Julia Stats: 2 Years

Height: 38 1/2 in (completely off the charts, even a bit high for her own growth chart)
Weight: 28 lbs 1/2 oz (~70%)
Head Circumference: 19 1/2 in (~90%)

Julia's height measurement was even higher than I've come to expect, so I asked the nurse to measure her a second time. Yep, it was 38 1/2 inches!

Today's appointment was tough. I was mentally prepared that Julia would be getting one shot - the flu vaccine. The doctor checked J's chart and said that she still needed to get the HIB vaccine. Next, the doctor informed me that she wanted to do a blood draw to test for anemia. (A blood draw?!.....on my sweet little girl?!...NOOOOOO!) Finally, relating to Julia's daycare, the doctor determined Julia needed a TB test.

She watched as the nurse gave her the 2 shots and the TB test. She didn't look happy, of course, but she did not cry. (!!!) I tried to remain calm for her sake, but it is excruciating to see someone poke needles in (and cause pain to) your baby. We had to go downstairs to the lab for the blood draw, and I had a fleeting desire to take Julia out the front door to go home. Instead, I was a grown-up and took the child downstairs for the blood draw.

After a discussion with the nurse about whether the finger stick or needle to arm would be less painful, we finally decided on the needle in arm option. It would be quicker, and the finger stick would require a great deal of finger squeezing to get the amount of blood needed. So, J sat in my lap, and she watched the needle go in. I tried so hard to get her to look at the technician's necklace, to look away! That tough little kid did not even cry.

Julia stats: 18 months

Height: 34 3/4 in (97%+) off the charts but on her growth curve
Weight: 24 lbs 10 oz (55%)
Head Circumference: 18 7/8 in (90%)

She had one shot today, the Hep A, but she did not cry or even whimper. She simply gave the nurse a dirty look.

Updated Stats

Julia and I returned to the pediatrician's office for a check of her weight, as she had lost weight between her 12 and 15 month check-ups. We assumed that the loss was due to a cold right before her 15 month appointment, but it still made me a bit nervous that she was off her growth curve.

Today, we had good news! Julia has gained some weight and is back on her growth curve:

Weight: 23 lbs 10 oz
Height: 34 in

The doctor also measured her height, and since it seemed extra tall, she checked it a second time. It came out 34 in both times. I am still skeptical that she is a full 34 in tall, so R checked it at home with the measuring tape. He got a number closer to 33 in, but it was just a quick measure. So, we don't know what her exact height is. The short answer: she's a tall kid.

Julia got two shots today: the Chickenpox Vaccine and the DTaP. We are still waiting on the HIB, as there is a nationwide shortage. Julia did not cry when she got the shots, but she did cry out in indignation: "AHHH!!!" (It sounded like baby talk for: "What in the heck did you just do? That hurt!!")

I am also proud to report that *I* did not cry during Julia's shots; it was touch and go for a minute there.

Julia stats: 15 months

Weight: 22 lbs 3 oz (50th%)
Height: 32 1/2 in (97%)
Head Circumference: 18 1/2 in

See Annabelle's 15 month stats.

Only one shot today - the MMR vaccine. She was also scheduled for both the Chickenpox and HIB vaccinations, but they are out of the Chickenpox vaccine. They are so low on the HIB vaccine that they are only giving it to babies younger than a year. She'll get both the missing vaccinations on her next appointment, assuming they are available.

Julia has lost weight since her last check-up, so we are scheduled to go back in a month for another check of her weight. The doctor is not too concerned now, but if the weight doesn't start going in the right direction, she will be. Julia is getting over an illness, so I assume that is the cause of her weight loss. She didn't lose her appetite during her illness, but perhaps she was eating less. Typically, she has an amazing appetite and eats near adult-sized portions.

Julia stats: 12 months

Weight: 22 lbs 9 oz (70th%)
Height: 32 1/4 in (97% +) - off the charts but on her growth curve, as usual!
Head Circumference: 18 3/8 in (87%)

Today, Julia was supposed to get three shots, but my pediatrician's office scheduled our appointment two days *before* her first birthday. For some reason I don't understand fully, these shots must be on her birthday or after. So, we have to come back in a couple of weeks for the shots. I should have been frustrated about having make a second trip, but I was so relieved we didn't have to deal with shots that it just put me in a really good mood. (It is just delaying the inevitable.)

In any case, Dr. Myers said that Julia looks great, physically and developmentally. I always feel like I've received an A+ or gold star after one of these well baby visits, even though I don't know how much credit I can take.

Julia stats: 9 months

Weight: 20 lbs 5 1/2 oz (80th%)
Height: 30 3/8 in (97% +)
Head Circumference: 17 7/8 in (85%)

Whoa...Julia's shots are just getting tougher. Yesterday, she was happily babbling away to the nurse, giggling and waving. I was just cringing knowing that two shots were coming her way. That big, dimpled smile turned into big, fat tears and a red face. Luckily, she got over it quickly.

Later, a lab tech stuck Julia's finger for a CBC to test for anemia. She didn't get enough blood with the first stick so she had to stick another finger. The first time, Julia did not cry, but the second, she lost it. After seeing the tech squeeze and squeeze that little finger to get more blood, I told the woman that they should consider having Valium on hand for the moms. Perhaps that is an idea for the suggestion box I saw on the way out of the office.

Julia stats: 6 months....off the charts

Weight: 18 lbs (85th%)
Height: 29 in (literally off the charts)
Head Circumference: 17 in

She's such a tall girl! Today, she had three shots, and for me, it seemed even harder than the first two sets. She's so much more aware of her surroundings and so happily curious. It just broke my heart when she realized what was happening. Her face turned bright red, and tears started to fall. I explained to the nurse that I would be happy to take all of Julia's shots, but she told me that it doesn't work that way. :-(

Julia stats: 4 months

Dr. Myers said Julia is thriving!

Weight: 14 lbs 12 oz (75th%)
Height: 26 1/2 in (97th%)
Head Circumference: 16.5 in (75th%)

There were 4 more shots today, and Little Miss got very red-faced and cried some big, fat tears. She's fussy today, but she still treats me to one of her dimpled smiles from time to time.

Julia stats: 2 months

Weight: 12 lbs (approx 75th%)
Height: 23 3/4 in (90-95th%)
Head Circumference: 39 cm (75th%)

Julia had 4 immunization shots today. The nurse (bless her!) was very, very quick when adminstering them. Julia didn't realize she should be upset until the 3rd shot. She got quite angry, but we both survived it.

Julia's stats: 5 weeks

Very tall apples fall from very tall trees...

Weight: 10 lbs 2 oz (75th%)
Height: 23 1/4 in (97th%)