Quinn's 18-Month Check-Up

This past Wednesday, Quinn had his 18-month well check with Dr. B. It went VERY well. I'm pleased to say we have a very healthy, well-developing, growing boy! Before I elaborate on what we discussed at this check, I have to say that one of my new favorite 2nd year memories of Quinn was when we walked in to the doctor's office. We had to wait before signing in, and Quinn waited so patiently, so sweetly by my side, hugging my leg. In that moment of him laying his head against me and wrapping his little arm around my leg, I felt like he was so grown up already. He was acting somewhat shy but not afraid, and he was seemingly so attached to me and glad to have me with him. We waited for Daddy for a few minutes, and then my boy was so happy to have both of his parents with him all do himself!

A short wait in the waiting room, and then we were headed back to get his measurements:

Weight: 25 pounds, 9 ounces = 45th percentile (Banner weighed 25 lbs, 10.5 oz at this age.)
Height: 32.25 inches = 50th percentile (Banner was 32.50 in. at this age.)
Head: 48.1 centimeters = 55th percentile (B's head was 48.6 cm.)

Then, we waited for a little longer than I'd like for Dr. B. Quinn was hilarious during that wait - at least for most of it; he got a little cranky/hungry/antsy/annoyed right before Dr. B walked into the room. He was walking around in his diaper yelling out colors (mostly "yeyyoww!") pretty loudly when Sam would point to a picture on the wall and ask what color it is. Mostly, Quinn had no idea, but he would repeat Sam at the top of his lungs. He knew he was being silly - and he knew he was starting to irritate me when he refused to speak more quietly! And then, once Dr. B was there, Quinn was once again ready to attend, cooperative, and responsive to his doctor.

Based on our responses to the questionnaire, Dr. B told us that Quinn is developmentally somewhere between a 16-month-old and a 21-month-old. So, kind of exactly where he should be! There were a few questions on the list that we waived on and said "no" when we really could have said "yes" - like drinking from a lidless cup without spilling ... he's actually pretty good at this, but not always, so we circled "no." (I've said before, I'm pretty hard on my kids. They have to truly master it before I say they "own" it.) We also said "no" to kicking a small ball (like a tennis ball size) because we've only used larger balls (rubber basket balls or soccer balls...) so I'm not sure he can kick a smaller size or not. When Dr. B asked how many words Quinn had, I told him a lot, "I stopped counting." He said, "When did you stop counting?" I said, "After 35," which made me kind of annoyed at myself because I kept Banner's log much longer (long past 150). But, with two kids and new words popping up everyday, it gets hard to keep recording! Of course, Dr. B was pleased with having well over 35 at this age! (He was looking for 10-15 words.) Quinn even showed off a few words - once picking up his "nack" and saying "apple!"

Medically-speaking, Quinn is also pretty healthy. The only big hiccup was that Quinn has yet another ear infection in his right ear. He's on day 3 of an antibiotic now, and hopefully that will help him clear the infection. We also discussed trying to get Quinn off of his reflux medication and figuring out what is causing the allergic shiners he has nearly all the time. When we have our ear infection recheck in a few weeks, we will look into this a little more. My only other concern was Quinn's constant desire to eat. He is often asking for "nacks" and pulling me toward the kitchen for food. Yet, he rarely eats what "nack" I offer him and he doesn't finish meals well. Dr. B jokingly said, "And, how old is Quinn??" trying to assure me that this is all normal for his age. He said to just feed him when he's asking, assuming what I'm offering is a healthy choice. "He's not a fat kid. He's not overweight. You're not overfeeding him," he commented. So, I'll try not to get so annoyed when he wants more to eat - yet never really eats it! Oh, and also, we get to add in peanuts to Quinn's diet... which we will start in a couple weeks after he finishes his antibiotic.

Quinn was due for only one shot this visit: Hep A. We opted to do that at a different location to save money since we have forgone health insurance. So, Quinn will be getting that fun vaccine tomorrow! :) Overall, I'm very pleased with this visit. Quinn was a trooper, even though he cried when Dr. B kept looking in his right ear - not pleased with how it looked. (Poor baby hadn't been sleeping well for about 5 nights, and we definitely suspected that something was brewing in there. I'm glad Dr. B caught it and we are treating it. I'm sorry Quinn had to wait to get it checked out, though. Hopefully, this is the last ear infection for a while - or we need to seriously consider tubes.) Quinn was friendly, brave, responsive, and engaging. And, thankfully, very healhty!