Lyla: Five Year Old Check-Up

Lyla had her annual check up this week! I have been posting her growth stats to the blog her entire life, but I decided this will most likely be the last time I share them on the internet. I think at some point this information becomes irrelevant and I can only imagine the way Lyla would feel about me if I kept the blog updated through all the glorious phases of puberty. Haha! Not that we are even close to any of that, but five years old just seems like a good stopping point. 

I will have to think of something new to post on a frequent basis throughout the adolescent years. Perhaps her grades, assuming they are good. Hahaha! 

Weight: 41 lbs, 55th percentile

Height: 45 inches, 98th percentile

Lyla has always been taller than average, but every doctor has always told me that can fluctuate when they are babies and it doesn't necessarily determine their height long term. However, now that is she is a five year old and growth has steadied, I am now told she will most likely remain on the road to being a tall person. Again, irrelevant to anything that matters in life, but I have always related more to the short person end of the spectrum, so now I'm just imagining all the potential in having a TALL daughter. The possibilities are endless!!!! 

Annual Check-Ups: Lyla 4 & Maxwell 3

We visited the doctor this week to get a couple of annual check-ups marked off our list. It was the first time each of them were given an eye exam and for some reason I found that part entertaining. They aren't required to name letters yet, just shapes. I enjoyed how they called the same shape different names --- Lyla said it a circle, and to Max it was a wheel. Regardless, their answers earned them a pass, which is a good sign considering I was three when my eyesight took a nose dive.  

Lyla received four booster vaccinations during this visit. She was super brave and bragged the rest of the day about how she didn't cry at all. I will be sure to remind her of these tough girl inconsistencies next time she is on the verge of winning an academy award as I'm brushing her hair. It's similar to her reaction in the bathtub when she gets water in her eyes, as opposed to how easily she brushes it off in the swimming pool. She is quite silly, but I imagine her dramatics will come in useful throughout her lifetime. 

Max won't be due for another round of shots until we schedule a check-up again next year. We had to see the doctor on such a frequent basis when they were babies, it feels strange to finally be on an annual schedule. It's rare for us to visit the doctor for anything else and I feel pretty fortunate to have healthy kiddos. 

I suppose at some point I should probably stop posting their measurements to the blog, but for now I think it's still fine. I promise the exposure will stop as soon as I hear one of them pleading to keep their weight off the internet. I can already see myself hovered over my keyboard, calling each of them after they have moved out of the house, "Yes, hello sweetie, can you go weigh yourself for the blog?" Hahaha! Kidding. They would hang up on me for sure. 

Maxwell Monte: 

Height: 37.5 inches, 65th percentile

Weight: 33.6. lbs, 52nd percentile

Lyla Estelle:

Height: 43 inches, 88th percentile

Weight: 37.6 lbs, 54th percentile

Maxwell: 2.5 Year Old Check-Up

Weight: 31 pounds, 62nd percentile

Height: 36 inches, 75th percentile

This little dude had a check-up today. It was a simple visit, as no shots were required. He is a healthy little boy & the doctor recognized nothing worthy of concern. We are so grateful for our growing little boy! He is a little ball of energy that fits perfectly into our puzzle.

It feels like I haven't made one of these "doctor recap" posts in forever. I guess that's a sign my babies are growing up! It still seems odd that we are a diaper-free family. There is part of me that wishes I could reverse time and bottle them up just as they were, but the other part of me is relishing in the delight of having increasingly more self-sufficient children. As they grow physically & mentally, our experiences together continue on the same path of progress. The roots of our family are growing deep & I couldn't ask for anything better.

If you want to see the post about Max's previous check-up just click ---> here!

Grandpa Paul aka Boise Police

There are always happy times in store whenever my dad decides to visit Texas, although we insist he's due to bring Shelby along with him next time. Lyla seems to think Teddy [the dog] can simply sit in his lap for the duration of his flight next time as well. 

