2006, December

Sorry for the long delay in textual updates. So much has happened in such a short period of time, I don't know where to begin. So first some basic stats: Michael reaches his 6 month milestone just after Christmas. So far, in those six months, Michael has grown from just over 4 pounds, 12 ounces to 16 pounds. And from 19 inches long to over 26 inches long.
He also is doing very well sitting up while assisted. While still a bit wobbly, his core muscles are definitely strengthening. He also is on the cusp of mastering rolling over from front to back.
He is an extremely chatty baby, and engaging. He greats everyone with eye contact and a huge smile. Sometimes even a nice laugh.
While we do make a point to venture out every once in a while, we are still doing our best to avoid large, "friendly" groups. Especially since Michael was a preemie and too young to have a flu shot this year. We will probably keep up this protection through Winter.
This past month we took Michael back to the hospital for a standard developmental follow-up visit. There he was observed by several people, including physical and speech therapists. Their assessment was that he is right on track, and a little ahead, based on his (at the time) three month adjusted age. For those who do not know, until they reach 24 months, preemies are tracked by their adjusted age. This is, essentially, the age they would be had they been born on their due date. Since Michael was roughly two months early, his adjusted age is two month younger than his "real" age. So, while Michael will be reaching his six month birthday, he could be just reaching some four month milestones. Granted, Gretchen and I both still feel that he is advancing well beyond his peers.
With this, we can tell that he is on the cusp of many new developments, so, while we may keep to the house more this Winter, it will not be boring.