18 month check-up
Lucy had her 18 month check-up today. She's been a little cranky recently and nursing a bit of a runny nose (we attribute this to more teething, since that's her usual teething M.O.), so she was less than enthused to be at the doctor's office today.
Despite her lack of enthusiasm and bouts of crying, it was a good visit overall. We learned that Lucy is now 32 inches tall, weighs 23 pounds, and her head is 19 3/4 inches around. All this means she is holding steady at her growth rate since last time (60th percentile in height and 30th percentile in weight), which is good! As per the norm, Dr. Fang asked us questions about her development like: how many words does she say (almost 50!); does she know her body parts, animals, and the like; can she feed herself, etc. - all yeses). After hearing our answers, she determined that our Lucy is doing great!
We also wanted Dr. Fang to look at the mysterious rash on Lucy's face, which started on her forehead then migrated to other parts of her face and neck. It's almost all gone now, but we still wanted to ask about it in person. When I spoke to Dr. Fang on the phone a couple weeks ago, she suggested double rinsing Lucy's bedding, since I described how the rash seemed to flare up following sleep periods. She explained that it sounds like the rash is a result as contact with something, like her bedding (since she sleeps like a turtle on her face); and that if it was from food or something else, the rash would have shown up all over her body, not just her face. We started double rinsing all of her laundry and also decided to switch back to baby laundry detergent and omit fabric softener, as added precautions. It seems to be working. Dr. Fang suggested we continue doing this, so we will! Fingers crossed that this does the trick and keeps the rash away for good- her rashy face was just sad!
Dr. Fang also confirmed what we've already heard and are learning first-hand, which is that tiny humans this age are notoriously picky eaters. *sigh* Our once totally easy-going eater has become more um, discriminating. She still eats her pureed food, but she's become quite picky with her finger foods. Dr. Fang said to pretty much let her eat whatever she wants to eat at this point, and worry about teaching her about nutrition later. (I wish someone would tell *me* this!) So for instance, if she wants chicken nuggets, hot dogs, or pizza- let her have it. Um, I wish! We've tried chicken nuggets and Smart Dogs, and she takes it right out of her mouth. On the other hand, she still likes fruits and veggies. I guess our kid is kind of the opposite of other kids? Ha! One reason Dr. F. says could be a contributing factor is Lucy's lack of teeth, since it's still harder for her to chew a lot of foods. She also said that some people just like pureed foods and will eat them until they're 3 years old. I certainly would prefer to not be making her purees for another year and a half, but this actually made me feel a little more at ease, since I see other toddlers her age munching on all kinds of things, but again, they have more teeth than she does. She suggested that we keep trying new things, and try them repeatedly. So, more fun with food ahead, as far as I can see. Sweet. ;)
Anyway, she cried a little in the beginning and the end when she got her shots, but she was great with Dr. Fang, and the appointment was good overall, so yay!
Her next appointment won't be until her 2nd birthday in June. (Please everyone, let's just ignore that she will be 2 years old in June. Thank you.)
Despite her lack of enthusiasm and bouts of crying, it was a good visit overall. We learned that Lucy is now 32 inches tall, weighs 23 pounds, and her head is 19 3/4 inches around. All this means she is holding steady at her growth rate since last time (60th percentile in height and 30th percentile in weight), which is good! As per the norm, Dr. Fang asked us questions about her development like: how many words does she say (almost 50!); does she know her body parts, animals, and the like; can she feed herself, etc. - all yeses). After hearing our answers, she determined that our Lucy is doing great!
We also wanted Dr. Fang to look at the mysterious rash on Lucy's face, which started on her forehead then migrated to other parts of her face and neck. It's almost all gone now, but we still wanted to ask about it in person. When I spoke to Dr. Fang on the phone a couple weeks ago, she suggested double rinsing Lucy's bedding, since I described how the rash seemed to flare up following sleep periods. She explained that it sounds like the rash is a result as contact with something, like her bedding (since she sleeps like a turtle on her face); and that if it was from food or something else, the rash would have shown up all over her body, not just her face. We started double rinsing all of her laundry and also decided to switch back to baby laundry detergent and omit fabric softener, as added precautions. It seems to be working. Dr. Fang suggested we continue doing this, so we will! Fingers crossed that this does the trick and keeps the rash away for good- her rashy face was just sad!
Dr. Fang also confirmed what we've already heard and are learning first-hand, which is that tiny humans this age are notoriously picky eaters. *sigh* Our once totally easy-going eater has become more um, discriminating. She still eats her pureed food, but she's become quite picky with her finger foods. Dr. Fang said to pretty much let her eat whatever she wants to eat at this point, and worry about teaching her about nutrition later. (I wish someone would tell *me* this!) So for instance, if she wants chicken nuggets, hot dogs, or pizza- let her have it. Um, I wish! We've tried chicken nuggets and Smart Dogs, and she takes it right out of her mouth. On the other hand, she still likes fruits and veggies. I guess our kid is kind of the opposite of other kids? Ha! One reason Dr. F. says could be a contributing factor is Lucy's lack of teeth, since it's still harder for her to chew a lot of foods. She also said that some people just like pureed foods and will eat them until they're 3 years old. I certainly would prefer to not be making her purees for another year and a half, but this actually made me feel a little more at ease, since I see other toddlers her age munching on all kinds of things, but again, they have more teeth than she does. She suggested that we keep trying new things, and try them repeatedly. So, more fun with food ahead, as far as I can see. Sweet. ;)
Anyway, she cried a little in the beginning and the end when she got her shots, but she was great with Dr. Fang, and the appointment was good overall, so yay!
Her next appointment won't be until her 2nd birthday in June. (Please everyone, let's just ignore that she will be 2 years old in June. Thank you.)
Comments
Hurray for healthy, growing, sorta big girl, Lucy! Happy, happy 18 months!! Wait, we were just at your 1 year old birthday party a couple months ago, right??