Growth progress and vaccination

Dominic went to the pediatrician on 5 April for his checkup and third (and last) of his pneumococcal vaccination injection. He weighs 10.78kg and is 75cm tall now. PD commented that his weight is above average, head circumference is normal and didn't grow much taller than last visit. Am just happy that he has been happy and healthy and eating and pooing well.

Boy has always hated being restricted or held down, and did not take well to the PD. He started crying right from the start of the consultation when the PD used the stethoscope on his chest. And the crying lasted right through till the end of the injection, till he was brought out of the room. The clinic assistant commented that he was so loud that the whole clinic could hear him, and I laughed that he started even before the painful portion happened.

This last pneumococcal jab is supposed to be potentially fever-inducing and more painful than normal, party because it's the nature of the jab, and partly because babies over one year old are more sensitive to pain. This PD's practice is to apply anaesthetic cream on the injection area, leave it on for half hour, then have the jab. This is boy's first jab on the arm. I think the cream worked because Dom's crying was the same tone and level from start of consult to finish. He probably was too worked up to really feel the injection.

We were instructed to monitor his temperature for 48 hours. I'm glad to report that Dom is in the clear, he did not develop a fever from the jab.

My good friend YH commented that Dom's behavior at the clinic is normal and healthy. She says children should know that it is not right for a stranger to touch them; that is why he protested. She said that as long as he was not scared to look at or communicate with strangers, it's fine. I've never thought of it that way and I guess she is right.

Today I received comments that boy is "manly and sexy", and the "strong and silent type". Haha I don't know how a 1 year old baby can manage to be manly and sexy! But it's a cute compliment all the same. :)