Checkups... and other news
Last week, N had her 3-year checkup. Daddy took both the girls while Mommy stayed home and had a cleaning day. N did extremely well, passed her physical examination with flying colors, and even was able to answer most of the doctor's questions by herself while Daddy was entertaining L. She had to have blood drawn for a lead test, and I am told she was extremely cooperative and brave, so much so that she was given a toy ring and earrings as a prize. No tears at all! (P.S. L was also given a miniature frisbee as a prize for patiently flipping through dozens of board books with Daddy while N had her checkup.) Here are N's stats at age 3:
Weight: 30.2 pounds (43rd percentile)
Height: 3 feet, 2.25 inches (or 38.25 inches, 76th percentile)
Mommy had a checkup yesterday too, "for my baby" as N says. I've gained 2 pounds since my last appointment 4 weeks ago, adding to a total of 9 pounds for the entire pregnancy so far, which my doctor described as "perfect." Since I'm halfway through the pregnancy, maybe this means I'll be at or under the recommended 25 pound weight gain by the end? Time will tell. Cutie Pie was her usual active self for the appointment, kicking the doppler microphone several times while the doctor was trying to listen to her heartbeat.
Incidentally, we've been eating mostly vegetarian for the last month, as the end of the summer is a notoriously lean financial time for us teachers. Since I know that protein is an especially important building-block for baby's cells, I'm keeping pretty good track of my intake to get enough. The surprising thing is, most days I'm right on the mark for my recommended daily 65 grams, even without any meat. Maybe you vegetarians out there will scoff at me, but I never before realized how easy it is to have a well-rounded diet from plant sources. I mean, I sort of knew that, but I never really sat down and did the math. And I guess I was falling for the (misguided) myth in America that you have to eat huge chunks of meat every day to get enough protein. M recently read a book (Born to Run-- I've mentioned it on this blog before) that describes ultra-marathon runners from native tribes who subsist and thrive on meatless diets, and obviously these are serious athletes who need a lot of protein. M always quotes the author of this book, who says that the perfect diet for a runner would be to "eat like a poor person" (lots of beans, rice, lentils, veggies, and other plants). Well, we are poor, and we're eating like poor people, and it seems to be keeping us all pretty healthy, including our family member in-utero. I'm just sayin'.
But I digress...
Speaking of N and growing up to the ripe old age of 3, I have been so proud of her lately. She's really listening well, and being very obedient and helpful. She's becoming more independent on the potty too, after going through a bit of a slump. Last night after L went to sleep, N and I were playing together, and she calmly remarked, "I think I have to go potty," and got up to go, doing everything completely by herself. A few weeks ago it would have been the usual drama of Mommy seeing N doing the peepee dance, Mommy asking if N has to go potty, N saying no, and then either an accident ensuing or threats having to be made to get her to sit on the potty. She's also been really helpful picking up toys, and helping me establish a little morning routine for us girls (which I'm starting now because I believe it will be vital to getting N to preschool on time in the fall). N helps make the beds in the morning and helps little sister brush her teeth. It's been such a relief to me, thinking about the new baby coming, and knowing that N is getting older and more responsible and able to handle lots of things by herself. I'm not counting on her to be so compliant and helpful every single day, but so far she has been amazing.
There's a lot to write about L too, who amazes us with new stunts (either charming or dangerous) every day. Her 15-month appointment is coming soon, so maybe I'll save the news of her newest accomplishments for a post following that checkup. Stay tuned!
Weight: 30.2 pounds (43rd percentile)
Height: 3 feet, 2.25 inches (or 38.25 inches, 76th percentile)
Mommy had a checkup yesterday too, "for my baby" as N says. I've gained 2 pounds since my last appointment 4 weeks ago, adding to a total of 9 pounds for the entire pregnancy so far, which my doctor described as "perfect." Since I'm halfway through the pregnancy, maybe this means I'll be at or under the recommended 25 pound weight gain by the end? Time will tell. Cutie Pie was her usual active self for the appointment, kicking the doppler microphone several times while the doctor was trying to listen to her heartbeat.
Incidentally, we've been eating mostly vegetarian for the last month, as the end of the summer is a notoriously lean financial time for us teachers. Since I know that protein is an especially important building-block for baby's cells, I'm keeping pretty good track of my intake to get enough. The surprising thing is, most days I'm right on the mark for my recommended daily 65 grams, even without any meat. Maybe you vegetarians out there will scoff at me, but I never before realized how easy it is to have a well-rounded diet from plant sources. I mean, I sort of knew that, but I never really sat down and did the math. And I guess I was falling for the (misguided) myth in America that you have to eat huge chunks of meat every day to get enough protein. M recently read a book (Born to Run-- I've mentioned it on this blog before) that describes ultra-marathon runners from native tribes who subsist and thrive on meatless diets, and obviously these are serious athletes who need a lot of protein. M always quotes the author of this book, who says that the perfect diet for a runner would be to "eat like a poor person" (lots of beans, rice, lentils, veggies, and other plants). Well, we are poor, and we're eating like poor people, and it seems to be keeping us all pretty healthy, including our family member in-utero. I'm just sayin'.
But I digress...
Speaking of N and growing up to the ripe old age of 3, I have been so proud of her lately. She's really listening well, and being very obedient and helpful. She's becoming more independent on the potty too, after going through a bit of a slump. Last night after L went to sleep, N and I were playing together, and she calmly remarked, "I think I have to go potty," and got up to go, doing everything completely by herself. A few weeks ago it would have been the usual drama of Mommy seeing N doing the peepee dance, Mommy asking if N has to go potty, N saying no, and then either an accident ensuing or threats having to be made to get her to sit on the potty. She's also been really helpful picking up toys, and helping me establish a little morning routine for us girls (which I'm starting now because I believe it will be vital to getting N to preschool on time in the fall). N helps make the beds in the morning and helps little sister brush her teeth. It's been such a relief to me, thinking about the new baby coming, and knowing that N is getting older and more responsible and able to handle lots of things by herself. I'm not counting on her to be so compliant and helpful every single day, but so far she has been amazing.
There's a lot to write about L too, who amazes us with new stunts (either charming or dangerous) every day. Her 15-month appointment is coming soon, so maybe I'll save the news of her newest accomplishments for a post following that checkup. Stay tuned!
yay for vegetarian meals! I love vegetarian food. good for you on the protein -- I must admit I often don't get that many grams, but I also probably don't need as much as you, since you have a little one on the way.
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