Four Year Check Up

Cooper had his 4 year check up last week. He was very worried about whether or not it would include getting shots or not. I wasn't sure because with a couple of moves over the years I have found different states do shots at different times. We got to his appointment and the first thing the nurse asked for was a urine sample. Cooper had just woken up from his nap at preschool when I picked him up to bring him to his appointment and had just gone to the bathroom, so I wasn't sure for one if he would go, and second, if he would go in the sample cup he was provided. But, he did it. And, he reminded me that I do this at my doctor's appointments too (he has gone with me to one of my prenatal visits). So far, so good. He passed the vision check and his weight is 38 lbs (75th percentile) and height is 39 1/2 inches (45th percentile). You would never know he is such a picky eater based on his height and weight. He is a little on the short side for his age, but I am sure at some point he will catch up. Developmentally he's right on track and the few concerns I had that I discussed with his doctor were settled easily- I was worried for nothing about the occasional stuttering and that he still needs to wear pull ups at night. I found out that his stuttering is not 'real' stuttering since he makes complete word sounds and not just a letter sound when it does happen, and is usually when he is really excited or really tired. I really like his pediatrician here because he handles all the questions so well and is very relatable. But, I am also thankful we don't know him as well as the prior two in MA and IL. Thankfully Cooper has been so much healthier since we have moved than in his first 3 years. We were almost done, but there were still shots looming. Cooper needed another chicken pox and another MMR, and a finger poke/blood draw to check for anemia. Once the doctor left I explained to Cooper that the nurse was going to come back in to give him a couple of shots. He was not happy about it, but was trooper. Last week at t-ball he won a game ball for his fast hustling to base, so I brought that along as a distraction thinking it might help. He had been so excited to win it after the game he had even slept with it in his bed, but even the game ball did not help with the prospect of shots. He left the appointment walking very slowly and getting into the car he had to tell me that getting shots was "super duper not good Mommy!". What did help is that we stopped by Julia's Bakery for (the best) cupcakes after his appointment and so far he has been just fine without any side effects from the shots.