Shots. We do them a lot at our house. Dal gets one every. single. day.
It is usually a battle and, therefore, exhausting for everyone.
Everyone, that is, except Kate. She is fascinated by the whole thing and likes to strategically place herself where she won't get in the way (and thus, shooed away), but can still spy the action. I'm not sure what possesses this intense interest, but she does claim she is going to be a baby doctor when she grows up.
So, today when we left to go to her pre-kindergarten check-up at the pediatrician, she wasn't the least bit worried about the booster shots she knew were coming. She passed the exams with flying colors; the model patient. The nurse came in, told her to dangle her legs over the table and lay down. She had Kate put her hands across her chest and had me hold them there, just in case. But, this calm girl didn't even appear to mind what was heading her way.
Then, the poke.
Kate's eyes grew wide with a look of betrayal. She shouted "OUCH!" Tears began to roll down her face. 3 more shots. 3 more screams. Then, of course, lots of hugs and prizes and stickers.
As we left the office, I told her how proud I was that she was so brave. She, however, was not proud. She was mad. At me. I guess she thought I'd mislead her about how much those shots would hurt. Dal's shots are done with tiny needles; you can barely see them. These needles? Not so little. Going in, she was sure she could be more brave than her big brother. The whole painful part was a shock.
I think she's forgiven me now. M&Ms seemed to have patched things up. I'm not sure I've forgiven me, though. It seemed like this doctor visit was going to be my easiest yet. I didn't have to cajole or bribe to get the child in the door. I wasn't required to full-body wrestle anyone while the nurse did her thing (yes, done that. a lot.). Yet, that look she gave me--- sheer disbelief that I didn't tell her what was coming---I think that might be worse than the prying and pinning of visits past. I just want my girl to trust me.
It's a good thing we're done with boosters for a long while. Don't mention H1N1, okay?
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9 comments:
Tommy felt the same way-He was not pleased. He is still talking about it 6 months later.
Poor little thing.
I think I'm horrible because I tell my kids, "It is really going to hurt a lot. But then it is over and you are done." I figure if I tell them it is pretty bad, it might be better than they imagined. It definitely works after they are four or five. Before that, I just do whatever we need to do to get it done and feel like a terrible mother in the process.
Ben has a well check tomorrow. Yuck, I'm already dreading it.
WOAH! I just posted almost the exact same thing! Crazy! Mary had her shots today too. What a crack up. She reacted the same way Kate did. We should have just taken them in together.
At least they have a fun morning planned for tomorrow.
I guess the best thing is that they are over, and Kate will forget. Sorry it was so bad emotionally, especially for the mama! But HOORAY that they are done!
It's always a bummer when things are harder than planned! It sounds like Kate's a trooper, though. And maybe she'll have compassion on her big brother now!
Ooh, my heart was hurting as I read this post. Kate's big brown eyes filling up with tears is almost more than I can bear!
WE love you, Adri. You are a fantastic mother, and I am so pleased to be related to YOU!
Personally, I'm already dreading the kindergarten shots for Maryn! Wish there was an easy way to get it done. Maybe she can call Kate for sympathy afterwards! :)
The wonderful thing about children is they are so forgiving. She will forget and you'll be fine. I'll have to bring a treat for my class. Sounds like they have been a brave little group this week. Tell Kate I'm proud of her.
Sorry, Kate-E-Kate, life hurts sometimes. xoxoxo Gram
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