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We went to the pediatrician last week for Samantha’s 24 month check-up. The doctor walked in and said “Wow, I haven’t seen you in a while!” After looking at her chart, he commented that the last time he saw us was when he recommended tubes for her ears. That was 6 months ago, so he said it was in fact the right decision. It wasn’t cold season during that time, but still, Samantha has been fairly healthy for a good while now.

So, on to her check-up. The doctor said everything looks great. In general, she’s about 60th percentile in growth. Her language development is not where it needs to be, but I think it has drastically improved in the last month or two. He doesn’t seem to be alarmed to it. She got a HiB shot (had a nationally shortage for the last year, otherwise she should’ve had it at her 12 month appointment), a flu shot, and a H1N1 flu nose mist. She’ll have to go back in a month and get the booster shot for the H1N1.

I’m pooped. I’ve been working a lot, so that doesn’t leave much time for photography or updating one’s website.

We have enjoyed a few weekends at home after a busy April. Catching up on little things makes me feel better. I’ve been decorating a little bit. I feel like I’m horrible at decorating a house, so I’ve been trying to put my style into the house just a bit. Not a moment too soon, since we’ve been here for nearly 6 years…

Samantha had her 18 months checkup last week. She’s growing well and very average. Everything was right on, except for her speech. She’s not saying as many words as is normal at this age. I’m not worried about it because the girl “talks” constantly and I know words will come in due time. The doctor is not worried about it because her “receptive” language is good. She really does understand exactly what we say. She knows most of her body parts and all sorts of other everyday words. However, her lack of words may be due to the fact that she has yet another ear infection. The doctor said it’s time to go to an ENT and get tubes. Having constant ear infections can make sounds muffled, so she may not be hearing properly, therefore her speech will be affected. I’m not totally convinced that it’s the right course of action, but we at least need to give it a try (going to the ENT that is). They might have other options for us.

Samantha had her 15 month checkup a few days ago. Everything’s going well, this time. The doctor said she did have some residual fluid in one of her ears, but because she was sick for so long, he wasn’t concerned. Other than that, she got a clean bill of health. She’s in the 70th percentile for height, but 30th for weight. He said she’s got 2 molars in the back already, and it looks like 2 more are about to cut through too. I had noticed that she was drooling A LOT, but hadn’t even noticed the teeth in the back. Her mood didn’t seem to be nearly as affected this time around. We’ve tried to look in her mouth since then, but we can’t seem to pry it open.

In other news, we are smitten with a new house. We’ll see if it works out for us. More news on that later.

I have a few news items to report. Samantha has become a bit of a climber lately. She is very interested in climbing up anything that will sustain her – people, furniture, the bath tub, her walker, for example.

I have also seen evidence today that she is chewing on her crib. I knew the day would come, and frankly, I’m surprised that it took so long. I don’t know how long it’s been going on, but our gently worn crib is hanging in there nicely.

And lastly, she is imitating our sounds amazingly these days. She has learned to say “mmmmm” when she picks up a toy cow and “aaaaaa” when she picks up a toy sheep. Also, she makes a kiss sound “mmm smack” if you give her a kiss.

Samantha had her 12 month doctor’s visit and a photo session last week. There should be some photos for your viewing pleasure in Samantha’s library. She had a good doctor’s visit – including 4 shots. She has to go back in a month to get her flu booster shot. She was 20 lbs, 2 oz (which means we can turn the car seat around – barely – yay!) and 29.5″ long.

Samantha had her 9 month check up this week. It’s a little late, but she’s doing well. She weighs 17 lbs 12 oz, which is in the 25th percentile. She’s always been about average, so the doctor said increased activity tends to lessen weight gain. I’m going to start supplementing with formula just in case though. Actually, I’ve been doing that for a while, so now I’m going to do it more often.
She has really started scooting these days. She gets up on her hands and knees and rocks and bounces, but has yet to really start crawling. She can get to where she wants to go though, it’s just a little slow.