"Has it really been two years?" asked my pediatrician at Avery's appointment yesterday. It is hard to believe how quickly two years have gone by, and how easily I remember her first appointments when she was a newborn.
When we walked through the doors yesterday, Avery immediately knew where we were, and started crying and fussing. It wasn't too bad as I checked in, but as we sat in the waiting room, I resorted to letting her watch PBS kids on my phone. I didn't want her to be upset going in to the appointment (hahahahaha.)
As soon as we were called back, Avery had her first meltdown of many. The nurse seemed new because I had never seen her before, and also because she obviously didn't have a lot of experience with a screaming toddler. While Avery was crying, she tried to get Avery to stand on the scale without me (NOT happening!) I finally asked her if she wanted me to hold her on the scale, and then weigh myself and subtract the weight. She was like "oh good idea." So we did that, but by this point, two more nurses came over to assist, and then our actual pediatrician actually came over to hold Avery while I was on the scale (since 3 nurses couldn't handle this?) Luckily, the scale was in Kilograms, so I didn't see my weight, but Avery weighs just under 29 pounds - 28 lb 14 oz to be exact. That puts her in the 77th percentile. Then we did height. Obviously she wouldn't just stand up straight against the wall. They took us to our room, and we had to lay her down and hold her. She was 35 1/2 inches long, placing her in the 88th percentile. They measured her head too, which was a battle, and it was still in the 25th percentile, where it's been. Overall, her measurements were fine.
Once the nurses left the room, I was able to calm Avery down with some Cheerios, and her new Sophie Giraffe counting book. Also, instead of just undressing Avery, she got to wear a cute little gown for the first time! It actually had little flowers on it, and I told Avery that she looked beautiful in her little dress ;) When our doctor came in, she was careful to stay across the room from us, so as not to scare Avery. I really like our doctor...I just wish the nurses were as sensitive! She went through routine questions, and I was able to tell her that Avery says 50 words (as long as you count animal sounds), she can kick a ball, she sleeps great, and her social skills are improving. She's only saying one 2-word phrase "hi dad," but I think more will come quickly. She also listens and understands everything I tell her. She then checked her legs, listened to her heart, etc, while Avery cried, but our doctor was really patient and tried to soothe Avery while she was doing those things, so it was ok. I asked her about potty training, in an effort to solve some of her tummy troubles, and she said to give it a try. She said it's normal for kids to go through phases of being afraid to go, but just to reassure her and make sure her stool is soft.
We didn't have any shots today, but we did have a finger prick, which I think is worse. Luckily, they sent in a nurse that I've seen lots of times, who is experienced with crying kids. She had another nurse with her, to assist. She was much better than the others. She told me to sit on the table with Avery, and hold as tightly as possible, and keep her other arm out of the way. She worked as efficiently as possible, while Avery screamed very, very loudly, and they left as soon as they were done. Even though Avery was hysterical, they said bye, and Avery said "bye bye" through her tears. It was actually pretty cute.
I calmed Avery down again, and got her ready to go. We checked out, and Avery said "bye bye" to everyone, and she was finally happy - she knew we were leaving!!
When I am at the doctor, I occasionally see or hear little babies crying a little, but honestly, Avery is just so crazy and hysterical (and LOUD) it is tough to deal with. Luckily, we don't have another appointment until August!
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