Well-Baby Visits

I hate going to the doctor (not that anyone really likes going); but I really hate going to the doctor with two kids.

Lucy was due for her 18-month visit, and Parker was due for his 1-month visit just a couple days later.  (Monthly birthday posts are coming, promise.)  In theory, consecutive appointments are great.  In reality, they are twice as much work, requiring twice as much manpower.  And, unfortunately for me, Casey couldn't get the time off work.  So I recruited Grammy for the job.

Naturally, we were late for our appointment.  (Russo's are biologically programmed to be late for everything, in case you were wondering.  And when offspring are in tow, you know we haven't got a chance in Hell.)  Lu happily stepped up onto the big kid scale, and weighed in at an impressive 28 pounds; she measured 33 inches-- 90th percentile for both.  Then she protested when Park got to go in the baby scale.  Parker weighed in at 11 pounds and measured 21.25 inches-- 80th percentile for weight and 10th for height.

Parker's assessment was relatively painless, and he didn't have any vaccinations this visit.  Dr. P mentioned one concern about his neck muscles on the left side.  He tends to favor his left side, because the neck muscle is tight.  We have to massage the muscle and be more diligent about his positioning.  She also commented on his congestion.  It's common for newborns to experience congestion because the change in environment and fluid in the lungs, but, at 5 weeks, that should have cleared.  We are to clean the house more often and thoroughly to reduce potential allergens.  Other than that, Parker is doing everything he's supposed to.  Good boy!

Lucy's assessment was super quick.  She's healthy and sassy, can't ask for much more than that.  Dr. P was impressed with her vocab.  The one issue she has is a little yeast rash on her bum, but it should clear with an anti-fungal ointment.

We emerged from the office over two hours later, after a flu shot and visit to the treasure chest.  I don't know that I'll ever be brave enough to attempt one of these visits solo...someone was either crying, whining, climbing, or rooting while the other was being examed.  The joys of 2U2!