Annual reports

A benefit of having children with almost the same due date (Cooper, June 25; Katie, June 24) is that their birthdays are close (Cooper, July 3; Katie, June 20) and therefore their annual pediatric check-ups can be accomplished in one visit.

Today was an especially good check-up day, as neither needed any vaccines. Cooper asked every employee he could find if he would be getting a shot today and was so relieved to hear the final verdict. He actually is eligible for the chicken pox booster, but we're going to wait. We don't want to introduce a live virus in a household with an immuno-compromised daddy. If there is a chicken pox outbreak at school this year, we will reconsider. Otherwise, we'll wait until next summer.

We learned today that Cooper grew 3.5 inches in the past year -- not a huge surprise if you've seen him lately or see the tall pile of long pants we will be passing down to friends. Our 7-year-old boy is now wearing size 10 slim pants and cinching them as much as those handy hidden elastic waists will allow. He's above the charts for height and at 75 percent for weight.

Katie grew 2 inches in the past year and is at 75 percent for height and weight. Dr. N gives grades for health and development. (Julie and I always wonder if he ever gives out grades below an A. We've yet to hear of one. I suspect it's his office's way of giving a vote of confidence to anxious parents.) Katie received an A+ today, with a special note for her "excellent speech." He told us that he likes to listen to her talk because she, at age 3, sounds like a 10-year-old.