Sunday, September 17, 2006

6 Month Picture

6 Month Pediatrician Report

As a reminder, Chase was born in the 25th percentile, but then slipped down to the 2nd percentile (weight, height, head circ.) just before we arrived in Switzerland.

Our pediatrician was pleased to find the littlest "Tallbritton" is now in the 92nd percentile for height (tall? shocker!) and the 75th percentile for weight (and head circ).

I will miss our pediatrician (as we are most likely leaving Zurich in October). He is kind, sweet and gentle. He also has a way of making me worry less about things in general.

Our conversations go like this:

"I'm a little worried about Chase. She grunts at things. Her whole body gets rigid, like it's taking every last piece of her being to focus on an object, but she can't tell me what it is she needs or wants." I say.

"Do her eyes roll back in her head and does she start to convulse?" He asks.

"No," I say.

"Then you have nothing to worry about," he says.

- or -

"My daughter has been covered in a rash for four days." I say, panicked.

"Does she have a fever? Do the red spots have a core that is filled with liquid? Is she having trouble eating? Is she acting differently?" He asks.

"No," I say.

"Then you have nothing to worry about. Call me back if it gets worse, or if anything changes. Children around 6 months break out into rashes. It should go away in a couple days."

So I have decided his approach is a good way to evaluate things that come up in life. As a natural worrier, I have many opportunities each day.

Here's an example: First, I must think of something that makes me worry (hmmm, okay, a fifth international move in 8 years). Second, I must think of things that could make it harder/worse (i.e., having triplets due the same day). Third, I can then be happy that the harder/worse thing isn't happening (Phew! It is so much easier to move with one baby, rather than four). Fourth, feel relieved and get a good night sleep.

6 Months!

Six months of sleep deprivation.

Six months of changing diapers.

Six months of sneaking into my daughter's bedroom while she is asleep to make sure she is still breathing (yes, I'm one of those crazy, overconcerned mothers).

Six months of singing "good morning to you."

Six months of looking into my daughter's eyes, wondering what she's thinking as she looks into mine.

Six months of watching in awe as Chase grows, learns, evolves and matures - getting stronger and more independent with each day.

Six months of strong, unwavering support from my darling husband.

Six months of counting my blessings.

Six months of eating cheese and chocolate every day (I really need to cut back).

Six months of being amazed, scared, overwhelmed - and happier than I ever thought possible.

My lovely Chase, your Daddy and I feel so blessed to have you in our life. We cherish every moment we spend with you. You are so amazing. So sweet. So strong. So good natured. So adventurous. Such a good sport.

We love you more than words can possibly describe.