Anyway, Jim, Mac and I went to his five year well child appointment on Wed. And let me tell you five is WAY better than four or three. Man, in the past, I've left his appointment sweating because of his horrible behavior. For this one, he was a rock star. He was quiet when he should be, he answered when asked questions, he followed instructions when given, and was his usually silly "Mac" self...I mean, it was wonderful, but I think I used up all my "bad doctor visits" in the past!
Oh top of that, he is doing super well and the doctor had good things to say about him and his health. So, here are his stats as of 9/11/19:
Height: 46.5", which is 97 % (42.75" which is 93% last year)
Weight: 54 lbs, which is 97% (46 lbs which is 97% last year)
BP: 90/56
BMI: 18, which is 93% (94% last year)
So he's big! LOL, we already knew that. But you read that right: he grew almost FOUR INCHES in one year! No wonder he comments about aches and pains a lot and wants to eat constantly. Sheesh. He's hoping for 48" so he can ride on "all the rides." I don't know where he thinks we are going where there are rides, but he's excited for that milestone.
And at least he's consistent: 97 percentile for height and weight! He has thinned out so much this year probably because he's only gained 8 pounds but 4 inches. Up not out.
We talked about a few things. She gave me the number for the surgeon to do his hernia surgery. I had fully planned to do it LAST year but just never made scheduling it a priority. We talked to Jim's cousin, Dave, this summer when we visited, who is a surgeon, and he said to fix it sooner rather than later. Not having the surgery doesn't put Mac at a huge risk for problems or anything but he will be put under for it. However, the actual surgery is very minor (Dave said he could have done it while we were visiting if he'd had the right stuff!!). And not fixing it can lead to some major complications later in life. Okay, okay...I'll do it!
We talked about Mac's articulation again, and she strongly recommended getting him retested at the school as the next first step. Even though he didn't qualify last year, doesn't mean he won't this year because the threshold changes as they get older. So, I need to talk to his preschool teacher about it. I was hoping to just do a few private speech therapy sessions, but if he qualifies through the school, it would be free AND done during preschool which would be super easy.
We mentioned how severe his reaction to mosquito bites was and she said there just isn't a ton that can be done for it. Obviously to use bug spray when he goes outside (duh!) but we could also give him a dose of Claritin or Zyrtec during the times mosquitoes are more likely to be out. We can also give him a dose of Xantac, an antacid, that works in a different way, but can be combined with allergy medicine and we'd have a better chance of stopping the severity of his reactions. She did say that while it is severe now, he most likely will grow out of it...which I'm not buying given Korri and Jim are the same way, but here's hoping! Also, we are going into winter, so we won't have to worry about it until late spring!
We also talked about how Mac says he has headaches all the time and prays every night that his tummy doesn't hurt. She said it could be a lot of things, most of which aren't a big concern and to make sure he is drinking enough water and not constipated regularly. If it gets worse, we will go back in but I vaguely remember Finn going through a headache phase, too, which went away without major intervention.
He had his vision and hearing, which he was so freaking good for! My baby is growing up. And then he got to have his shots: a total of three because of the flu shot, too. Man, I hate when my kids get shots. He sat on my lap and they did it as quickly as possible but he had huge crocodile tears dripping down his face. It was so sad. Thankfully, he recovers quickly and just wanted some extra love for a bit. Then McDonald's for lunch helped!!
Overall, Mac is just a really great kid. Don't get me wrong, he has his moments: like his thing right now is lying. But he is also so kind and sweet and silly and strong. He holds the door for me almost ALWAYS whether at home or the car or at a store. He kisses my face all over and won't stop until he gets every spot. He snuggles with me multiple times a day (but always after nap) and enjoys it as much as I do, if that is possible. He naps a few times a week, but is usually fine if he doesn't. He loves to dance and sing and really has some amazing moves. He loves to run and kick and do karate ALL. THE. TIME. He is smart and knowledgeable and while he never stops talking, he is learning what is appropriate and when. I'm cherishing this last year with him and spending as much time with him as I can.
And going back to a topic that I beat to death...kindergarten. I am so thankful we decided to do preschool another year. And don't get me wrong, he would have been "fine." But I just wasn't ready and he will be so much more ready next year. Here's to all the amazing things you'll do this year, Little Buddy!! I love you so much.
