6-month checkup report

We had Ryleigh's 6-month checkup this morning. I was not as nervous this time, since her 4-month checkup had gone so well.

She was in a good mood all morning, and was very happy. So, once I got us both ready, we loaded up and headed out.

I carried her inside again, and boy- did she have fun in the waiting room! I think there were probably 6 or 7 other babies, all there for well-baby exams. We sat by the window, because last time she was quite entertained starring outside while we waited. This time, oh no. She wanted to watch everyone else. If I even attempted to turn her to face me, she would squirm and throw her head back (upside down) to watch the others. I think I have a social butterfly on my hands! So, we played patty-cake, bounced, rode the "horse" (aka:my knee), and pulled to a standing position. Ryleigh was incredibly restless. Smiling, laughing, talking to other babies, most who did not even notice she was there. One little girl a few months older than her smiled back and they coo'd to each other for a bit. Funny stuff.

The nurse came and called us back, 45 minutes later-UGH, and we were on our way. Ryleigh weighed 15 pounds 12 oz, and measured 26 inches long. She is officially "average." Her height was only in the 55th percentile this trip, so I guess she is no longer the tall, skinny kid.

The doctor came in and checked her out, and all is well. :) We talked about her eating, sleeping, and the pacifier. Dr. Sandifer tried to get Ryleigh to sit up for her, and it lasted about 6 seconds, and then came the lean...not to worry though. Dr. Sandifer said she was fine, and still slightly ahead in her motor development. (Mommy's are allowed to brag from time to time...hehe)

Time for the shots. I was not as concerned this time, but they made me hold down her arms and upperbody. Last time, I did not really have to hold anything down; just stood there consoling her. After the first shot went in her leg, I understood why I was holding her down. Ryleigh started screaming and "bucking" to get off that table! And unlike last time, once it was finished (seemed to take forever this time), and I picked her up, she did not stop crying. She cried for about 5 minutes. When I tried to get her re-dressed, she kept crying. Finally she stopped. The nurse came back in, and said, "I know she is too young for this, but I couldn't help it- she earned it," and handed me a sparkly "Belle" sticker. Ryleigh took one look at that nurse and started screaming again. At least she knew it was HER who pricked her, and not me!!

Once we got to the car, and I put her in her car seat, she started fussing again, then laid her head against the headrest, and went to sleep. Poor girl. Not only was she traumatized from the shots, but she had not had her morning nap (it was 12:30 by the time we left) and she was exhausted. Normally when we get home, whether she was sleeping in the car or not, she always wakes up. Not today. She slept in her car seat for about 30 minutes before she woke up.

So far, no extra fussiness, but supposedly she will be extra sore, since they gave her a Flu shot as well. I have my Tylenol on hand.

Seriously, I think I'm going to have to get Jesse to take her next time. It's tough stuff holding down your baby and watching her bleed. My stomach literally turned over 2 or 3 times. Don't know how much more of that I can do.

I'm thankful for a healthy baby though, and do feel more and more confident with each visit. We are doing a good job (pat myself on the back), and Ryleigh is perfect. What more could a mother ask for? :)