3-Year Checkup

Alisa had her 3 year checkup today. It was a month late because we were late last year due to being out of town and due to insurance restrictions we couldn't schedule this next one any sooner than 1 year after the last one. So, now she will always go a month late (as long as we have the same insurance).

Her stats are:
37" tall (50th percentile)
32.8 lbs (75th percentile)

This was the first time they checked her blood pressure, which was 93/61. She was worried and said something when the cuff was tight so the nurse and I explained that it wouldn't get any tighter and that it would loosen up really soon.

They also checked her vision by using an eye chart with shapes instead of letters. She had to stand behind the line at the end of the hallway and cover her left and then right eye and say what shape the nurse was pointing to. Some of the time she couldn't say because she didn't know what the shape was called (a plus sign, for instance). Other times I could barely hear her (even though I was right next to her on her level) and she wouldn't repeat what she said because she was being shy. Based on the test, the nurse said she appeared to have 20/80 vision but that wasn't for sure since it's hard to tell with 3 year olds because they can by shy or not know the words. She said if I have any concerns about Alisa's vision before her next checkup, she could give me a referral for a pediatric eye doctor who can get accurate results with his machines.

After the vision test, we went back to the exam room and waited for the doctor. I reminded her that the doctor would listen to her heart and look in her ears, mouth and eyes. She was okay with all that. Once the doctor arrived, she was fine until she was asked to lie down on the table. She did NOT want to lie down. She cried as I helped her lie back and while the doctor felt her tummy, etc. She was fine once she was able to sit up again. The doctor asked about her eating habits, physical activity and communication skills. I didn't have any concerns, especially with her communication skills (she's such a chatterbox!). I asked the doctor if she was supposed to go to a dentist soon and she said it is recommended for kids to go at age 3. So, now I have to decide where to go. Thankfully, I am part of a moms' group that is full of moms who can share their experiences with local dentists.