This morning was Joshua's 18-month well-baby visit, even though he's 19 months old. Since I request certain doctors, we've fallen behind schedule by a month waiting for their availability. Today we saw Dr. Tifft. Joshua now weighs 23 lbs 11 oz and is still in the 20th percentile for weight. Dr. Tifft said that was a good thing because that shows he's growing at a normal rate for him and has remained constant in the 20th percentile. Okay! We'll take it! He's over 32 inches long and considered the 45th percentile for height. So, he's a lean, mean growing machine! Dr. Tifft wasn't worried about Joshua's lack of eating - he said it's very normal for kids at his age to eat one good meal every other day. The key is to not just feed him what he wants (which we tend to do) or he'll be eating "peanut butter and waffles" for the rest of his life (Joshua doesn't eat peanut butter & waffles, but this was what Dr. Tifft used to explain that we need to continue to offer him healthy choices for his meals & snacks.)
Dr. Tifft thinks Joshua's physical development is on par, and I had to fill out a survey about his interaction which also shows him to be normal for his age. But, Dr. Tifft somewhat disagreed with Gerome's suggestions for behavior intervention. He commented that the idea is to not get into conflict with your child. So, you should baby-proof your house as much as humanly possible so that every little thing isn't a 'fight.' Then, set limits on things you can't change and when Joshua goes to do something he's not allowed, try to redirect him. On the other hand, if he continues to do it, then it's time for time-outs where he sits still for a minute. If he doesn't sit there, we need to hold him there for a minute. This will teach him right from wrong. He also said to avoid TV altogether. So, I guess you take the best of both opinions and see what works for your child. I do have the utmost respect for Dr. Tifft and for Gerome, and I think they both have Joshua's best interest at heart.
Dr. Tifft was impressed with Joshua's behavior as he examined him. Joshua giggled as he listened to his heart and allowed him to freely look in his ears. This was a first for us, too, and Dr. Tifft noted that not many children his age would sit so still and be so congenial. Unfortunately, the tears came later when Joshua received two shots. His vaccines are all up-to-date now, and he shouldn't need to get anything at his 2-year check-up. Dr. Tifft also mentioned that we can start potty-training now by sitting him on the toilet first thing in the morning and before baths, etc. to get him used to the idea. What a big boy! I can't believe he's growing up so fast!
Our little Joshua is truly growing by the minute. I see it in the way he interacts with us and talks more and more. Other words in his vocabulary that I thought of or have heard recently include 'Yum, yum,' 'Choo-choo,' 'Vroom-vroom,' 'Book,' 'Bow-wow-wow,' 'two' (which he says every time one of us shoots a ball into his bucket and scores) and others. He also listens to things you say. For example, I asked him if he'd like to go downstairs to help mommy take the laundry out of the dryer. He went right to the top of the stairs and asked for help down (walking) and then went right into the laundry room. He LOVES to peak in the dryer and will pick up any socks that fall down, which actually is helpful. (What's not so helpful is that he closes the door all the time, even when it's not convenient.) But, he's so adorable when he's trying to be helpful and a good boy. We love our little guy very much! Hooray for a good well-baby visit!
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