Pediatrician

Today was Ada's two year pediatrician appointment, and I was dreading it. For so many reasons, really.

One, I knew this would be the first time that Ada would really "get it" about the shots, and I just knew she would wonder why I was allowing the nurse to do something so horrible to her. I have to admit, that part was every bit as bad as I thought it would be. I just kept my face very close to hers, and I kissed her tear-streaked face over and over. Luckily, the nurse moves so fast, so it was over quickly, but she was not okay for a while. I have been giving her tylenol throughout the day to ward off any fever that might come as a result. So far, so good.

Two, last time Ada had a doctor's appointment, she sobbed through every bit of it--the weighing, the measuring, the eyes, ears and nose checking, so I wasn't sure how today would go. She actually did surprisingly well, and even seemed to enjoy standing up on the scale.

She weighs a whopping 22 1/2 lbs, by the way, which puts her below the 5th percentile. Her height and head circumference are more normal, coming in at around the 50th percentile. But the doctor said her weight and growth are right on target based on her previous visits, so I breathed a sigh of relief over that. Sometimes I worry just a bit over her small frame and lack of appetite. Our doctor is known for being very "weight sensitive," so if he seems fine with her weight gain, then I can certainly relax.

Third, and what I was most concerned about, was once again discussing Ada's "bathroom problems" with the doctor. She continues to have trouble going to the bathroom, and it is an issue that consumes most of my days. Scott and I and even my mother talk about it, think about it, contemplate solutions...all of the time, so I desperately wanted some answers today.

At first the doctor didn't really take me very seriously, but as he continued to ask me questions, he decided to refer me to a GI Specialist because he said that, "this pattern of hers doesn't seem very normal." In my head I replied, "you think?!!!" but instead I politely responded, "yeah, I just don't want her to get older and older and this continue to be a problem.

I am not eager, however, to take her to a GI Specialist where they will have to do who knows what uncomfortable procedure, so I am first making an appointment with my childhood pediatrician and family friend, who practices in Huntsville, AL. Ann takes her kids to him now, and he is as smart as the dickens. I really, really trust his judgement, so I want to get his perspective on the situation before we go to a specialist. I want to avoid any potentially frightening situations as long as possible. (frightening for Ada I mean).

After the doctor, I felt like Ada needed a treat (and I was starving!!!!!!), so we went to a local restaurant on the square and shared a plate of eggs, grits, and bacon. It was so good to this famished mom-to-be, and Ada scarfed down her fair share as well. I had forgotten how much I love grits, but this morning they hit the spot. I am such a first time mom, in that I feel a twinge of sadness when I think that mine and Ada's little partnership is coming to an end in February. Obviously I know that a sibling is the best thing for her, but I also feel the need to soak up special Ada time between now and then. I know it's sort of ridiculous for me to even feel this way, but the sadness is there anyway, mixed in with the excitement over this new life.

So, we survived another doctor's appointment, and we have six months until we have to do it all over again.