The Terrific Two-Year Old Check Up

Violet had her 24-month check-up today. Contrary to my expectations, there was no head-spinning or spontaneous expulsion of pea soup. She did cry once the nurse appeared, and she kept knocking on the door and saying “all done, outside.” She also kept fiddling with the door handle, to no avail. The nurse took her weight, height and temperature, but unlike last time, the wresting match was replaced by whining. We were then taken to the examination room, and Violet was somewhat intrigued by the fire truck exam table with stairs leading to the top. My husband got her to climb up on the table, and through her tears, she applauded, and whined, “Yay! Good job.” This dour tone continued when Jerry spun her around in the doctor’s chair: I have never heard a less enthusiastic “Whee.” She recognized the doctor when he came in, and the tears continued. He asked polite questions from across the room for some time to calm her down. Jerry blew up a latex glove, and Violet was very distracted by the makeshift balloon. She was able to sit on Daddy’s lap during the examination, and she tolerated everything except for the ear check very well. She did try to run away at the immunization desk, but I really can’t blame her. Naturally, she screamed at unbearable decibel levels when the shot was administered, and attempted to kick the poor technician in the face. Ever polite, she managed to scream an “All done, bye-bye,” on her way out. By the time we reached the parking lot, the tears had stopped. Whew! I think some celebratory orange juice and finger painting are in order…