To encapsulate the visit, here’s an A to Z rundown of Mia’s checkup:
A is for Active
Pediatricians recommend that children limit screen time and engage in physical activities. Mia enjoys swimming, horseback riding, and dedicates a couple of hours each day to exercise, showing little interest in television.
B is for Brief
Every parent must fill out a standardized checklist while waiting. The initial question reads, “Please describe your child briefly.” I’m tempted to be cheeky, but I respond sincerely: “Joyful. Caring. Determined.”
C is for Chomp
At one stage, we handed Mia a wooden tongue depressor, which led to a splinter incident.
D is for Development Questions
Among the checklist queries were: “Seldom plays with peers?” Check. “Does not articulate well for age?” Check. “Struggles to understand; is slow to respond?” Check. The list is frustrating, disheartening, and oddly humorous.
E is for Eat
Currently, Mia has a hearty appetite, making a chew toy essential during the appointment. However, she has lost interest in the ones we have. I guess it’s time to find one that resembles a stethoscope.
F is for Five Stars
Our doctor awarded Kate and me “five stars” as parents. It may sound silly, but it was a much-needed affirmation amid our self-doubt.
G is for Growth Chart
Why are we concerned about Mia’s growth percentiles? We provide her with ample food, and she eats like a linebacker. What more can we do?
H is for Happy
This word surfaced frequently during our visit. Despite her challenges, Mia is generally a joy to be around.
I is for Immature
From the checklist: “Immature; behaves significantly younger than her age?” Check.
J is for Juice
The doctor recommended reducing juice intake and encouraging more water. Mia seldom drinks juice anyway.
K is for Kiss
In discussing Mia’s affectionate nature, she surprised me with a sloppy kiss. Adorable!
L is for Limits
Kate emphasizes, “The only limits Mia has are the ones we impose.”
M is for Milestones
The developmental milestones were listed on the back of the checklist. For years, I’ve been advised to disregard them since Mia is significantly delayed. Knowing to let go is easier said than done, but I think I’m finally getting there.
N is for Nurse
The nurse was new and unfamiliar with Mia. I often feel uncertain when she’s asked questions and then left to respond. I need to improve on clarifying Mia’s nonverbal communication.
O is for Open
Mia’s ear canals looked healthy.
P is for Paleo
We’ve adjusted Mia’s diet over the years, and the paleo approach has yielded positive results. Minimal reflux, reduced indigestion, and nearly no eczema – a win!
Q is for Quality
Mia’s doctor is exceptional. Throughout the visit, she repeatedly asked, “What further assistance can I provide you with at this moment?”
R is for Relentless
Keeping Mia contained in the examination room is quite a physical challenge. It requires teamwork. She is always on the go, which is fantastic. Let me mention how incredible our chiropractor is!
S is for Shots
Mia received three vaccinations: flu, polio, and another I can’t recall. I held her hand for each shot, and she tensed momentarily but didn’t cry. Remarkable!
T is for Testing
We’ve mapped Mia’s genome but still lack clarity on her condition. We’re learning to accept this uncertainty.
U is for Uncharted Territory
Next fall, Mia will begin kindergarten. Will she be potty trained? Will she navigate the hallways independently?
V is for Vision
Mia requires corrective lenses and a new prescription. Her current frames are problematic, as they allow her to remove the lenses and attempt to swallow them. A new eye test is on the horizon, which means revisiting the ophthalmologist who previously dismissed our concerns about her vision.
W is for Weight
Weighing Mia on a scale is a challenge. She can’t stand still, creating a comical yet frustrating scenario akin to trying to balance a python on a unicycle while a third person paints its portrait.
X is for X-Rays
Mia’s hips are healthy, so thankfully, X-rays were unnecessary. We are grateful for that.
Y is for Year
Have I mentioned the developmental checklist? I glanced at her file, which contained last year’s checklist. When asked how I was coping, I had written “Fine.” My handwriting reflected my irritation at completing it. This year, I wrote “Great.”
Z is for Zero
We are currently in a favorable place with Mia. Aside from the need for a vision test, we have no pressing concerns.
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In summary, Mia’s annual checkup was largely positive, highlighting her active lifestyle and general happiness, while also addressing minor challenges. The experience reaffirmed our parenting journey and the support we continue to seek.
Keyphrase: Annual pediatric checkup
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