Growth Chart Meltdown

I cringe every time I have to schedule a well check-up for my little guy.

Some how, some way I seem to get it done but it is certainly not willingly. So you may be thinking that my aversion to these doctor appointments is because I despise my little guy’s meltdown post immunization shots…not in the least bit. Ok, ok thats a lie. It really does break my heart to see the little man wail after the very nice nurse stabs him in the legs half a dozen times but at least it is for the greater good as far as our family is concerned.

I haven’t always had this issue with going to the pediatrician. In fact, I used to welcome the visits until the little man hit his 12 month appointment. This is where it went downhill for me. My little guy has always been on the “littler” side but was keeping up with the proper progression with percentages in regards to weight. Once he hit 12 months, we were clinging on to the chart for dear life at .5% in the weight department but flourishing with heighth and head circumference. But still…Eeks! The Doc recommended that the little guy eat a minimum of 1200 calories per day as well as drink 20oz of whole milk per day…thats a TON of food! My dude still did not like cow’s milk…how the heck was I going to get him to 20oz of it per day?? As far as 1200 calories, I was going to try my best.

The doc said that he wanted my little one to come back for an emergency weight check in one month. Oy vay! One month to fatten up my kid…what to do, what to do.

My kid opts for his green veggies and fruit over anything even cookies. Is that such a bad thing? I mean he loves his yogurt, fish oil, chia seeds, expensive cheeses, green veggie juice and the healthy food list goes on. So after many tears about the impending weight check in 4 weeks and conferencing with my closest mommy friends, I came to 2 conclusions:

1. I needed to branch out and try a larger variety of healthy fats such as coconut oil, sunflower butter, almond butter, coconut milk, etc…
2. Cancel the weight check. One of my best friends pointed out that I didn’t have to go back to the doctor for the emergency visit. As soon as she said that, a huge sigh of relief washed over me. I was aware that the kiddo needed to eat more, gain weight but that developmentally he was thriving. Force feeding was not a route I was willing to go on…

The little senor has been eating all his new foods like a champ and taken a liking to coconut milk, has not been sick in over 6 months, passing on naps most days to run around outside and happy as a clam; however, here I am twiddling my thumbs and worried about the 18 month appointment tomorrow.

What will the little guy weigh in at? What will the doctor say?  Will I melt down?

Any other mamas deal with this? Any suggestions?

Meet the Author | Veena

Veena is a former Miss California as well as 4th runner-up to Miss America. Pre-baby, Veena worked in the non-profit field specializing in Special Events and Development/Fundraising as well as a Program Officer for a family foundation. Now as a mom of a 2 year old, she spends her time running after her little one as well as branding and marketing consultant. Veena and her husband and son enjoy hiking, camping and traveling. She resides in Walnut Creek, California with her husband Ryan, son Eddie and their 3 dogs.

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