Tag: doctor

Decorating and 18 Month Check Up

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.

15 Month Check Up

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.

Yet Another Ear Infection

Yesterday, I took Samantha to the doctor’s office to get her flu booster shot. At her age, she needs to receive 2 flu shots to make sure the vaccine will work. While I was there, I asked if the doctor could look in her ears to make sure that the infection had gone away. Monday was Day 10 of the antibiotics.

The right ear was infected last time, and it still is. The left ear now has an infection too. I don’t think the infection ever went away, so this round of antibiotics was not effective (keep in mind it was not penicillin-based). However, this counts as ear infection #4 – and 3 in 6 weeks. The doctor prescribed one more antibiotic. If she doesn’t get better this time, we’ll have to go see an ENT and start having the tube discussion. I’m not sure how I feel about that.

In other news, she began walking in earnest tonight. I know we’ve said that for weeks now, but this time, it’s for real. At least it seems so. She had been taking those 5-6 steps in between us for weeks. Tonight, she would venture off course and even began walking laps in her bedroom. It was very cool. She gets very frustrated when she falls and has to get back up on her own, but I think she’ll have that mastered soon enough. Big day.

ANOTHER Ear Infection and Rash

So, Samantha has been sick since the end of September. She’s had a runny nose and a cough that has not gone away. This led to an ear infection shortly before her birthday, which of course, may have led to the allergic reaction on her birthday from the penicillin. But, the runny nose and cough never went away.

This past week, she’s had a rash that mysteriously appears and disappears on all parts of her body randomly. It’s strange. She’s been sleeping A LOT and is pretty irritable when she’s awake. Brian finally decided enough was enough and decided to take her to the doctor. She has another ear infection and something called Fifth’s Disease. Fifth’s disease is a viral infection that caused the mottled rash. The doctor immediately recognized it and said that it was going around. We just have to let it take its course and it will eventually go away. We got a non-penicillin antibiotic for her ear. Brian made the theory that she gets an ear infection anytime a new tooth comes in (#7 is on its way and I think some back molars are coming in too). I’ve heard a friend of mine say that her son got an ear infection anytime a tooth came through, so I think his theory is certainly possible. Maybe one of these days, she’ll begin to feel better. You can tell that she just doesn’t feel well.

In other news, we hope to see you all soon. If not, have a Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Belated Birthday, Lauren!

Climbing, Chewing and More

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.