1-month check-up: Getting Ji-normous

Time really flies. The other day Alex went for a one-month pediatrician appt. Because he has been the picture of good health, most of this particular exercise amounted to a glorified weight check. And our bruiser is now tipping the scales at a very muscular 9lb. 3ozs. For those keeping score at home, that's roughly the 30th %-ile for a 5 wk-old.

Dr. Gordon was impressed with a number of things. His rippling muscles seem to always please the adoring fans. His strong grip gives him an air of--um--confidence.

The most suprising thing that she suggested during our visit... the routine use of the pacifier. Because he's truly an excitable kid, she wants us to find ways to allow him to develop self-soothing techniques. The plug seems to be the best example of this. And over the past couple of days, it has produced the desired results.