Lessons Learned at the Playground

Yesterday Avery had her 15 month check up at the doctor. I always get nervous for these visits, even though they are “well visits” because of Avery’s weight issue. We still see the GI doctor on a regular basis and he hasn’t found anything wrong, but he continues to do tests because he is still “worried about her weight.”

In the back on my mind I know that she’s fine. She’s meeting and exceeding all of her developmental goals, she’s gaining weight (just not as much as the doctor would like,) and she has a healthy appetite. She’s thriving in more ways than I could have ever imagined. She’s just petite.

My worries were subsided when I asked our pediatrician to look at Harlan’s growth chart from her 15 month appointment. I wanted to get her records to show the GI doctor so that she could compare. At 15 months Harlan weighed 18lbs 6oz and was 17.5 inches. At 15 months Avery is 18lbs is 17.5 inches tall. The girls were almost exactly the same. Both petite, both healthy. Nothing to worry about (I need to continue to tell myself this everyday or my anxiety will continue to take over.)

After the great news from the doctor (and three shots later) the girls and I decided to celebrate with ice cream and a surprise visit to the playground. It was really nice outside yesterday and the playground was unusually quiet. There was no better time or way to enjoy our afternoon than a date at the park.

Taking two kids to the playground (without a stroller) is no joke. Avery wanted to go one way while Harlan wanted to go the other way. But no matter which way we decided to go, we had so much fun.

Avery watched as Harlan climbed up every single ladder that she could find.

Avery had fun attempting to climb on every single ladder that she could find.

I thought the swings would be great because they could keep both girls confined in one space. That was until I realized how difficult it was to push both girls at once. Thankfully Harlan came up with her own plan of playing on the swings. I think she liked swinging that way better.

As we were leaving I told Harlan that she could do one more thing before we walked home. She’s just learned how to go down the fireman’s pole all on her own. She was so proud of herself for getting over her fears and doing it without any help. It’s always so amazing to watch your child take leaps and accomplish things all on their own.

It’s times like these that reminds me that sometimes you should take cues from your children and be just as fearless as they are. Imagine the things you could achieve if you did.