Two Year Check-Up!

Last Thursday, I took Abby to the doctor for her two year check-up. Since Abby's birthday falls so close to the start of school, and this was a well-child visit, they asked us to wait until October. I guess the office was filled with kiddos needing physicals for school!

Abby did great! This time we saw Dr. Meltzer, who was so impressed with how much Abby has grown. My "little" munchkin is 36 inches tall (95th percentile) and 26 pounds, 12 ounces (50th percentile). She has been growing along this curve pretty much since she was born, so the doctor is very pleased. Dr. Meltzer asked me all sorts of questions, and she was happy with all the answers. Yes, Abby is a good eater. Yes, Abby loves dairy. Yes, Abby is a good sleeper. Yes, Abby knows at least 50 words. (Which 50 would you like, doc?) Yes, Abby can follow simple directions. Yes, Abby can go up and down stairs on her own.

Everything checked out well physically, too. Her heart and lungs sounded good, and her ears and chest were clear. Sitting on my lap, she had no problem letting the doctor look her over.

Dr, Meltzer also asked if I had any concerns or questions. I did mention that Abby is not always great at sharing, especially with other kids. We're working on it, but there are still those moments when a toy that she'd pushed aside 20 minutes ago starts looking really good as soon as her cousin picks it up. Dr. Meltzer said that it's not uncommon for kids at Abby's age to be a bit selfish. She gave me some reading on encouraging sharing, but we're doing most of the things that the article suggests, so I'm hoping that Abby will outgrow this phase.

The other concern that I shared with the doctor was some of the discipline issues that I have with Abby. Thankfully, Abby doesn't bite or hit much at all, but when she does these things, they're aimed at me. That's right folks - I apparently look absolutely delicious to my toddler. She has never bitten Carey, and she rarely hits him, if ever. Whenever she does these things, which is rare to begin with, they are always aimed at me. (The funny thing is that the few times when Abby has bitten me, it wasn't because she was angry. Rather, we were playing and she was having a fun time, laughing and smiling.) Once again, the literature that Dr. Meltzer gave me reinforced the disciplinary methods that we use in these situations, so I hope that we'll be able to nip this in the bud. Again, it's not like Abby does this all the time - we might have one episode of hitting per week, if that, and she's only bitten me four times ever. But, it was good to talk about it with the doctor.

As we walked out of the office, I asked Abby what we say to Dr. Meltzer, trying to prompt her to say thank you. Abby waved at Dr. Meltzer, and with a big smile said "Tank you, Mel-zer! Bye bye, Mel-zer!" I think everyone in the office, including Dr. Meltzer, had big smiles on their faces as my little cutie pie walked out the door!

So, at two years old, Abby is great. She's growing and reaching her developmental milestones and just being an absolute joy to be around. Every day, Carey and I thank God for bringing this precious blessing into our lives!

(I know, I know. You're thinking, "Hey Kristen! Where are the pictures?" To which I respond, "On the camera, which I will upload as soon as I find the camera cable." Hopefully tomorrow, okay?)