Zoe's one year check-up. Warning: Uninteresting medical facts to follow.

Instead of including this information in the birthday post, I decided to separate it out, in case some people don't want to be bored by Zoe's doctor visit. Those of you that want to, read on!

I took Zoe for her one year check-up this afternoon, and I was eager to discuss her supposed milk allergy with the doctor. I like our pediatrician...sometimes...on his good days...when he's not rushing to get out of the room and won't listen to anything I say or answer my questions. I think he's a good man and a great doctor, I just think he might have a problem with his pants randomly catching fire or something, because he sometimes seems to be in a tearing hurry. Anyway, I went to the appointment with a good attitude, determined to get some answers and find out how my little girl is doing.

Basic statistics: Zoe weighs 20 lbs. and is in the 35th percentile for weight, and she is 27" long and in the 10th percentile for height. I was not overly pleased with these numbers, so I made a point to ask the doctor if I should be concerned. His response (in a very flat tone, after looking me up and down): "She probably just got your genes for height." Wow. Okay, I'm going to assume he had some bad coffee this morning or something and let that one go. He doesn't think we need to be concerned about her size, so I'm trying not to be. Her brothers are in the 80th and 90th percentiles, so it's a little hard to get used to having such a tiny person around.

Developmentally, she's doing well. She's still not pulling up to stand, cruise, or walk, but that will come. According to Dr. I'mInAHurry, gross motor development is the least important. She CAN stand...she just doesn't want to. Stubborn. Can't imagine where she gets that from. As far as mental development goes, she's super intelligent. She knows how to say eight words (at least), she makes animal sounds that she can visually match to the animal, she can sort shapes, etc. I'm not trying to brag...seriously. I'm convincing myself that she's really smart and that it doesn't matter that she's not standing up or walking yet.

As for the milk allergy, the doctor STILL did not really give me any useful help. I'm not really surprised, just disappointed. He said that they could do a blood test to determine whether or not she had an allergy, but didn't seem like he really wanted to do it. He said, based on the information I gave him about the one time she'd had formula and the one time she'd had milk, that he was pretty sure she had a severe milk allergy without doing the test. The likelihood that she would have an allergy to another food (i.e. nuts, eggs, soy...) was very low, in his opinion. He did not suggest taking her to an allergist, and he didn't offer much else to me in the way of information about handling the allergy myself or about Zoe's nutrition. He suggested almond or rice milk, but didn't mention soy milk. I asked several questions, but he never answered me or he danced around the answer until I was confused.

The total time spent with the doctor: 12 minutes. This cost us over $70.

Also, he managed to upset Zoe to a degree that I've never seen before. The child was hysterical even before the nurse came to give her the three shots she needed. Then it was decided that they needed to do blood work on Zoe, because she'd never had a CBC before. After ten more minutes of waiting, we learned that she's not anemic. Oh, goody. Zoe got so upset in the exam room that she made herself throw up...twice. My poor baby. She's doing lots better this evening.

So, based on previous visits with this particular doctor, and adding in this wonderful experience, we will be switching Zoe to another pediatrician. I will be staying with the same practice (there are four other doctors to choose from), because I really like the staff and love the fact that they are open almost all the time, including weekends. I'm just upset that it had to come to this. I don't like it when I'm trying to get information and someone treats me like I'm a moron that only came to see them in an effort to waste their time. I'm trying to take care of my kids, and I don't have a medical degree of my own, so I have to trust others to help me.

Getting off my soapbox now. :)

Zoe's First Birthday

In all actuality, Zoe's birthday was yesterday, but we were still recuperating from the party on Sunday, so I'm a little late posting this. You guys will get over it, I promise. :)

Birthday parties in the Alexander family are, traditionally, a little chaotic. There are just so many of us, and we're still growing! I'm still trying to get used to being crammed into a house with so many people. Growing up, our birthday and holiday gatherings were relatively small, with less than ten people. I only have three cousins...total...both sides of my family combined. Nathan's family is a lot bigger. It's not just the fact that he has five brothers and sisters, it's also aunts and uncles and cousins...oh, my! Anyway, I took the large family into consideration when trying to plan Zoe's party, and decided to have it at my parents' house. Frankly, they just have more space. Past party attempts at our house were just a little too crazy.

My first tiered cake turned out to be a success, and I was so proud of myself for finishing the job and not throwing it into my parents' swimming pool, which I was tempted to do several times.

 

I know it's not perfect, but I think it was decent, considering my complete lack of experience with cake assembly and decoration. The cake itself (my dairy-free, egg-free recipe) was also extremely good, so that was a big bonus! The icing wasn't bad, but I think I'm going to look around for some different ideas for my next cake, because I think I can find something better. I did like the consistency, but it really kind of tasted like shortening, which I don't think is all that yummy.

We ended up with 22 people (including us, of course), and I think we all had a great time. My dad grilled some hamburgers, and they were super good! After lunch, we sang to Zoe and I let the boys blow out her birthday candle. Boy, was she excited when I gave her a piece of cake! She loved it, and wanted seconds!

 

  

Despite my assuring everyone that Zoe really didn't need anything, she got some really great gifts, and I appreciate everyone putting so much effort and time into finding those things for her! I know one thing: come summertime, she's going to be sporting some really cute outfits!

 

 She's a happy girl!

Thanks to everyone who wished Zoe a happy first birthday, and double thanks to all the friends and family who came to see her! She's a blessed little girl to have so many people that love her.