What the Pediatrician Didn't Say...

Madison had her 2 month checkup yesterday. She now weighs 9 pounds, 10.5 ounces and is 22.5 inches long. I'm just amazed by how much she's growing! She gained about 2 pounds and grew about 1.5 inches in a month!

A 3rd year med student examined her first. It was a little awkward and a lot funny, but there's no way I could accurately portray it in this blog. At one point, Matt thought there had to be hidden cameras somewhere. I have to admit...if we were famous, I would have wondered if we were being Punk'd. But if you're interested, I'll be happy to share the story in person. Just ask!

After our weird beginning, Madison's pediatrician came in to see her. I really do just love her! I am very impressed by her knowledge and skills as a doctor, but it is her desire to nurture and her love of children that remind me that Madison is definitely seeing the right pediatrician. At one point during her exam, she just picked Madi up and cuddled her and talked to her. You can definitely tell she's a Momma!

Dr. Darnell is very thorough. I love this. She explained to us that the nurses would be coming in to give Madison her shots. She said we should go ahead and dress her, because it would be easier to do it then rather than after the shots. She told us she was having 2 nurses come in, so that the process would take less time. She explained each vaccination and each disease/illness the the vaccination should prevent. She told us that the DTP vaccination is the one that could be hard on Madi...that it could make her more sleepy than usual or possibly more restless than usual...that the injection site would be very tender for up to 4 days or so...and that we may be able to see or feel a knot near the injection site for up to 2 weeks. She stressed that we should give Madison Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours until tonight or as long as she seems to need it.

Madison was such a trooper during her shots. She whimpered a few times and the let out about 3 loud cries. And then she was done...

She was just soooo sleepy...
She slept for about 5 and a half hours after her shots. At times, it seemed like she was trying so hard to wake and just couldn't.

And the injection site did seem very sore....we've been so careful not to touch it.

And it is red and swollen....

So are you wondering what the pediatrician didn't tell us? She didn't tell us that we would have our first sleepless night with Madi. The crying started at about 8 pm. When I say crying, it's a pretty big understatement. Madison was pretty much wailing...and it broke my heart. Matt and I took turns holding Madison and trying to comfort her. We never even went to bed...just took turns between the couch and the recliner. Madison slept some, but she cried out a lot in her sleep. And almost every time she moved her little legs, she would grimace and start to wake. I just hope our sweet baby girl is feeling all better soon!

Let's just say the Smiths are thankful for vaccinations, but we hate shots!!!