Jazzy at 15 months

On Wednesday, Jazzy had her 15-month well check. We love her doctor, and feel blessed that both kids have been lucky enough to have great doctors. We had lots of questions for this appointment. We wanted to make sure that she was on-target for her milestones, and of course we were concerned about her weight. Jazzy has always been much more petite than her brother, and I know it is like comparing apples and oranges since Taylor was mega-size, but it is all we have for comparison!

The Little Princess weighed in at 23 pounds, which is now in the 60th percentile! Meaning that she has gained two whole pounds since her last appointment, which is surprising since she is such a picky eater. The only things we can consistently get her to eat are french fries, chips and strawberry milk. Everything else we offer her she throws on the floor. She is also still nursing, which the doctor thinks is what is filling her up. At this point, mommy milk still offers more in the way of nutritional value than whole milk. I'd be happy to be done with it, but I' be happier to have a healthy baby so that by far takes priority.

Jazz looked great, but we did have one big worry - she isn't talking. Brooks and I had discussed this a bit and he felt maybe she could be a late talker. I don't know if it is that I am a worry-wart at heart, or that I have a little bit of a medical background, but deep down I really thought it could be something else. The doctor was concerned especially since along with the talking, she isn't really even consistently mimicking us of following commands. At this point, we should be able to say "Jazzy- go to your room and bring us your doll", and Jazz would follow. But, realistically, she can't do that and maybe only follows our commands 25% of the time, if that, and does mimic a bit, but not an impressive amount. The doctor felt then that she might be displaying that she is not understanding us. We now have a referral in for the ear, nose and throat doctor and Jazzy will have a hearing assessment to check for any impairments.

Being a worry-wart, I start to think if it could be something worse- could Jazzy be autistic? It is so hard to think about- we just want her to be OK and OK really means perfect. Brooks is taking it pretty hard, but we keep telling ourselves it could really be nothing, and she might just be a late talker. She could have her hearing test and everything could be fine. As if to reassure us, the other night at dinner, Jazzy was talking with daddy and looked over at him and said, "Dad." We both looked at each other in disbelief, then asked her to say it again. Sure enough she did- "Dad". Of course she hasn't said it again, but we're still hoping!

So we have been going double time on reading with her and talking with her and explaining everything. And, we are still hoping, hoping that she is OK and just simply is a late talker.