9 month check up

Cynthia - they do the anemia test at around 9 months because by this point the babies have used up any stored iron that they had when they were younger, and they are starting to eat more solid and take in less iron from formula/breast milk. Some times they also screen for lead level at this time as well.

Is the anemia test something new. My older 2 have never had an anemia test done. My 14 year old has still never had blood drawn while my 11 year old just did last month to check her thyroid.

I can't even imagine how hard it is to draw blood from a baby...I guess I'll let you know next week after our 9 month checkup. I have a feeling they are going to be suprised with how much weight Nicholas has gained...I say he is probably about 20lbs now and wasnt quite 16 at his 6 month checkup.

Miki

Bruce didn't have a 9 month appointment with his regular doctor. They said they would just see him at 1 year unless we had any concerns before then. He goes to the endocrinologist every 3 months though.

Bruce has had a ton of blood draws already because of his hypothyroidism. He's actually gotten to be quite the little pro with is and now only cries for the pinch of the needle entering his skin. Once the needle is in (be it shot or blood draw), he settles down and is fine again. At this point, he gets blood work done at least every 3 months. He was getting it every week in the beginning and then every 2 weeks for a bit, then monthly for a bit, and now every 3 months. Hopefully it'll continue to cut back as he gets older.