12 Month Checkup

Today Grace had her 12 month doctor's appointment. It was relatively uneventful. She was the cutest baby in the waiting room and we had several comments about how cute her hair is in pigtails. (I may be a little biased, but she is really cute.)

Once we got back to the room, we stripped down to be weighed and measured. She was actually very cooperative laying on the scale, maybe because I was handing over Cheerios? She weighed 21 pounds, 12 ounces and was 29 inches tall. She is now right about the 50th percentile for both height and weight. Considering she started out as a big baby, I'm glad to see that she's back to average. The nurse who weighed her noticed her chicken pox marks (they haven't all faded yet) and decided to take that shot off the list for today.

After that we got to see Dr. H. I really love her, but unfortunately, it seems we only get to see her on "well visits." When Grace is sick we have to see whoever they can get us in with. At least the important questions get run by our doctor. We discussed her development. She's walking, saying a word or two, self-feeding, etc. We discussed the switch to whole milk. Her suggestion is to wean from formula with the bottle. Give Grace milk in a cup, but keep formula in the bottle. I'd like to try to start taking away the bottle after Grace's surgery anyway, so that may be a plan. Although, if Grace seems to like the milk ok, I may switch to milk completely before we're done with the bottle. Grace has been doing well trying out new table foods, so we didn't discuss much there and we don't have any sleep issues, so not much else to discuss.

Dr. H checked her ears and they both had fluid in them. One was slightly cloudy, but she didn't really want to give us another antibiotic, so we've decided to hold off until she gets a full blown ear infection. Also, since no one from Children's Hospital is going to see us again before Grace's surgery next month, she'd like to see Grace about a week to 10 days prior to surgery. That will give her a chance to check her ears again and if she develops another ear infection, we can get it mostly treated before surgery. If no infection, she'll be healthy heading in. After that appointment, our next check-up will be at 15 months.

After the doctor was done, the nurse came back to give Grace her 2 shots in the leg. Grace seemed slightly disturbed by the 2nd stick, but didn't cry at all. Both the nurse and I were amazed that there were no tears or screams, but we weren't complaining if she wasn't. Funny how she'll cry like the world is ending if she can't play with my cell phone, but two needles in the leg get nothing. Hmmm...maybe she's got some of her Mommy's tolerance of needles?

That was about it. Tomorrow night the daycare is having a Christmas program and Grace's class has a song. (I'm curious to see what this is all about), so I'll try to get some pictures. Friday my family is flying in for the party and Saturday is the 1st Birthday Party. I'll do lots of pictures this weekend for your viewing pleasure.