Dear Dr.

So this week I experienced 2 less than stellar Dr's. appointments.

Appointment #1:  Baby D. #3 Check-Up-

On Monday I had a follow up ultrasound.  There was some concern about the location of my placenta.  The condition is called placenta previa. I had it while I was pregnant with Kyle as well, but in the third trimester it moved (which it usually does). Thankfully it moved with this pregnancy as well.  However, we unfortunately found out that my amniotic fluid levels are low.  You are supposed to have 12-15cm at this point. I have 7.1cm.  5cm. is considered too low.  Needless to say I have my concerns and the next 2 weeks (until my next ultrasound) can not go by fast enough!  Until then I am trying to take it easy, and drink even MORE water.

Appointment #2: Kyle D. 4 yr. check-up-

We took Kyle to see his pediatrician for an annual check-up.  The last time he saw Dr.D was for his 3 year check-up.  Thankfully my little ones are pretty healthy and don't need to see the doctor often (knock on wood). I was anxious to go. I couldn't wait for the Doc to tell me how healthy and fantastic he was.  Instead I was totally taken aback and felt like the worst mother in the world. 

When we first got there Kyle was weighed and measured and given a little eye test.  He was timid and shy but who wouldn't be.  When that was done he was undressed down to his underwear and stood on the table waiting for Dr.D to come in and check him out. 

When he first came in he greeted us and we chit chat a bit.  He asked Kyle to give him a high five.  Ky thought about it but decided he didn't want to. Kyle pointed out that Dr.D had a stethoscope and the doc. asked Kyle if he wanted to try it.  he did, but then when the doctor went to put it on him and Kyle got shy again.  So I held the scope in place while the doctor listened.  No big deal.

The Dr. then sat back and asked "is he always like this?" I told him No, not always.  Sometimes if he is in a new or unfamiliar situation but if you give him a little time he warms up and is OK.  The doc. recommended he see a behavior therapist.  WHAT?!?!?! Why because my toddler who does not know you was uncomfortable standing in his underwear??  Dr.D. said "I don't know if I should proceed examining him, he looks grumpy.  I don't want to make it worse."  Ummmm aren't you a pediatrician, doesn't he need a check up??  What is the issue here?  When I was 4 it took 3 people to hold me down so my pediatrician could hear my heartbeat.  No joke ask my mom.  That is an issue!  Not a little boy with a scowl.  So Kyle sat in my lap and the doc. checked him out with no issue.
(FYI my responses to him were all in my head, never said out loud....I do not have the guts to say that out loud)

I was so taken back!  Then he said wow Kyle grew 3 inches and gained 9 pounds.  Now let me tell you.  I have NO IDEA how he gained 9lbs. because he does NOT EAT!! and while I know, and wish his diet was much better I thought it was also somewhat normal for a 4 year old.  Apparently not.  I need to go see a nutrition therapist as well.  Mind you he has NO CHUNKS at all!!!!

Then the kicker- Kyle had to get 4 shots!  Now I specifically remember Dr.D telling me after Kyle's last round of shots that he was done until age 5. I could wait a year but the new recommendation was age 4 and at age 5 if we waited he would need 5 shots.  But if we do it now he is set until age 11. It broke my heart but I decided to just do it. 2 nurses, 2 shots in each arm at the same time.  It would have been way worse to go back a 2nd time to get shots.  I don't want him to hate the doctor like I did when I was little. Wouldn't you know he did great!  Yes, he cried and yes I had to hold back my own tears, but he was given a goody bag and quickly came around. 

So between my 2 appointments I have been an anxious, nervous, stressed out wreck! I take everything to heart!!!!  I spoke to other moms, my mom, Kyle's teacher, strangers, pretty much anyone that would listen about my appointment with the doctor and all were taken back by what he told me.  A behavior therapist and a nutritionist??  Now don't misinterpret I will see the nutritionist I am all about tips and tricks to get them to eat better but still I thought he was NORMAL. and not just because he is my kid.  I will be the first to say if something is wrong.  Am I the mother with the ugly baby who just thinks he is gorgeous....only its behavior instead of looks??  Seriously I asked everyone.  Oh and he failed his hearing test in his left ear.....some machine just measures something, not really sure how it works and when I asked the nurse she could not explain it to me so now I whisper in his ears ALL THE TIME to make sure he hears me, and though he does I STILL have to check everyday!


It has actually been 2 weeks since I started this post and I am still stressing....and a little mad to be honest.  I have had nightmares, and many sleepless nights.  Then with this article: "Are you Mom Enough??"  Well, its  a lot.  All I can say is I am the best Mom I can be and I think I am the best Mom for Kyle, Hailey and this Baby on the way.  Why?  Because I watch my little ones, I study them, I understand their hearts and little minds and if I am challenged I look to others for help and advice.  So, am I mommy of the year? Nope, and proud of it! but I will tell you Kyle is a happy, healthy, kind hearted, little boy.  Sure, he has his moments....what toddler doesn't, and for that matter who as a person doesn't??? Maybe in a few years we will need a behavior therapist and a nutritionist and lots of other "ists" but I am also not going to over analyze and turn my children into robots.  They are kids, and I get them and love them.

So, I know its tough to be a doctor, especially this day in age when a parent wants warning of what could be or may be in 10 years, and there are specialists for everything; but I am not that hyperactive parent.  Remember???  You have only seen us for physicals......

Alright I feel better after my rant.  Thanks for reading, now maybe I can chill a little and relax and focus on keeping Baby D. #3 warm and in the womb until July 12th =)