Kup's Anatomy

  We had a great weekend..First of all there was Kup's doctor visit. Her first one since coming to France.
Visits in India were to the hospital where I had worked (and lived) previously. Since the day she was
born, she's been a big star there (thank you, ma'am and sir). I am one of the blessed few, who are lucky to have their own teacher conduct their delivery..She was the one who taught me to conduct a labour in the
first place.
  Kup's vaccinations were all up to date so far but she had not taken the pneumococcus vaccine, since it is
not mandatory in India. However, it is compulsory in Europe, so I was a bit apprehensive. Also Kup has
recently started showing signs of separation anxiety. Previously she used to smile widely at any given stranger, thus gathering a large fan -following among the little old ladies in our neighbourhood. This is
probably the reason no one has complained so far when Kup has one of her 5 o clock tantrums when
I start cooking. I'm digressing again. Sorry.
  It's pretty cold here these days, so we bundled up and headed outside.We had got appointment for
12:45, hence we started at 12. Little miss had to be roused from sleep and was a little less than happy
about it. But she brightened up once we were outdoors. She loves riding in her pram and watching things
go by, especially cars and bikes. As always, I had packed some food, water and  a spare changing kit for her. As usual the papa had forgotten to recharge the bus ticket, so we had to walk the extra distance
 instead of comfortably waiting on our doorstep..Well, I guess we both need the exercise..One thing I

love about France is that coz of Google Maps, we can exactly find the right place without asking anybody, something which is definitely not possible where I come from.And since we still have problems

with the language,this is a great relief.
  We were ushered in by the doctor herself, another scenario unthinkable in India; but then, in India the patient load would hardly enable us to do so. But still, it was a nice touch,don't you think so? The doc
herself was a tall elegant lady with short light blonde hair, rimless glasses, cool watch and 2 funky
bracelets with french manicured nails..No, I dont take in details ;thank you very much. But she was
 really friendly and down to earth. Come to think of it, she is probably the first doctor in a long time
whom I didn't personally know before ..
  The super spacious office..huge window, nice view, large desk with 2 phones, scanner, thin screen computer, fax machine, 3 credit card scanning thingies,(what are they called anyway?)
Yeah, I too could get used to this. Shot a dirty look at SN to show him what all I am giving up for his
 and Kup's sake. Though I am not entirely sure he got the message. It does not matter.
I keep reminding him every few days anyway. There are no paper or files or books. Everything is diectly entered into the system..Hmm need to brush up on my typing skills. The SN said that I was a doctor and
himself a scientist. I think she was relieved not to have to deal with complete dorks who don't even
 know the language in the first place. Jus kiddin; she was really professional.. Asked me what
I specialised and if I'm working here.
 About Kup.Since it was pretty cold, we had swathed her in several layers. After removing all those,
our poor little mouse looked so tin and fragile. Took her length(67..cm) While examining,she was
pretty quiet but when the doc tried to put a spatula in her mouth, Kup grabbed it right out of her hand.
and put it into her other little fist ie, hand to hand transfer...7 months baby stuff she's been doing
 this since about 2 months ago.. So far she has not sat up but she crawls around. We were never worried about this and never tried to make her sit up on her own. She does love to sit in our lap especially if we are

using the laptop. So it was a surprise when the doctor made her sit, she actually did sit on her own for a few seconds..Her muscle tone is all right. I could have told her that, judging from the way she tries to crush my neck when we hug or she clamps her gums on her daddy's nose.
  But the poor thing turned out to be a kilo underweight..I had been suspecting this but not so much. Doc reassured us and said it was because of the big journey and climate change. We give her 3 meals a day cereal/rice /crushed rusk mixed with either apple/banana /pearsor potato/spinach. Along with multiple nursings, this would be enough except for proteins. So we are to start her on chicken, ham etc. No complaints there,I am sure. If she understood, she'd have hugged the doctor. As it is, I'm sure I heard a tiny laddu popping in her mind.
  She kept playing with the spatula during the whole of the visit. I had expected her to have pooped as I removed the diaper but it didn't happen. Instead as we put her on the weighing machine, she peed all over it..Well, at least not on the doctor's dress(which could have been used in an ad for ujala.. ) Anyway the mess was cleaned up..Doc told us she had 4 boys herself,so was very much used to this. SN struggled to put Kup back into her cocoon (let him sweat it out)At the end he was carrying one shoe and the tiny scarf separate.
Meanwhile doc prescribed some vit D drops which are necessary for the coming winter months where
sunlight is a spare commodity. 4 drops a day. I knew there was some connection with ujala -char bundo
wallah.
 Kup was still holding the spatula tight. In the end, doc exchanged it for a lovely red, silicone teething ring
from Nestle. Vanilla-flavoured too, no less. She loved it and was a perfect little lady..Vaccination was due
only next visit(Phew). The whole episode took about half an hour and we left as 3 happy people.

 Ichayan happy about the professionalism and efficiency(yawn); Me fantasising about a future career in likewise surroundings(dream on) And tiny tot happy about the whole outing(little pleasures-sigh) quickly resumed her trip to zzzzzzzland..sweet dreams ummmmmmmmma