18 month checkup

Ava's 18 month checkup was this morning and everything went well!  She weighs 26lbs( 75th percentile,) and is 32 inches tall ( 75th percentile.)  I had some questions and concerns and all were answered well.

1.  Should Ava be taking vitamins?  Answer: If you feel as if she is not eating well.  Me: Ava has a wonderful appetite and eats her veggies, still does not care for CAKE or ICE CREAM!  She eats dried fruit but not fresh fruit.  Overall, she eats very well I think so we will hold off on the vitamins until I think she really needs them.

2.  Ava's feet turn in, does she need to see a specialist?  Answer:  No, her feet will correct themselves, doctors do not prescribe corrective shoes or casts anymore.  Her feet are not severe and will correct themselves.  Me:  I figured this was the case but I just wanted to check with the doctor and am relieved to hear they are fine and that her hips look great!

3.  Ava is still not talking should I go ahead and call First Steps?  Answer:  Yes, she is behind if she does not have at least six words.  Some 18 month old children have 15-20 words and are starting to group words together.  Me:  Perfect this was all I needed to hear.  I am relieved we are getting her some help.  I have gone back and forth as of what I should do with Ava's speech.  Should I go ahead and call?  Should I give her more time?  Now I know and I have called.  I should hear something within 5 days to set up our first appointment.  The first appointment will be paperwork only.  The second appointment will be the evaluation.

I cannot express how happy I am just to get the ball rolling on this issue, it's been driving me crazy for quite some time.  I think Ava has trouble on a cognitive level.  She understands what you are saying but she can't seem to form the words and speak.  I know this frustrates her and makes her upset.

I don't wish anything on my kids but I'm glad that speech is where she is delayed and not something else.  When you get into occupational, behavior, social-emotional issues it's like a whole new ball game.  As a preschool teacher I have seen and had to deal with these issues before.  Speech is something that can be corrected fairly easy, and we are catching it very early.  I'm glad we are taking action now as opposed to her being 3 or 4.  Then we would be dealing with other issues as well because it would hold her back socially.  Well, I think you get where I am going.  I have a very positive outlook on miss Ava's speech and I really feel like everything will be just fine.  I am so excited that first steps comes to your home for all appointments.  With a new baby this will be so convenient!

In other news my doctor's appointment last week was a little surprising.  It seems my blood pressure is elevated(150/90.)  I always have low blood pressure so she is going to monitor me closely and possibly take the baby early(first week of June) if necessary.  Pre-clampsia is usually more common in your first pregnancy so who knows?  She had mentioned bed rest and I just about flipped out.  I could not sit in bed all day if you payed me.  Maybe one day, but not 4 weeks that is just ridiculous.  If the baby is taken the first week of June he will be born at 37 weeks, which I feel very comfortable about.  If it's the best thing for the baby I don't have a problem with it. I have been taking my blood pressure at home(actually at kroger) and it seems to stay between 120-130/70.  I think everything will be just fine and Alex may or may not be arriving on the 22nd.