimensions, which I suppose makes sense since I gained 2 more pounds during the pregnancy with him than I had with Kostyn. (Wait -- Do 2 pounds on me really only translate to 1.6 ounces on him?! So not fair.)

Anyway, Kostyn has stayed skinny. According to the pediatrician’s average height and weight chart, he’s always been in about the 10th to 15th percentile for weight (and 50th for height).

But I think his little brother is destined to be ... not quite so little.

Yesterday at the doctor’s office Evan weighed in at a whopping 9 pounds, 6 ounces. That means he’s gained 2.5 pounds since his checkup less than three weeks ago, when he was a mere 6 pounds, 11 ounces. And he’s grown almost 2.5 inches in three weeks as well. He’s now 21 3/4 inches long!

No wonder I’ve already “retired” the outfit Evan wore home from the hospital. I put him in it a few days ago and it was way too small. I assumed it had shrunk in the wash, but now I realize (blame it on sleep deprivation for not realizing it sooner) that the outfit’s size didn’t change -- the baby’s did!



Clearly Evan is drinking lots of milk these days, which means I spend tons of time sitting on my couch with my trusty Boppy on my lap, nursing one son and trying to entertain the other. A few months ago we moved the couch in front of the living room windows and I thought that would give me some privacy while nursing. However, I neglected to take into consideration that there is a clear view of the couch when one is standing at our front door. I’ve already flashed two UPS drivers and, just yesterday morning, I unknowingly gave a Jehovah’s Witness a little peep show as well.

Kostyn has been helpful, understanding and only mildly curious about what Evan and I are up to. Mostly he just gets a smile on his face and says, “En milk?” when Evan fusses or when I start nursing him. Then he often brings me a book to read to him, which I’m sure is his way of testing me to see if he’s really being dissed by Mama in favor of the little guy.



So we read lots of books this way, him climbing up on the couch next to me and me reading sideways with as much animation in my voice as I can muster. There are moments when Kostyn wants to sit on my lap and has to be turned down, but overall both boys are getting the mommy time they need.

And one of them’s getting a hell of a lot bigger.

The other day Kostyn climbed up onto the couch and asked for the Boppy on his lap. This was not alarming until he asked for his frog, and pointed the frog toward his chest. Quick, get this kid to a football game or something....