Double Barrelled Pediatric Visit

Today we took both our babies to the Pediatrician. Norah was in for her 12 month checkup, while Justin was in for his first week checkup.

The doctor likes Justin's progress and gave him a clean bill of health. He has not lost much weight, meaning he's eating well enough. He started off at a good weight so he would have to lose over a pound from his birth weight (8 lbs 5.6 oz) before we would worry. His bellybutton is healing well, as is his circumcision so both should be healed within 7 - 10 days of his birth. He has been fighting a nasty little red diaper rash, but that is clearing up more each day.

Justin was not enthusiastic about being unwrapped and voiced his displeasure with the disturbance. At one point our 4 day old was irate enough to almost successfully turn over. There's something about our kids being motivated by anger. If you recall, Norah successfully turned herself over at 10 days old because she was mad that nobody was holding her.

Norah supported Justin with kisses and gentle pats throughout his examination much to the surprise of the pediatrician. Big Sister gets a little anxious whenever he cries, and has to check things out to make sure he's alright, then she goes about business as usual.

Norah's measurements were in line with her previous growth and she continues to develop very well. She measures 31.5" long (above 95 percentile) and weighs 23 lbs (75-90 percentile). Her communication skills are above expectations and her ability to mimic is just about right. She will now play "how big is Norah," clap her hands and point, but has a tough time with the itsy bitsy spider song. Hey, nobody's perfect (although she comes darn close).

Norah would normally have received two shots today one of which would have been a live vaccination. Since a live virus and a new born make for a bad combination, the doctor decided it would be best to hold off on the one until Justin is older. So Norah only received a booster today, and at her 15 month appointment will have three shots done. She didn't start crying until they were putting the band aid on her leg, and her tears lasted all of 20 seconds. She's tough like that!