Four Year Checkup

Yesterday Daniel had his four year doctor's appointment. This appointment was quite different than any of his other appointments. Of course they did the standard items like weight ( 36 lbs., 50%) and height (38.5 inches, 25%) and taking his temperature, but Daniel also took an eye test, hearing test and got his blood pressure taken. The other big difference was the doctor asked Daniel a lot of the questions and not me. Daniel was asked to name the colors of the clothes he wore (Daniel also pointed out that his shirt was striped), if he could dress himself (Daniel also told the doctor that this morning he was even able to button the very top button of his shirt), if he brushes his teeth every day, if he can ride a bike and wears a helmet, if he could stand on one leg and if he could copy a letter T that the doctor drew.

Daniel actually really enjoyed the doctor's visit and didn't mind being poked and prodded and asked question. But what impressed me the most was his handling of his shots. When the doctor told me Daniel would be getting four different injections I was shocked. I don't think I would even be willing to get that many at one time. So before the nurse came in I explained to Daniel what was going to happen and told him that the shots might hurt a little bit, although in my mind I was thinking they were going to hurt like a mother.

Daniel sat bravely on the table as the nurse jammed four different syringes into his little arms, two on each side. His didn't whine, whimper or cry. When the nurse was all done he said they didn't hurt at all. The nurse was so impressed she gave him three toys and two lollipops. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised because Daniel has always risen to the occasion and surpassed my expectations.

Another highlight of our visit was when the doctor was going over a checklist with me of issues and concerns. When he came to the topic of discipline he said, 'I can tell by your boy's behavior that we don't need to discuss discipline.' That is music to a parent's ears.

So Daniel's four year appointment was pretty darn perfect. We didn't have to wait too long, Daniel and Sammy behaved perfectly (although Sammy did trip and fall on his face and cried for a while), Daniel is growing both physically and mentally and is healthy and happy. That's about as good as it gets.