My dad likes to maintain his reputation as a low maintenance house guest, even pointing out that his newest tag line is "all I need is beer money and a coat." He claims he is going to print it up on t-shirts and make his fortune. He also put a spin on the notorious phrase about coffee by coming up with,  "don't even talk to me before I've had my first energy drink." I'm still laughing over that one because not only is it true about him, but it doubles as a mockery to all coffee drinkers like myself. My dad is the perfect blend of sarcasm and honesty. He never fails to make me laugh. He would probably be mad at me for exposing his ideas to the world, lucky for him I only have three blog followers. 

We visited Santa during his visit, which is the second time it's worked out for the old fellas to be in town at the same time. Lyla wore a crown to the mall --- as I mentioned earlier, all that ego building from Grandma Paula over the past few days has really gone to her head. Anyway, she removed the crown as we approached the Santa display and  I asked her for what reason. She said, "Oh, I don't want Santa to know I'm a real princess." I'm curious what her thought process was...maybe princesses don't get presents or something...I'm not sure. It was a funny moment, regardless of her reasoning. She requested some privacy upon sitting on Santa's lap and insisted Max wait from a distance. She asked for a Barbie [borrrring!] and Max requested a "little teeny tiny batman." It's pretty cute when he asks because he uses his thumb and pointer finger to illustrate exactly how tiny he means.  I don't think Santa will have any problem fulfilling their wishes this year. I'm fully anticipating the year one of them asks for a pony or some other absurd purchase. That will be fun. It will likely happen to me next year now that I called Lyla's request for a barbie boring. C'est la vie!

My dad made us the best pork tacos known to man, along with the most amazing green sauce that I could drink from a straw if it didn't light my mouth on fire. He joined us at gymnastics on Wednesday before we had to take him to the airport to return home. Max remains oblivious, but Lyla's reaction upon watching grandpa enter the airport doors was absolutely heartbreaking. We really really don't like goodbyes. 

We have full hearts & our stockpile of treasured memories has been replenished. We have so much gratitude for all the people in our lives who love us enough to travel such a great distance to see us. It happens so much more than I ever expected. I'm going to take the next few days to restore the normal functions of our household & detox from the insane levels of butter in my system. It also occurred to me that in the midst of all the commotion Max officially turned two & a half, meaning he's due for a well-check up. We will get that checked off our list, along with a couple other maintenance items before the end of the year. We are looking forward to one more set of house guests before our final countdown to Christmas. As cliche as it may be, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year! 

Note: I just realized the title of this post may seem puzzling. My dad, being the prankster that he is, always answers the phone as "Boise Police" when we call him. Lyla is onto his tricks now, but the first time he answered this way her eyes opened wider than you could imagine as she quickly passed the phone back to me. Lyla has since started answering my cellphone as "Houston Police," with a little encouragement from me, of course. I suppose the inherited habits of constant mischief carry on...

Maxwell: 2 Year Old Check-Up

Weight: 28 pounds, 50th percentile

Height: 34 1/2 inches, 70th percentile

Head: 19 inches, 70th percentile

Max had his two year old check up today. He was very sweet and cooperative, even when it came to getting poked with the needle. The doctor said he is a healthy little boy and passing all of his milestones at normal pace. I find it funny how last appointment I was all bent out of shape about him growing three inches, but not gaining any weight and this time he gained four pounds, but only grew one inch in length. His body is clearly is balancing out growth spurts at its own pace. However, even when I tell myself it's unnecessary to worry, I tend to do it anyway.

Lyla held Max's hand and gave him praise for not crying during his shot. She is so funny. She also made a comment about the doctor being  old --- creating an awkward/laughable moment. I guess life is all about stating the obvious when you are three! 

We were in such a vigorous cycle for so long with visiting the doctor every three months that it seems crazy that both kiddos are finished with their immunizations until they reach age four. Lyla and Max also had their second dentist appointment this week. It went very well and they are both cavity free!

Maxwell's previous stats can be found by clicking ----> here!

Also, I just read my blog post from Lyla's two year old check up and about died of laughter. That little girl is full of so much sass. Her attitude still frightens me from time to time. I sure do love her though! 

