15 month wellness visit

Stats: weight 20lbs 14oz, length 30.75 inches

It's not a huge surprise that Em’s a long girl – which it turns out is actually a better indicator of overall health than weight. Although she’s in the 25th percentile for weight, she’s in the 75th for height and she’s been on this same curve since about 6 months, so the obvious conclusion is she’s a long and lean baby. Scratch that, she’s a long and lean toddler. Yep, it’s official: she’s no longer a baby. (The doctor confirmed this, although we still aren’t sure when she crossed over into toddler-hood. When she started walking?) Two take home points about her weight: 1) She’s eating fine, and despite our worry that she’s too picky, she’s going to eat enough to sustain herself so we shouldn’t be overly concerned about her intake at each meal. 2) She can eat anything, including peanut butter which we tried last night. She hated it. No surprise since (with the exception of fruit) she pretty much hates everything on the first try. Here’s hoping she comes around with our 3rd (or 4th or 5th) attempt. Bottom line: she’s more of an “eat to live” girl than a "live to eat" one.

Developmentally, Dr. Anne thought Em was right on track. When she asked us if Emily would be ok sitting on the table during the exam, Em walked over to the table and looked up at it. Dr. Anne almost seemed surprised that Em completely understood what she was asking, but Matt and I have just come to accept the fact that she pretty much understands everything we’re saying. (Whether or not she chooses to listen/obey is another story…) Based on this and a few other observations, the doctor told us Em’s comprehension is great and next up will be her speech. She expects Em to master 10, 20 or even 30 words in the next few months. Since Em can already say the beginning sounds of many words (C-ar, Sh-oe, Ch-eese, Ch-eerios, B-ye, M-ilk, B-us, T-ree) we know she's soon going to finish them off. That will be SO much fun. Our parental homework is to constantly talk her through what we’re doing (smelling jasmine, waking up Dada, making an omelet) and ask her questions (which cap do you want to wear? where’s your blankie? who’s your daddy?). Fortunately we’re already doing this. What I lack in chattiness with complete strangers, I make up for with my kiddo. I’ll talk up a storm as we’re roaming Target’s aisles, waving to buses, even heating up her bottle. Stay tuned for updates!

During the appointment it was also confirmed that Em’s molars are definitely on their way, since Dr. Anne detected some swollen gums. Hope that explains her fussiness this week. Before we left Em got the last 2 vaccines (chicken pox & ??) she’ll need until starting kindergarten, which is ages away (but not really). Then all 3 of us got flu shots – and if Em’s leg's as sore as our arms, she’s one tough cookie. Although the pain's a small price to pay to avoid major illness this winter.

All in all it was another successful wellness visit!