The most stressful part of well-baby checks is supposedly the vaccinations, but for me, it’s the third degree

“Can he stack two blocks?”

Sweat trickles down the back of my neck. “Um... I think he can?”

The pediatrician clucks in concern before he moves on to the next question.

“Can he go down the stairs?”

“Uh... well... ” Can I get some water, please?

“Does he follow commands? Like, ‘Bring your shoes’?”

“Er... ” Commands? Ha! The only time he displays comprehension is when he hears the word “outside.” Otherwise, he innocently disregards me.

“Does he say, ‘Mommy’?”

I brighten. “Yes!” Finally, one easy question!

I don’t clarify that when he says it, he doesn’t seem to be addressing me.

The most stressful part of well-baby checks is supposedly the vaccinations, but for me, it’s the third degree.