There is so much I have learned to do since I was born. All that loving, cuddling, rocking and walking me around is really paying off for both of us. I am becoming lots more social and sleeping a bit less. I am more responsive to my environment. There is so much to see. I really am fascinated by so many things. I study people’s faces a lot when they hold me and talk to me. Sometimes I just respond with a huge toothless grin of my own. You are probably beginning to see my moods more too. I let you know when I am mad, hungry or bored with different cries. I also am beginning to show you a bit of my personality. But I also like to keep you guessing a bit too. After all it is my job to keep you guessing. I am also beginning to realize I can make sound. I love to gurgle and coo and especially when Mommy or Daddy talk to me. You many not know it yet but I am communicating with you. It sounds like gurgles and coos but it is the beginning of learning to talk. I also have learned if I cry you will change my pants or give me something to eat. I have realized my cry has POWER. I love it. I can get you to drop what you are doing and come to me instantly. Don’t worry about spoiling me. I still need to be reassured that when I cry my needs will be met. Again I love at looking at things. Like the sun and shadows on the wall or brightly colored objects or the cat walking across my line of vision. These things fascinate me. It also helps my developing eyes and sense of sight. I crave visual stimulation. So even just hanging a mobile so I can watch it fascinates me. But my favorite thing to look at is Mommy’s face. I am also getting stronger physically and developing lots of new tricks. I can now lift my head 45 degrees. I am also less twitchy and jumpy and the startle reflex may be gone or on its way out. I open my hands more and I can hold a rattle for short bits of time. I love to “track” objects or people that is follow them with my eyes. I am fascinated with life in this world. Maybe coming out wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

First the doctor will measure me. They will put me on that wiggly baby scale and see how much I have gained. I may not like this and might cry cause I don’t feel secure on that wiggly scale. They will lay me down and measure my length and measure how big my head is. Some of us babies like this and some of us don’t. Don’t worry if I cry I will quiet as soon as I am back in your arms. They will put my measurements on a chart and see how my growth is in comparison to other babies my age. But if I am smaller or larger than I “should” be, try not to worry . The doctor will tell you if there is a concern. We babies grow at different rates.

I will have probably gained about a pound since my last visit and may have increased in length. It is hard to say what I should weigh or how long I should be. As long as I am growing and gaining on my own growth chart dont be hung up on what an average baby should weigh. The doctor will alert you to any concerns about my growth. A good all over exam lets the doctor know if I am okay or if there could be possible problems:

Head. The doctor is going to make sure my soft spots are as they should be and not closing too soon. They will close completely sometime between 12 and 18 months, and some take longer than others. These allow my brain to grow. If my head is looking flat in places because I lay on one side or my back a lot they will suggest changing my position and supervised tummy time.

Ears. The doctor will look in my ears to see if there is fluid or signs of infection. I probably will not like this too much and may object. It doesn’t hurt it just feels strange to me. The doctor will also check my hearing by snapping fingers or something or taking your opinion on this.

Eyes. The doctor will check my eyes for blocked tear ducts and will shine a bright light in them to see how they react to light. My ability to track objects will also be checked. Again I may protest the bright light.

Mouth. The doctor might check my sucking reflex by placing his finger with a glove on in my mouth or a pacifier. The doctor will look at my throat and check for thrush.

Skin. The doctor will check my skin for rashes and my head for cradle cap and any birthmarks for change. The doctor will also check my belly button to make sure it is well healed.

Heart and lungs. The doctor will listen to my heart and breathing to check for abnormal sounds like a murmur or wheezing..

Abdomen. The doctor will press my belly to make sure there are no hernias or swelling or anything else that shouldn’t be there. If I do have a hernia the doctor will probably just choose to watch it over time as most times these resolve themselves.

Hips and legs. The doctor is going to move my legs and feet to check my muscles and joints to make sure there are no weaknesses.

Genitalia. The doctor will check for signs or rash or infection or hernias. If I am a boy, the doctor will check and make sure my testicles are descended and if I am a girl, will check my labia to detect signs of fusion. Both of these conditions will be watched because they are often not serious and resolve on their own. I do NOT like this intrusion and will most likely cry. But who would like it?

The doctor will also check my general development and ask you questions about what I am doing. He will make observations about my reactions during the exam and my reactions to my environment.

The doctor is going to ask you about my eating habits . How much I eat, how often, and how I tolerate feedings. The doctor will ask about how breastfeeding is going if I am breastfed and listen to your concerns. The doctor will ask how many diapers I have each day and if I seem to have any problems. The doctor will ask if I am sleeping through the night and how everyone is adjusting. Let the doctor know if you have any concerns about me. Always trust your mommy instinct.

Now let’s talk about the worst part of the checkup: the Immunizations. WE babies do not like these but keep in mind at this point it is usually harder on Mommy than baby. I will calm down as soon as you pick me up and comfort me.

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Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Hepatitis B
Polio (IPV)

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV7)

Combination vaccines such as Pediarix — which contains DTaP, hepatitis B and polio vaccine in a single shot

Make sure you ask all the questions you need to, know when to schedule my next appointment, and understand instructions about side effects from my shots. The next month is going to be exciting so do lots of cuddling, playing, loving, and interaction. We will grow together. And relax you're doing a good job.