FIFTEEN MONTHS

I hate doctor appointments. It’s even worse when it’s your children’s
doctor appointments. And, yes, Dr. B again brought up the idea that the
girls must have gotten their father’s metabolism. Here’s why.

Maggie is now back up to the 5th percentile (from 3rd), at 18 lbs. 13 ½ oz.
She gained almost two lbs. in three months, which is excellent! I was
noticing her feeling a little heavier just the other day! She is just
over the 25th percentile for height at 30 ½ inches (up from 28 ½
inches). And she is over the 50th percentile for head circumference!

Audrey, on the other hand, has only gained ½ lb. in 3 months. She is just
barely at 17 lbs. (she has now dipped below the 3rd percentile) and
25th percentile for height at 29 ¼ inches (previously at 27 ¾ inches).
Since she has been born, she has been steadily gaining 1 ½ lbs. every 3
months. Due to lack of growth this time around (and she was a little
concerned last time and wanted to watch for a pattern), the doctor is
concerned about a condition called “failure to thrive”. We’re taking
her in for bloodwork on Saturday to check for anemia, thyroid and blood
sugar issues and have been instructed to feed, feed, feed. The thing
is, this girl loves to eat! She eats all the time! She doesn’t prefer
meat, especially red meat, but she will eat it. Just not as much or
with as much gusto as she does with carbs (just like Momma Bean). My
dad thinks this is the green light for Oreos and M&Ms!!

Otherwise, the girls are very healthy and doing well. The pediatrician isn’t
concerned about Audrey not walking. She indicated that she would be
concerned if she was 18 months old. Plus, Audrey has been practicing
for the past week or so with one or two steps. Maggie is doing just
fine and in fact the doctor was impressed with her language skills and
said that her skills overall seem to be advanced for her age! The
doctor will continue to monitor Audrey’s breathing and also stated that
they still shouldn’t have nut products (including peanut butter) until
they turn 3 years old.

My dad went with us and he was more traumatized than the girls! He can’t stand to see them cry.

Any suggestions for healhty calorie dense foods are greatly appreciated!