Maggie's First Check-Up

Maggie had her first appointment today. She weighed 6 lbs., 4.5 oz., half an ounce higher than when she left the hospital. She is also half an inch longer than last week. In comparison, Lucy was 4 oz. lighter than hospital weight at her first appointment. Despite her comparatively good weight, we've got another appointment next week to check weight again. Dr. Mike said he's not really worried but wants to keep an eye on it.

Dr. Mike asked if we had any concerns. We only had a few. First, her right eye is constantly crusty or draining. Her tear duct is too small. It's something that should fix itself. If it doesn't resolve by her first birthday, the duct can be enlarged. Second, her nose sounds a little congested, which is pretty common for babies. I just wanted to know if I should suction based on sound or wait until I can see something to suck. She had a huge booger a couple days ago, and she sneezes fairly frequently, which Lucy thinks is hilarious. I'm allowed to use saline and suction. Third, we noticed when we bathed her that she has a divot at the bottom of her spine (in her crack). It currently looks like a second anus. Dr. Mike said it's a sacral dimple. Hers is not big or deep and should be no problem. If the dimple is deep and hairy, they can cause problems. We haven't noticed any other birthmarks on her. Last, Maggie seems a bit jaundiced. She wasn't jaundiced when she left the hospital, but she is a little now. Because she's eating and pooping well, it should resolve soon. If it gets worse, we should see the doctor, but we're going to see him in a week anyway.

Maggie handled the appointment really well. She didn't cry much at all. Lucy, on the other hand, was a bundle of energy. She wanted to touch everything. She pushed the wheeled stool around, crinkled the paper on the table, and ran in circles. She wanted to listen to baby's heartbeat, so Dr. Mike let her use his stethoscope. She heard another baby cry and tried to leave the room saying "baby in trouble." She liked when Dr. Mike poked Maggie to check for jaundice. She kept gently poking Maggie while Matt put her clothes back on. She was very sweet, but we had our hands full.

It was a good appointment. I'm sure next week's will be even more positive.