Shoals Pediatric Group

12/24/2025

One of my favorite posts every year!

12/24/2025

We will be open tomorrow morning for all of your last minute sick visits!

12/23/2025

Merry Christmas from my family to yours. Dr. Freeman reminded us the other day how special it is that our patients and their families place their trust in us. Caring for your children is a honor and privilege that we as providers do not take lightly.

Very few people can say that they find joy - true joy - in their job every single day. I can promise you that even on the toughest, busiest days, I enjoy coming to work and find happiness in patient visits. I definitely get to laugh more than most people. I thank you for sharing your lives with me on a daily basis - the good, bad, and ugly. We've been through a lot together. In turn, I tend to share a lot about my family in the office, because I view my patients, and their families, as friends. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I appreciate you all. Stay well out there!

-Dr. Kelley

12/23/2025

LOL.

12/22/2025

2025 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:

December 24: Open AM only
December 25: CLOSED
December 26: Open AM only
December 27 and 28: Regular weekend hours

December 31: Open AM only
January 1: CLOSED
January 2: Open AM only
January 3 and 4: Regular weekend hours

12/19/2025

Great news! We are excited to announce that Shoals Pediatric Group will open a Pediatric Weight Management Clinic in the Shoals, with Lauren Judkins, NP. We hope to begin services in mid-January. Stay tuned for more information on how to schedule your child in this clinic.

12/19/2025

(Reminding myself of this too.)

Many people—kids and adults alike—freeze under the “spotlight,” even when that spotlight is just friends and family watching them open gifts. As gift givers, we sometimes hope for a big, grateful reaction from our kids, and it can be disappointing when that reaction doesn’t come. But it’s important not to guilt or shame a child if they don’t respond the way we imagined. Instead, offer grace and give them space. More often than not, their excitement will show up later, once the pressure has passed.

I remember feeling incredibly nervous opening presents as a child, worried that I wouldn’t show enough appreciation or enthusiasm. Instead, I try to express my gratitude by using or wearing the gift, and snapping a photo when I can. If this post resonates, you might encouarge something similar at home. For some kids, appreciation can show up after the moment, through a thank-you note, wearing or playing with the gift, or mentioning it the next time they see the giver.

Merry Christmas!

-Dr. Kelley

12/17/2025

Show me your favorite Elf activities in the comments below. Ours has had a busy December. She's been in the fridge, hanging from the ceiling fan, reading a book to our Little People toys, driving a Barbie jeep, hiding on top of the Christmas trip. Whewwww I'm exhausted just thinking about how much she's doing!

12/17/2025

Posted • .nutritionist Drop a 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️ if your baby started solids with ZERO teeth!
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I’m often asked how many teeth baby needs before they can start food finger foods. They don’t need any! 🙌🏼
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Babies “chew” with their gums/tongue 👅 and do not require teeth with the soft finger foods/pieces that we use. Even if baby does have 2 teeth (like Jojo 🤓), how much help are those really with chewing?😅
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Knowing how to serve babies food at the right softness level helps them eat food while toothless (or close to it!).

12/16/2025

Harrison wants to know what is UP with “Periodic Breathing.” Even if you’ve never heard of this term, I bet you’ve experienced this with your newborn.

Periodic breathing is when healthy, full-term babies temporarily pause their breathing for 5 to 10 seconds, and then “stack" many breaths together in rapid succession. Parents often describe this to me as their baby is working hard to breathe or breathing fast. Once I ask a few more questions, and demonstrate periodic breathing, I can reassure them that their baby is healthy and there is nothing to worry about. This will last a few weeks to months.

So when should you worry? Call your doctor if:
-Pauses in breathing last for more than 15 seconds
-Baby turns blue or purple
-Episodes are happening very frequently
-Baby has sustained rapid breathing

I know I’m on a bit of a newborn kick with my posts, but it’s what’s on my mind 24/7 right now! Hope this helps!

-Dr. Kelley

12/15/2025

REMEMBER!

It’s cold out there. Don’t forget to buckle your children into their car seats with regular clothes on and then use their winter coats as a blanket for warmth. You can even put their arms through the sleeves for added warmth and comfort!