Lyla: Three Year Check-Up

Lyla had a check up this week. In the past she always gets a deer in the headlights look on her face and goes completely silent when the doctor enters the room. This visit she was super chatty. The doctor determined her growth is on track, she is basically a genius, and she is the prettiest little three year old ever. I had to decline the flu shot three times before he finally got the point, other than that it was a quick & easy trip to the doctor. She doesn't have to return for another check up for one full year! 

Weight: 32 lbs, 50th percentile

Height: 38 3/4 inches, 90th percentile

To see how much Lyla has grown click here or here!

Maxwell: 18 Month Check-Up

Weight: 24 pounds 12 oz, 45th percentile

Height: 33 1/2 inches, 75th percentile

Head: 19 inches, 75th percentile

Max had his doctor appointment this week. He grew nearly three inches in three months but didn't even gain one pound. This was alarming for me. The doctor claims this is a normal phase of growth. And since he is such an active boy, he probably burns more calories than he eats. He is always eating. And he is always on the go. So I guess it makes sense. He's a healthy boy. That's the important thing. Still, I can't help but feel stressed about it.

I thought I had some parenting strategies figured out, but the same methods are proving to work differently on Max. I guess that's why they say raising a boy is a lot different than raising a girl.  I told the doctor how Max finds humor in not following direction and gave some examples of his meltdowns. Then he gave me the 411 on male psychology, as he always does. His tips are always amusing. This time he said men don't want women to tell them what to do, but they need women to tell them what to do. He advised that anytime I request something from Max, it should be followed by five praises. This goes for husbands too. He said men need to feel important and acknowledged. They are egotistical creatures. Apparently females can typically follow instruction without so much recognition.  This is just a theory about the way our brains are wired, but I think he might be onto something. LOL! 

He didn't cry for his shot. He never cries. He always gives a slightly irritated look to the nurse, but that's about it. Lyla held his hand and she claims this is why he did not cry. They are so cute. 

here is Maxwell's fifteen month check up! 

Maxwell: 15 Month Check-Up

Maxwell passed another checkpoint on the growing scale and that means yet another doctor appointment and one more shot in the leg. We are getting pretty professional at these things. 

Weight: 24 pounds 6 oz, 50th percentile

Height: 31 3/4 inches, 90th percentile

Head: 18 1/2 inches, 75th percentile

He only gained four ounces since his last weigh in. I know. I'm thinking the same thing. Say whaaaat? How does that add up if he is literally always eating? [i just read on my little 15 month handout that I should not use food as a reward. hahahaha what a silly tip.] Anyway, he is definitely a very active little boy nowadays, so I guess he is just thinning out. The sumo wrestler in Max has retired. That's just how it is. 

Another thing boggling my mind is how do we [me & kirk]  have tall children?    

A few doctor appointment highlights include:

1. The one thing that continues to impress me with this doctor is his style of practice. As I said before, he is old school and it never feels rushed. I love how he involves Lyla in the appointment and asks her questions about being a big sister. He gives her tips on how to deal with brothers who steal toys. I can tell she really listens to him. It is nice having someone new to explain those tough little brother situations because she has definitely learned to tune this mom voice out if she pleases. 

2. The doctor was surprised that Max has never visited his office for an illness. He commented that 90% of babies age 9-15 months go to the doctor at some point for an illness that requires an antibiotic. I don't know if that is a legit statistic, but hearing it was enough to make me happy. Max has never suffered through any flu symptoms, ear infections, asthma issues, allergic reactions, or other common crap that seems to attract the baby immune system. I'm definitely grateful for his health. 

3. Max doesn't like cow milk. I'm not overly concerned about it because A. he just barely made the no boob adjustment and B. like most things with toddlers, I know he will eventually surrender and [do i dare say it?] like milk! The doctor suggested I flavor the milk with chocolate or strawberry. I was surprised to hear this suggestion come from a doctor. I actually think it's a brilliant idea, just surprised is all. I need to be more consistent about offering it to him.

4. The doctor kept calling Max "so laid back" during his check up. I am only including this small bit of information in this blog entry because Kirk is extra pleased with the reputation his little man seems to be building for himself. It must be that "like father like son" mentality that makes him proud. Lol. Also, Max didn't cry or even flinch after his shot. I mean come on, Max. I was at least expecting a little wimper, but nothing. not a peep. 

