A Mommy Story

…and today at her two year check-up, I was given more proof.

Height: 35″ (75th percentile – eh, she’s slipped a little there)

Weight: at least 32 lbs – she refused to hold still on the scale (95th percentile)

Head circumference: 20.75″ (even further off the charts than before – somewhere around 135th percentile, if there was such a thing)

So it would appear Cordy is continuing along her growth curve just fine. Oh sure, she has a head circumference larger than some adults (adult hats fit her), but the doctor said since she’s always been near or past the top of the charts, she’s not worried. We’re hoping her height will make a rally once more to catch up to her weight, otherwise she may not get as many stroller rides in the future as we encourage her to be more active.

We had a new doctor today. This is the third we’ve had in two years. The first quit the practice after her daughter fell seriously ill, and she needed to quit to help her recuperate. The second was OK, but I really thought he had no personality with children. He was a decent doctor, but a lousy pediatrician. He never took the time to warm up to Cordy, but would instead come right at her and examine her, and I think it was because of him that she is so terrified of the doctor’s office.

Today started out much the same as the other visits. She was happy in the waiting room, and didn’t complain as we walked to an exam room. Once we stepped foot in the exam room, however, the memories came flooding back to her, the tears started to flow, and the screaming began.

After the nurse left the room, Cordy calmed down a little, like normal. Then her new doctor came in – Dr. Luci. I was stunned by how young the new doctor was – she looked like she had graduated from med school…oh…yesterday. The whimpering and crying began again as Cordy buried her head in my chest.

But this doctor quietly sat down away from her and began talking with us about Cordy’s habits. Every now and then, Cordy would peek up, and Dr. Luci would give her a quick smile, then go back to talking to us. Slowly, ever so slowly, Cordy started to warm up to her doctor. Dr. Luci even offered Cordy a tongue depressor to play with to help her feel more comfortable.

Eventually Cordy was calmer and even smiled at the doctor a few times. When it came time for the exam, she still struggled and cried and fought (Dr. Luci even commented on how strong our giant child is), but after it was over, Cordy calmed down again and even tried to talk to the doctor. This, to me, was huge progress, and Dr. Luci handled herself wonderfully. This is how a doctor should handle young children.

Luckily, no shots were needed today. On the way out, Dr. Luci handed Cordelia Dora and Boots stickers, and she loved them. By the time we were checking out, Cordy was back to her normal self, even telling the receptionist “fanks!” as she handed us our receipt.