Sammy’s 18 Month Check-Up

There are two parts to this story: 1) the stats and 2) the story behind the check-up.

I will cover the story first. Now that Annie is mostly back working in the office five days per week rather than four, I had to take Sammy by myself to the doctor. Sure it sounds like no big deal but it kind of is to me. Iâ??ve taken him to job sites, the park, and the store alone plus Iâ??m home alone with him all week while Annie is at workâ?¦but this just felt different.

All that said, I handled it like a big boy and all is well. This work at home dad thing is certainly unique and has its rough moments but overall itâ??s pretty incredible.

Now, what did the doc have to say?

Sammyâ??s lungs and heart sound fine. All other physical things they check for were good. The doc was impressed with Sammyâ??s verbal skills, how much self-confidence he has, and how well behaved and happy he was.

Again, we know weâ??re doing pretty good as parents but itâ??s always nice to have reassurance from the doc.

Now for the numbers:

Height: 34 inches (90^th percentile)

Weight: 28 pounds 11 ounces (80^th percentile)

We know the kid will grow up to be tall. That just runs in the DNA. However, Annie and I (along with many other people) thought for sure heâ??d be at 32 to 35 pounds. It feels like it when you lug him around anyways. So we were off on that one.

Some side notes:

I asked about discipline and the doc says that up until about 4 years old the primary method of discipline should be time outs. He says the reason behind this is that it teaches them there is a consequence to their behavior.

I asked about Sammyâ??s drinking habits (that sounds funny doesnâ??t it?). Sammy drinks a lot of milk but we have been doing bottles of about half water and half milk because heâ??s not a fan of water by itself. Doc said that was fine and it was actually good that we decided to add water so Sammy stays hydrated. He said the only time milk is an issue is if they are not eating enough. We most certainly do not have that issue with little dude.

I guess thatâ??s it. Another milestone for me as the work at home dad. We survived and Sammy did really good, even with the one vaccine he received today. Heâ??s way more manly than me, I HATE needles. Next visit will be at the two year markâ?¦WOW, almost two years old!!