12 Month Doctor's Appointment

Looks like Jack is right on track with where he should be...almost exactly. We had our doctors visit for his one-year check up today. Of course, Jack was in rare form. He didn't want to be held; he wanted to explore. Being that we were in his pediatricians office for a "well visit," and yet most kids are there because they were ill, there was no exploring permitted by mom for Jack. Regardless, he showed the doctor exactly how active he is. In fact, his pediatrician said "He's quite a busy critter." That's what my mom says about him all the time. Funny that she used the exact same description!

Jack is 31 1/4 inches tall and 20 lbs, 4 oz in weight. That puts him in the 90th percentile for height and the 20th percentile for weight. So, we're still looking pretty long and lean. They aren't at all concerned about his weight. He's incredibly active and therefore, burns a lot of calories. Dr Hagen even commented on his little arm muscles...."Its not often you see baby biceps!"

In terms of congnitive and physical development, he's right on schedule. The only exception is his teeth--- he has a lot more of them already in than children his age typically have. Other than that, he's completely normal...and that's a wonderful thing.

We went through a bunch of questions to track his development:
1) Does he respond to his name? Yes. In fact, when Dr Hagan asked "Jack, do you know your name?" And his eyes perked up and turned towards her right after she said his name. I didn't even have to answer!
2) Does he look for an item he dropped? I just laughed at this one. Not only does Jack look for the item, he gives me a silly grin and then pauses to be sure I'm watching him AS he drops the item. He's such a little prankster.
3) Does he like to play basic social games like Peek-A-Boo? Jack literally giggled as he heard the words "Peek-A-Boo!" Its his favorite game to play. He thinks its hilarious
4) Does he respond to simple words or basic commands? He sure does. He knows exactly what the word "No" means...he even looks at you as if he's still contemplating doing what we're telling him not to do.
5) Can he pull himself up and creep along furniture? My response: All day long.
6) Can he say one word? Yes...and its "MaMa" We're working on a bunch more...they're coming. He's totally mumbling and forming new sounds by the day!

There were more questions--- but you get the picture. He's doing great!