Being born two weeks early and weighing in at 7 pounds, she was a perfect cherub angel. She had enjoyed her time in my womb immensely ;-) This for illustration purposes: she came in to the world very, very healthy.
I always thought that she would eventually slim down, just as her brother had done before her. So I wasn't really thinking about her weight until the visit.
When Elena was one year old, we visited our health care clinic. For her 'last' vaccine and checkup, everything went fine and I was told that Elena was doing really well and growing according to schedule. There was one thing though: she was deemed too big/fat/overweight, however you want to call it, by the attending nurse.
Elena's height/weight ratio wasn't okay. She was too heavy for her height. The nurse's advice: stop breastfeeding and don't give her too much sweets or sugary drinks in between meals. If I didn't, well, then I was putting my daughter at risk of becoming obese and in danger of getting diabetes type 2. My mouth literally fell open: I was like a fish on dry land, wanting to say something but not being able to make a sound. Her astute observation: "you seem a bit flustered", started my mind and mouth working again.
I told her: ”I can’t find myself in your reasoning. My daughter is one year old and is just beginning to walk without support. She doesn't hang out in front of the TV all day with a bottle of pop in one hand and a bag of chips on her lap. So yeah, I am a 'bit' flustered/angry.” I told her "thanks but no thanks", I would ignore all and just follow my instinct.
But, fast forward to a year later and I don't know. She is almost two years old now and while most two year olds weigh around 24 lbs, she weighs about 28 lbs. Will she eventually slim down or will she be a chubby girl? Should I already restrict certain foods, and gasp put her on a diet of some sorts? It all seemed a bit young for that.
What are your thoughts? Have you been in a similar situation? What did you do?