Lincoln Lately

Once we arrived in Alabama, it was time for another round of doctor appoints. Do they ever end?! This time, Lincoln was due for his 15 month well-check. I don't know why he entered such a terrible state, but from the second we wheeled into the clinic to the second we left, Lincoln was completely inconsolable. He literally cried for an hour and a half straight (minus about 5 minutes of peace after the nurse left, and before the doctor stepped in). I felt like an awful parent because I could not figure out how to help him. He kept trying to get down, and the instant I put him down, he cried to be picked up. The pacifier didn't soothe, the snack didn't satiate, the toys didn't entertain, and the book didn't even work!  So, the doctor proceeded and and I attempted to listen while he screamed incessantly. Ugh!

Lincoln remains consistent on his growth curve. He measured in at 23.8 pounds (30th percentile) and 33 inches in length (93rd percentile). We're thinking our guy might have inherited my dad's height, although it's said that height isn't accurately predicted until the age of two. 

The hematoma in his leg is still present, although shrinking, from the vaccine back in October. The doctor plans to keep an eye on it for now, not requesting further ultrasounds.

In discussing Lincoln's allergic reactions to wheat, dairy, and nuts, the doctor ordered a common allergy radioallergosorbent (RAST) test. He continues to show no signs of being bothered by these foods, but still gets a facial rash almost every time he consumes food from the above groups. ​His doctor also ordered a blood test for anemia and lead poisoning since we didn't get those done at this one year appointment. Initially, Lincoln did surprisingly well during the blood draw. He cried for about ten seconds and then let the tech proceed without a fight. But, true to our history with Army lab technicians, they couldn't get the blood to flow and the tech proceeded to fish the needle in his arm for several minutes. It was torture to watch. I know how bad that hurts and she didn't seem to have any mercy. He recovered the second the needle was out and went back to his usual easy-going demeanor. 

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On the development side, Lincoln is on track for just about everything. The one thing he hasn't yet achieved is putting two words together, but the doctor said she's not concerned with that until a child hits 18 months. As of the beginning of 15 months, he says the following words: Dada, Mama, Wma (Wilma), Addie (Ma), Mama (Grandma), Granddad, MomMom, Elmo (Em), bottle, up, car (ca), duck, (du), helicopter (haca), ball (ba), and milk (mi). He can also make the animal sounds for cow, duck, dog, elephant, lion, and bear. When asked, he can point out his ears, eyes, tongue, belly button, hands, teeth, feet, and toes. Lincoln loves helicopters, animals, cars, brushing his teeth (and mine), rolling cars, playing with balls, climbing on the playground, swinging, reading books, picking flowers, kissing dogs, pulling his wagon, being outside, playing chase with Adeline, and splashing in the water. 

To Tim's "great delight," Lincoln loves playing with Adeline's girly toys, including her accessories

Lincoln is also doing a little better in the car as he's slightly more entertained by the DVD player. I'm not at all crazy about the idea of him watching a video everywhere we go, but it's that or belligerent screaming the entire way, even if it's two minutes up the road. For now, it provides us all some needed sanity. I'm elated that he's doing better on this front since Enterprise is such a tiny town that we often have to drive about an hour in either direction to find adventures for the kids. This week, I took Addie and Lincoln to Troy to visit the Pioneer Museum of Alabama. The kids loved playing outside--visiting the chickens, on the stage, in the amphitheater, in the replica houses, on the train, crossing the bridge, and especially in the one room schoolhouse. I thought this would be a pretty place to take the Nikon along and was able to capture some cute shots of the kids. Here's some of the pictures I took of Lincoln that day. 

At 15 months, life is getting a taaaaad easier as Lincoln understands a lot of what we say and enjoys interacting with his sister (most of the time), all which makes me contemplate baby number three. And then somebody hits somebody, or Lincoln loses his mind while I change his diaper, or I think about moving 20 more times, or I have to load a screaming kid into the car seat...and I quickly change my mind, choosing the tiny bit of sanity I have over another pregnancy and rearing a child. But, just like that, Lincoln smiles at me, laughs hysterically, puts his arms out for me, calls my name, or collapses in contentment on my chest and it reminds me that children are a blessing from the Lord, and I want more blessings. I've been asking God for guidance on this subject for a couple months now, and waiting to hear His answer. Until I hear, I'll continue holding on tight to what bit of "baby" we have left in Lincoln--my little light.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." --Matthew 5:16 (Lincoln's Life Verse)