However, I did hear him let out a loud & unusual scream immediately after laying him down for his afternoon nap. Afterwards, I discovered the band-aid from earlier pressed against the sheets in his crib and assumed he probably ripped that thing off. Haha. 

To visit Max's previous check up please click here. 

Lyla: 2 1/2 Year Old Check-Up

Weight: 28 lbs 4 oz, 50th percentile

Height: 37 inches, 90th percentile

My sweet little Lyla had a check up this week. She was so pumped about the appointment. All.day.long. she kept saying, "he check my heart" "he check my heart".  Then she would get this biiiig grin on her face and say, "pretty soon, mommy!" She got to wear a hospital gown for the first time and that made it an even more awesome experience. Role playing is a big thing for her right now. We visit the pretend doctor several times a week. So, naturally, getting to see the real doctor was a treat. However, the anticipation must have got the best of her, because she went completely silent once the doctor entered the room. No matter how hard he tried to charm her, she kept a stone cold poker face.

I tattled on Lyla for eating like a baby bird most days. I poured my heart out to the doctor about how stressful it is every single day trying to get this girl to eat and how some days I often wonder how she is even alive. The optimistic side of me was expecting him to wave a magic wand and all of our eating issues be solved, but all he did was smile and say welcome to the world of toddlers. His only tip was to offer food at each meal, let her be involved, and just keep trying. I practice these habits already and I also feel strongly about not forcing her to eat. I have one million different tricks. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they do not. Alas, if she is hungry, she will eat....eventually. Sigh. 

He also suggested I try to ignore her daily intake, and focus on the whole week instead. This makes sense to me because it is true that some days she will eat three well balanced meals, and the next day hardly anything at all. He reassured me that she is built tall & skinny, and that's just fine. 

Oh, then after all that, he mentioned she should be eating fish twice a week.

I literally asked him, "are you trying to be funny right now?"

I would love her for her to eat fish twice a week, but what a joke! 

I can't even convince her to eat fish shaped crackers.

The little brother is pictured below.

He was very sweet and well behaved while big sister had her check up.

Also, he is beginning to lose that baby look. I don't like that. 

Lyla's two year old stats can be found here!

Maxwell: Year One Check-up

Weight: 24 pounds 2 oz, 50th percentile

Height: 30 1/2 inches, 85th percentile

Head: 18.5 inches, 75th percentile

Max had his one year check up today. It was our first time seeing a new doctor and I am so impressed with the one I found. Dr. Leass is veteran when it comes to the world of pediatrics. He is definitely old school and as he spoke, it felt like I was getting a lesson in  childhood development 101. He is so wise and I had a comforting feeling of affirmation, as the parenting techniques he suggested are some that I already put into practice. I try to stay pretty informed on my babies developmental stages, but he enlightened me even more on some behaviors that differ from male to female that I hadn't thought of. 

Another thing that I was really impressed with was how fond Max was of him. He let Max sit on his lap and search through all the pockets of his big white doctor coat. He definitely has the grandpa touch and I felt really comfortable with him. However, he is a pusher for the flu shot soooo we might not be as good of friends this Fall when I shut him down on that one.

We didn't have to wait for what usually seems like eternity in the waiting room. His office is decked out in Disney movie posters and had toys to keep older siblings occupied. Oh, and I just remembered one more awesome thing. The nurse was so friendly and delicate. She even told Max she was so sorry for making him cry. In the past nurses have hurried through the poke of the shot and then left the room as quickly as possible. 

It was a really refreshing doctor visit and I am so happy I found Dr. Leass. He is exactly who I have been searching for since Lyla was born, just I was beginning to lose hope that doctors like him do still exist.  

If you want to check out Max's stats from his previous check-up just click here!

Maxwell: 9 Month Check-Up

Weight: 23 pounds 9 oz, 87th percentile

Height: 28 inches, 55th percentile

Head: 18 inches, 65th percentile

Max didn't grow very much since his last check up.

