Olive's Latest Check Up

I took Olive to see her pediatrician on Tuesday and she got a great report!  I always feel like it's kind of a parenting evaluation to see how well I'm doing taking care of her as well as a check up.  A tip I quickly learned was: early morning appointments are best.  Everyone is running on schedule and you don't have to spend time hanging out in the germy waiting room.  We arrived promptly at 9:30 and were called right back.

At our previous doctor visits, Olive has been really shy and hasn't really interacted with the doctor and nurses.  It might have to do with the fact that she always gets shots when we are there so maybe she's justified in feeling a little leery??  However, this time she was ready to put on a show for everyone.

Olive smiled, waved, babbled and growled at the doctor.  She was happy to be examined but growled when the doctor tried to hold her.  I don't know where she learned this because I assure you there isn't any growling going on at our house.  Can I blame her cat brothers for this one??  She was obsessed with the paper on the table and wanted to krinkle it and scratch on it.

Olive is eating like a champ and has made the transition from soy formula to Gentlease really well.  She loves fruits and veggies and still dislikes rice cereal.  Her doctor suggested we try baby oatmeal so we probably will.  She is seeming eager to be mobile and is working hard on crawling as well as standing up.  

The doctor was really pleased with both of us and gave us a board book to read.  She told me I should read to her for 10 minutes a day.  I assured her that the teacher in me is making sure that Olive gets read to often.  When Olive likes a book she'll slap the pages and try to eat it.  If she dislikes it, she tries to throw it on the floor.

Olive had to get 4 shots and 1 oral vaccine.  It was technically her 6 month check up even though she's almost 8 months old - remember with our big move we got a little behind on her shot schedule... We've figured out a good routine to make the shots go as smoothly as possible.  I dress her in a two piece outfit and get her dressed after her appointment.  I put on everything except her leggings so after her shots are done I can quickly slip them back on her.

She was all smiles for the nurse and she usually screams bloody murder for her oral vaccine.  She did better this time but quickly realized she didn't have to cooperate and could make a kissy face.  The nurse said, "Well that's a first.  Most babies stick out their tongue if they don't want the medicine but she's figured out a way to make it nearly impossible for me to give her the shot.  You've got a smart one on your hands."  I was proud of my fiesty little thing!!  She eventually cooperated and then got two shots in each leg.  Olive recovered quickly and we were on our way.

Her current stats:

18.85 lbs - 75th percentile

27 in - 75th percentile

head 17.75in - 90th percentile*

*Giant heads run in the family - sorry baby :)