Four years ago last Sunday I walked into the NICU unit to meet my eldest son for the first time.  At the time the doctors told me to focus on his health and feedings and that his 4 pound 1 ounce frame (he had lost three ounces from birth!) would eventually catch up.

So now, a half million “shake-a-booties” (instant carnation shakes with whole milk) and all the broccoli a human can eat later, our little man has found himself squarely and safely on the growth chart!  In fact, he has now joined the 2% club!  Only 98% of the population of 4 year old children are heavier than him!  Weighing in now at 29 pounds, this is an achievement we celebrate in the Austin household.

Cooper, weighing in at 23 pounds, is fast approaching his older brother.  It is said that, among the hippopotamus population, weight carries a certain dominant trait where the leaders of the pod are typically the heaviest.  With that said, at my current growth rate, I should remain the dominant male in this family for some time.