Tuesday, September 22, 2009

 Gravity pulls us all down to earth

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The universe appears to be moving closer to our regularly scheduled broadcast.

Yesterday was Charlotte's four-week doctor's appointment and despite coming out of the gates in the 75 percentile for height and weight, genetics suggested she was a sprinter, not a marathon runner. At 10 pounds, 4 ounces, and 21 1/4 inches, she's now in the 85th percentile for weight and 50th percentile for height. Since Benders are naturally eaters, this is not surprising news to have a daughter in double digits.

She is well-fed. Perhaps not as well fed as the baby in our pediatrician's anecdote that he referred to as Godzilla. But she might be a Godzuki. Houdini (pictured above); however, is is still in the running to be Godzilla.

The doctor's office also featured her first shot outside the hospital -- meaning the first time that she was really aware of what was happening.

"Next time will be the tough one. Everybody will be crying," said the nurse.

"Daddy's tough. I don't cry," I told Charlotte, as the nurse used an alcohol swab to clean the baby's thigh. And I thought I was, right until the nurse said, "just a little pinch."

And then my heart broke a little. Charlotte first looked surprised and went very still. And then she exploded with a wail that made the room cold despite it being temperature-controlled. I felt a hitch in the back of my throat and suddenly crying at the next appointment didn't seem outside the realm of possibility.

In a few minutes, she was happy in Kate's arms (as we all would be) and losing the fight with sleep. But let's end this one on a happy note with the conclusion of the adventures of Godzilla and Godzuki.

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