The Florida Gatchel Daily: First Time Parent Warning

So today Noah had his six month check-up with the pediatrician. He is doing fantastic, of course ;-) He's weighing in at 16lbs and 27 inches, which is the 25th percentile for weight and 85th percentile for height. Apparently, just like his Daddy he's going to be tall and skinny! And he's ahead of the curve on his language and motor skills, which of course means that I'll be chasing after him soon only to probably have him taunt me as I can't catch him... He was all smiles and lots of talking at the office and did handle his shots (four of them, poor kid) fairly well.

This all being said, I've come to a conclusion as of late. Just like all the toys, food, etc that kiddos get, I think that a warning should be placed on first time parents. We're warned about not letting kids put something in their mouth or that it's a choking hazard all the time. I think that a similar warning should be issued to any health professional dealing with first time parents. I'm thinking something like:

WARNING: First time parents. What is probably a "stupid" question to you will be asked. Patience is required. Talking down or laughing will simply escalate the situation.

I've had a few of these instances the past few days that have sparked this idea. First, the other day at the optometrists, I asked the nurse when they recommended that children come in for their first eye exams. Given that Grant is as blind as a bat without his glasses or contacts and some of my family wears glasses as well, I thought that it was a legitimate concern for me as a parent, something to keep an eye on. The nurse told me that I should ask the pediatrician and how old was my child, anyway? Well then, I felt stupid saying he was only six months. I wasn't talking about having him looked at tomorrow.... I'm a prepared parent, is this a bad thing? Should have had my first time parent warning sign lit, I guess :-p

Today I had a similar experience. I asked about warning signs and things I could do to "prevent" ADD, as I know it runs on Grant's side of the family. I'm not familiar with it being diagnosed or the symptoms in children, so who better to ask than his pediatrician, right? Apparently not. I don't think he has ADD, nor would I ever think of you could determined from a six month old if they will suffer from it in the future, but if there is anything I can do to help Noah, I thought it was a fair question. Apparently I needed a "First Parent Warning" sign on me, 'cause it was a dumb question...

I know I am prone to worrying. I worry if I'm worrying enough some days, for crying out loud ;-) It's my nature to fuss and fret and attempt to take care of everyone and everything. And sometimes the only way for me to put a cap on the worrying is to have as much information as possible. They should've given me a handbook or something when I left the hospital with him! (hehehe) Maybe I should write the handbook.... I'll be the first time parent that asks all the stupid questions but still gets the answers. Most of this is in jest, no worries that I'm upset about any of this or that I've taken any of the goofy looks that I've gotten personally. He's mine and I'm responsible, and if it means asking a "dumb" question, so be it.

Alright, not too many pictures today as I've had my hands full with work, the doctors, running errands, making dinner and keeping the kid at least comfortable after his ordeal today. Enjoy the ones that I've posted :)