I am wondering why. Maybe the nurse's measurements were off.

Perhaps all this crawling is burning too many calories.

This doctor appointment went pretty normal.

We waited on the doctor forever. 

Max was adorable & charming while being examined.

Then he got a shot in the leg. 

This was the first time Lyla joined for a Max check up 

& she seemed quite fascinated by it all.

I think she was just pleased to see

someone else on the receiving end of the needle.

Lyla: 2 Year Old Check Up

Weight: 26 lbs 5 oz, 57th percentile

Height: 34.5 inches, 62nd percentile

Head: 19.5 inches, 95th percentile

Well. All the bragging I've previously done about

 how well Lyla does at the doctor office finally backfired.

She was not nice to the doctor. not one bit. 
She is emerging into this two year old role very quickly!

I had to physically hold her down for the shot in her leg,

which I'm sure will traumatize her for years to come.

Yeah. It was chaos. I'm glad that appointment is over with.

I'm pretty positive the shot was not an actual vaccine they
 injected into her tiny body, but a terrible two inducing serum.
 I'm convinced the world of pediatrics is playing a cruel trick on parents nationwide.

This is not a joke. This week has been killer. 
I'm feeling defeated. I've temporarily lost my mommy mojo.
It has topped the charts for one the most challenging of motherhood thus far.

At first I thought all this was in my head. 
I thought Lyla's extra sassy attitude and refusal to nap was just my imagination playing games.
 I'm still hoping [praying/crossing my fingers/crossing my legs/wishing on stars]
we are still readjusting after our two week runner in Idaho. 

Regardless, there are a lot of changes happening in that little two year old body. 
It seems she is experiencing so many emotions. I am trying to be patient. calm. understanding. 
For the moment we are struggling, but I know we will make it out alive. 

Kirk says she is going through two-berty.
Which is probably a lot less scary than actual puberty.

Maxwell: 6 Month Check-Up

Weight: 21 pounds, 95th percentile

Height: 28 inches, 93th percentile

Head: 17 inches, 97th percentile

We waited f.o.r.e.v.e.r. as usual.

Max was being extra sweet and snuggley.

This picture is awesome because it displays his all mighty rolls. 

My baby measures in the 90th percentile for everything.

I don't know why I'm continually surprised by this. 

He's just supposed to be my little baby boy.

Instead he is catching up to his big sister at a very quick pace!

I like taking photos of my babe's facial expressions before and after the shots. 
[I'm evil. I know this.]

Well. The 'after' picture wasn't much different from the 'before' this time.

He did not even flinch from the poke of the needle. 

Tough little dude!

"Sorry to disappoint you mom, but no tears here. Let's blow this joint!"

Mr. Maxwell is a healthy, growing boy. 

To check out his four month stats click here.

Or for a laugh, check out Lyla's six month stats here.

Maxwell: Four Month Check-Up

Mr. Maxwell had a doctor visit today.

Weight: 17 pounds 6 ozs, 86th percentile

Height: 26 1/2 inches, 96th percentile

Head: 16 1/2 inches, 62nd percentile

We arrived to the doctor's office and I told Max I had

 something very serious to discuss with him.
This is the concerned look I got...

Then I revealed the big secret. 

Three shots were in his future...

Haha. I just love the facial expressions I'm able to catch sometimes.

Anyway, my little buddy was very pleasant during his check up.

The doctor didn't have any concerns and says he is a healthy, growing boy!

Sadly, he developed a fever for a couple hours after we got home.

I've never went through that with either of my babies before, so that was a little sad.

We spent the afternoon snuggling and even Lyla seemed

 to be giving out more hugs than usual too.

She pointed to his legs and proclaimed, "saaad...." 

Always looking out for her little bro. 

To check out his two month stats click here.

And I know I'm not supposed to compare and stuff, 

but it cracks me up how completely different my babies are.
Sooo if you want to check out Lyla's four month old stats click here.

It's even funnier to read Lyla's six month stats. [click here]
Max is definitely going to be the bigger "little" brother in no time.
[or will Lyla be the little "big" sister?] 
I guess I'll just let them figure that out.