Linz-meier and general eye irritants.

This morning was Ned's 24 month well baby check. (Yes, I know she's 27 months. Why take a kid for a well baby check in the midst of swine flu madness, I ask?) So we've been preparing Ned for this doctor visit because a) she'd have to get naked for the doctor (c'mon, that is traumatic) and b) it involved a shot--her second seasonal flu. In preparation, we told her that doctors help to keep us safe and healthy, and that it's important to tell your doctor if something with your body isn't working quite right so that maybe she can help.

This morning Ned woke up and I asked her what she was going to do today. She thought about it for a few seconds, eyes darting back and forth and said, "Hmmmm... Oh, I know! Doc-or Linz-meier!" Ned likes Dr. Linsmeier. She's a really nice gal and will even take the time to check out Turtle at appointments. Ned always announces herself (patting her chest) as "Doc-or Linz-meier" when she addresses our near-daily wounds ("Ooooh, Mama, leg hurt?") with her little plastic medical kit. Recently she's taken to wrapping our appendages in an ACE bandage that somehow found its way to the kit. ("All done. Feel bett-uh?") But I digress.

So today at the office, Ned found herself a bit concerned about the shot but quickly forgot when Dr. Linsmeier entered the room. She (Ned, that is) was a little shy at first, but managed to blurt out, "baby naked" just in case the doctor didn't notice, I guess. Anyway, after the usual appointment stuff, Dr. Linsmeier asked if we had any questions. And Ned says, I kid you not, "Linz-meier, eyes watering, all time." So I guess--in light of our instructions about telling the doctor when your body's not working quite right--she decided to address her annoyance with her very occasionally watery eyes with the good doc. And that fantastic "Linz-meier" didn't miss a beat and informed Nedy about allergies and general eye irritants. With a straight face.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, this little former light-weight is now 28.4 pounds (50th percentile), 35 inches (50th percentile again), and 48.something for head circumference (50th percentile yet again.) Dr. Linsmeier said, "You'd never know a year ago this kid was just learning to crawl--amazing."

You go, baby girl. :)