Well, Silas' original 9-month appointment got canceled because of the crazy amount of snow we had on that day...So we went yesterday for a 9 1/2 month appointment. :)
I always look forward to pediatrician appointments, even though it is a royal pain to rearrange his schedule for it, get all bundled up, drive and leave at least 15 extra minutes to find a parking spot (why are they so elusive?!), and then suffer the awkward waiting room where you sit in a quiet circle and try not to make eye contact (why are people like that at the doctor, but not at the park, grocery store, etc?), before you FINALLY get the answers you were waiting for.
As a first-time mom, it is hard not to wonder if I'm doing something wrong or if Silas is somehow "different" from other kids. But I like my pediatrician a lot, because not only does he push my worries/concerns aside, he doesn't encourage me to indulge in the comparison game.
For example, when I ask a question like, "Should I be concerned that Silas isn't rolling from back to front yet?" he doesn't say, "20% of babies never roll" or "There's only a 30% chance that this could mean something is wrong with him." Instead, he just asks me questions about what Silas IS doing and then says, "Every baby is different. He is healthy and normal, and he will roll/crawl/walk when he's ready. Just enjoy."
The vague answers can sometimes be frustrating, because part of me WANTS numbers and statistics, but I think they are good for my soul. I need to trust the Lord and not trust in numbers. And I really don't want to be the mom who's always comparing my kid with other kids. Silas is Silas.
So anyway, here is what Dr. had to say:
Silas weighs 18 lbs 13 oz. I know that's small for his age, but the doctor didn't tell me what percentile he's in, and I decided it was better for me not to ask. :)
I don't know how long he is. I think I missed that, and then I forgot to ask about it.
Silas is healthy and normal and happy. VERY happy.
Silas can't wave bye-bye, probably because we never model it for him. But he can clap, which Dr. says is more advanced than waving anyway. Ha.
Silas doesn't roll, but he sits very well, which means he COULD roll if he wanted to.
Silas is very content to be where he is; he lacks the motivation to move around, and that's why he hasn't acquired some motor skills. (I could have told you that.)
Silas has a "hyperactive gag reflex," which is why he throws up all the time. Nothing to worry about; he'll eat finger foods when he's ready. I'm supposed to let him practice his fine motor skills by having him play with Cheerios, and one day he'll just pop one into his mouth.
Silas can say "Da da" but not "Ma ma" but he does say "Na na" (sometimes) which is more advanced than "Ma ma." And he has no idea what he's saying, so I'm not hurt that he can't identify me yet. :)
Proud moment: When Dr. came in, Silas was happily playing with a toy. Dr. laid Silas down to check things out, and I moved to take away the toy. Dr. said, "No, that's okay, I don't want him to be upset." I said, "Oh, he won't care," and whisked the toy away. Silas smiled. Dr. was wide-eyed in disbelief. "Wow," Dr. said. "He really IS a content little guy."
We have the best baby in the whole world. Not to brag or anything... :)
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So tell us something we don't already know!!! We know that he is the best baby in the universe! :~) I like your doctor too. Give Silas some squeezes and kisses from gjyshi and gjyshja!!
ReplyDeleteLove you guys, Mom
I know you're trying not to compare here, but if it makes you feel any better, most of my friends babies (and my own) are not doing the rolling thing very well either. Simeon rolls over like once a month, mostly only when he's really upset about being down for a nap or something and is so agitated he flails enough to roll himself over. Hardly ever is it purposeful :-)
ReplyDeleteJess - It is so easy to fall into the comparison trap and to grade yourself as a mother based on what your child can and can not do. When I am tempted to do this, I remember that my Jerek is a gift from God and nothing less. God CHOSE me, above anyone else, to be his mother and what he has given me is a vessel to nurture and care for and raise in a way that is glorifying and honoring to the Creator that made him. Honestly, in the long run, it doesn't matter when he rolls over, when he walks (the later the better I think :-), when he talks, and what he does well or doesn't do so well. What DOES matter is that you raise him up in a family that honors God in all you do and give him every opportunity to experience the Lord in real and tangible ways. This way he is given every chance you can give him to see and experience the power of Jesus Christ in your lives and then choose to live his life that way as well.
ReplyDelete~Erin Beamon