Samantha Visits The Pediatrician

So this morning was Samantha's 3-year pediatrician ("pedi") appointment. Sam did a fantastic job at answering the doctor's questions, and following the doctor's directions too. I cannot believe what a difference a year makes. Samantha was able to:

1. Identify her ABC's
2. Identify her 123's
3. Identify her colors
4. Identify a bunch of shapes...including the rectangle.

The "funny" part of the appointment was when the doctor asked Samantha questions such as, "What's your name" and "What color is my shirt?" Samantha answered them very properly, and in full sentences by saying, "My name is Samantha" or "Your shirt is purple" rather than in 1-worded answers. Then the doctor asked Samantha "Are you a boy or a girl?" Samantha paused for a few seconds and stated very seriously, "Well, I'm not a boy". I had all I could do not to laugh.

Here's Samantha's growth and weight progression since July 2009:

July 2009 (24 month appointment) - 35.75" tall, and 30.75 lbs.

January 2010 (2 1/2 year appointment) - 38.5" tall, and 34 lbs.

July 2010 (3 year appointment) - 41.75" tall, and 36.5 lbs.

Looks like Sam received the height gene from both Jeremy and I, ha ha. Samantha is off the chart for her height, and in the 95th percentile for her weight. Like most pedi appointments, Samantha had to get her Prevnar 13 vaccination today. Thankfully Samantha understood that she may get sick if she doesn't get the vaccine. She cried for about 30 seconds, but once she heard that she could go choose something from the "Treasure Chest", those tears were no more. (The treasure chest is filled with fun little toys and goodies). Samantha chose a jelly bracelet in the shape of a heart. She even told a few of the mothers in the waiting room that she received the bracelet because she was such a good girl and got a shot. This girl cracks me up. Samantha (and Sarah too) were so good with their behavior and not too many tears after the shot was given, they were rewarded with yummy, sticky lollipops in the doctor's office...the "safety kind" of course :) Who knew lollipops could be so entertaining...and so messy? Yuck. I don't allow lollipops in the car for 2 reasons: (1) The safety reason and (2) If they're going to get it on themselves, Lord only knows where else they're going to put it.

The doctor was very happy with Samantha's progress, and said that Samantha doesn't have to come back until next July for her 4 year checkup.