Sam's well-child visit

I took Sam in for his 8-year well-child exam today. It was also the first appointment he had with his new doctor, Dr. Eberhardt. Sam was in a great mood and had the nurse laughing right away ('I'm not highly intelligent. I'm just intelligent.'). The doctor checked him for scoliosis and a hernia. Sam wasn't embarrassed, he just needed to know exactly what a hernia was before she checked. He also got a flu shot. The boys have always gotten the flu mist, but that isn't an option at this office. Sam needed to know exactly what was going to happen, and then he was cool with it. No tears. No big deal. 

Dr Eberhardt spent some time talking with us and getting to know Sam. She quickly started to piece things together. Highly intelligent. Very verbal. Not really social. Only a couple close friends. Would rather learn and observe adults than play with toys. Hates to make mistakes. Falls apart when embarrassed. Prone to panic attacks. 

She asked me if anyone had we've suggested that Sam might have a mild form of Aspberger's. I laughed. I told her we had often considered that. She said it's nothing to be concerned about. We just need to keep it in mind if he starts to struggle socially or have problems in school. It pleased me to know she would help us keep an eye on that. 

Anyway, Sam is 50 inches and 59 pounds. A little shorter and thinner than most boys his age. I told him it wasn't too long ago that was off the weight chart; he was such a chubby baby. Sam was very amused by that. 

Here's Sam acing his eye test at the doctor. The nurse was having him read things backwards, just to keep him on his toes.