Four Year Check Up

Jaydon's 4 year check-up was on Jan 23rd. He measured 43 1/4 inches (95th percentile) and 37 pounds (69th percentile). That's almost 4 inches taller than a year ago...ridiculous! At this rate he'll be taller than me by the time he's 10. It really is amazing that a child can grow this fast. By the way Jaydon eats sometimes, though, it's not that hard to believe. The latest shocker for me in terms of height is that Jaydon can now wash his hands at our kitchen sink without using a step stool (he hasn't needed a step stool in the bathrooms for awhile). As I write this observation I realize that this is likely something only a Mother would find noteworthy, ponder, and share with the world (at least this Mother would). I suppose that's one of the joys of being a Mom...little things could go by without notice or care, but instead they are treasured for meaning so much more.

Anyways, back to the appointment...Jaydon was fantastic and friendly as usual with the nurses and his doctor (who we will miss since we're on the hunt for a new doctor in our new town - a thirty minute drive to the doctor is just too far). One of my favorite parts of the appointment was when Dr. K asked Jay to breathe deeply so he could check him with his stethoscope. Jay took the task to heart, inhaling and exhaling with so much passion and drama...leaning forward, slouching his shoulders, chin to his chest, then throwing his head back, shoulders back, and chest out..together with the loudest inhaling and exhaling I've ever heard. It was a total riot. I almost couldn't keep myself from laughing out loud. Dr. K wanted to laugh, too, but he kept it together. At another point during the exam, Dr. K asked Jaydon to lie down and pretend he was sleeping. Once again, Jaydon took to the task very seriously. You should have seen him lying there so still, on his back with his arms to his side, and so focused on keeping his eyes shut...not at all like he sleeps in his own bed...for some reason I thought this was hilarious. He was so serious...meanwhile there I was cracking up, but so proud of him. We talked about Jaydon's allergies (as far as we know he's still allergic to peanuts and possibly cashews and pistachios - Jay's next appointment with his Allergist is in April) and related eczema. Unfortunately, it's very clear that Jaydon has inhereted my seasonal allergies and sensitive skin. Fortunately, we seem to have it under control thanks to allergy medicine and ointment. Other than the allergies, no issues, good visit.

We ended the appointment with a seasonal flu shot for Jay (and me) and Jaydon got his H1N1 nasal spray booster. When our nurse asked Jaydon if he wanted the shot first or the nasal spray first, he didn't hesitate with his response, "shot first". When he got the shot, he shivered just a moment as it was being administered, but that was it. The nasal spray went a-ok as well. Then it was my turn. As I got my shot, I was thinking (but didn't say out loud), "Ouch! That hurt!". Then I was in momentary awe thinking about how well Jay took his shot without a word about how uncomfortable (or painful) it may have been. Kids are tough!

We left that day feeling healthy and happy. It felt extra good knowing that we had not had a single sick visit over the past year - yay us! Little did we know we'd be back to see Dr. K a month later feeling congested and miserable. In short, Jaydon likely ruptured his ear drum last Saturday (Feb 27th), brought on by a cold that had been lingering for some time. By the time we went to see Dr. K on Monday (Mar 1st) the ear drum looked like it had healed. Jay had/has an ear infection on the mend. He started taking antibiotics that night. By Tuesday (Mar 2nd), Jay was pretty much back to his usual self. I, on the other hand, still feel very congested and miserable.

Lastly, an unrelated photo...this was taken at the Big Y Kids Fair in Hartford on Valentine's Day.