On the Same Page

Trevor had his check-up with our pediatrician last week and I feel really good about it. We started with the basic height, weight, head, etc. The only surprise was his weight--35 1/2 lbs! Yikes!

Then the doctor went back to her observation about Trevor being hyperactive. He was less fidgety this time, which she noticed. (It was the beginning of the visit and Haley was with a friend). She wanted to know if he could sit still and play by himself. I told her yes and that was when he made his "motor noise," which was my main concern.


Finally something clicked and she started going through a series of questions. Does he have a tick/twitch? No. Does he have to have a certain toy with him all the time or line up toys a certain way? Not really. Does he make the noise when he's anxious?


The pediatrician wanted to hear him talk, since he had been quiet for most of the visit. She moved to the corner to listen and I asked Trevor some questions. At first he just repeated what I asked and then started answering. She said the question repeating could be a red flag but she understood everything he said.

The doctor's recommendation was to have him evaluated through AZEIP, a government agency that will assess his development and I feel good about it. I'm not looking for someone to label him, but I'm hoping this will give me more specific answers about his behavior. Just in case there is something I can help him with, I want to be able to look back and know I did what I could.

My friends have been so supportive, telling me there's absolutely nothing wrong with him. I know not everyone would get an assessment done or worry about the noise he makes. But I feel like I've found something that I'm comfortable with: one more check-up and hopefully a few answers so I won't worry anymore.

Halloween, a Little Healthier

My sister-in-law recommended this website, familyfun.go.com, for fun Halloween treat ideas. I made these little pretzel spiders for one of Trevor's playgroups and found that another mom had made the same thing! So maybe I'm the last one to find out about this little secret. But if you're looking for ideas, check it out! Thanks for passing it on, Lori!

Hyperactive or Just a Toddler?

Last week I took both kids to the pediatrician for Haley's 4-month check-up. After we finished talking about her I asked the doctor about the noise Trevor makes. Whenever he's concentrating on something he makes this droning sound (ehhhhh!) I know if you've sat anywhere near us during church you've heard it.

The doctor said the noise is probably a way to soothe himself and asked if hyperactivity runs in my family. What?!? She had noticed Trevor doing a lot of "non-purposeful movement" during our visit and thought the noise may be related to a higher energy level.

She did acknowledge that he had been waiting in a doctor's office for more than 20 minutes. But when she made a final observation that he didn't speak very clearly my jaw dropped. I know my kid isn't perfect but if there's one thing he can do, it's talk! In the last few weeks he's started playing with words so maybe she heard him saying some of his made-up words.

The part that bothers me the most is that her comments have changed my perspective. Now when he throws a tantrum, instead of thinking "He's 2, he'll get over this," I think: "My child might be hyperactive and I'll be dealing with this for YEARS!"

It's been a year since Trevor saw a pediatrician so I set up an appointment for him next week. We'll see how it goes. I just switched to this office and I've been really happy so far. I hope that a visit just for him will allow me to talk about his whole personality, give the doctor a better understanding and me some relief.

In the last few weeks I have been a little worried about him. I had to leave Enrichment early last week because Trevor wouldn't stop crying in the nursery. After an hour I decided he wouldn't get over it and I didn't want to torture the baby-sitters any more. Being left really scares him. Even when we're driving to a friend's house that he's been to a million times, he'll still get nervous and ask if we're going to stay or not. There are other social issues with him that I worry about but aren't most 2-year-olds a bit socially awkward? Or if being social isnt' a problem, don't you worry about your child's sleep, eating, ANYTHING?

I just wish I had someone who could give me an unbiased opinion of how Trevor behaves. I guess that's what a pediatrician should be but already I've pitted her against me. I hope that in a few years I'll laugh that I was even worried.

10 Year Reunion

In high school I was involved in student council and now it's coming back to bite me for the big 10-year reunion. Of course it will be fun to see people and catch up but right now it seems like a lot of work. I graduated in 2000 and I think we'll probably hold it next summer, which leaves a few months left for planning.

So here I am looking for ideas from some of my *OLD* friends who have already been to their 10-year high school reunion. Ha, ha! Or even if you didn't go (I know some of you say you'd never go to a reunion) did you get any information about what was planned? How much did it cost? etc.