Thursday, January 28, 2010

15-Month Checkup

Sunday Topher turned 15 months old, and on Tuesday he went in for his 15-month checkup. He weighed in at over 27 lbs and he measured 32" tall. That put him in the 80th percentile for both categories--such a proportionate little guy! The doctor said he looked great, and we felt a swell of pride as the nurses said they loved his chubby legs. Unfortunately, the appointment came with a mean round of vaccines. He got 4 pokes, more than he ever has before, and the nurses gave one shot in each thigh at the same time, then had to repeat. Topher turned very red as he held his breath waiting to scream and it was awful to watch, but he settled down very quickly once they were done. I'm SO glad that appointment is over because he will not need another shot until he gets his kindergarten vaccines. Also, he received his chicken pox vaccine so hopefully it will drastically minimize the effects of chicken pox when he catches it someday. I'm so thankful for modern medicine.
On the way home, we were talking about how Topher has only had ONE unscheduled doctor's visit in his life (for these weird bumps on his hands that the doctor was unconcerned about and we later decided were ant bites or something equally as strange.) Other than that, he has had a couple colds, but he has never needed a prescription and has never had an ear infection. We are sure it has a lot to do with him staying home with me rather than being in daycare. We count his health as our greatest blessing, we really do, one we NEVER take for granted. We realize someday he will be exposed to more kids and he will start catching all the germs out there, but our hope is that by that time, he will be old enough for "real" medicine (babies are basically limited to Tylenol) and that he can tell us when something is hurting. I thank my Heavenly Father every single night for his good health. It's a miracle, especially considering his early arrival into the world.
At 15 months, he can do so many things! Topher is walking about 50% of the time, and a little more every day. He holds his arms straight out when he walks in a sort of zombie-walk, and he is far from steady, but he's doing great. He is also showing that he understands a lot more than he can communicate. He'll listen when you give him directions and he will respond appropriately (most of the time.) He's learning new words. Yesterday he very clearly copied me when I pointed out a duck.
He is a rocket going up the stairs...yesterday I thought the baby gate was up but it wasn't and I turned my back for maybe 20 seconds. I heard him squawking and found him all the way at the top of the entire staircase (15 steps), just smiling and talking to himself. He is starting to shows signs of being very attached to mommy which he has never really done before. Needless to say, my arms get tired a lot (he's heavy!) Whenever he hears the sound of the garage door opening, he immediately starts saying, "Dad, dad." He LOVES to look at pictures of animals and he loves it when we ask him to point out different ones.
All in all, he's just becoming who he is and he's just extremely easy to love. If he had a weak point, it would be sleeping through the night, but we've all settled into a routine that seems to work alright (although it can get frustrating when we're ready for bed and he very clearly is not). His very, very favorite thing in the world is dancing with me. Our keyboard plays a couple demo songs and he'll point to the keyboard until I turn on "our" song and then he'll tuck his arms in and snuggle down into me with his head on my shoulder while I spin and sway around the room. It's totally exhausting but it makes him SO happy. The only problem is he cries whenever I stop (which I only ever do because my arms are going numb!) He can find his belly button, even though I'm convinced he still can't actually see it over the mound of his tummy, and he knows exactly what to do with a phone (this video was taken last night).
Topher, as always we're so proud of you for growing into such a big boy. We love you VERY much and we don't know what we'd do without you. We're sorry you had to get those shots but you were so brave about it! We can't wait to see what new things you're going to learn today, and tomorrow, and the day after that. Thank you for all the smiles--they make everything worth it.
--KC

2 comments:

  1. he's becoming such a 'big boy', I can't believe he can point out all of those animals! you've got a genius on your hands. :) He seems to be growing and learning so well, you guys must be so proud.

    Love,
    Tina

    p.s. I love that last photo of him in the bathtub...it seems to show his true personality.

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  2. Topher...you make my day every day that I watch your videos! I am so thankful for the computer and videos to keep up with you! Thanks Karen for the time it takes...it means so much! Love you forever...mom

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