Today was a tragic day for the Morris boys, and nearly as devastating for their Mommy.
Immunizations. That is the politically correct term for SHOTS, NEEDLES, and PAIN!!!
Owen had his 12-month shots and
Corwin had his "Kindergarten" shots. The age window for kindergarten shots is 4-6 years. I thought it'd be a good idea to get the two boys' shots taken care of at the same time. I'm not convinced that was the best plan of action.
I began to prepare
Corwin last night for what lie ahead. Attempt to reason #1: If he wanted to go to school, he had to get his shots. His answer: "I don't need to go to school. I've got plenty to learn in my school work book." (This is a workbook we have that introduces colors, numbers, writing, etc.) Attempt #2: You have to get these shots, or you might get really bad sick. His response, "Well, if I get sick, you can just take me to the doctor, and he'll give me some medicine that I can put in my mouth that will make me better."
Hmmm.... Okay. Attempt #3: Owen needs you to get some too so he doesn't get scared and back out.
Corwin: He'll be okay. He's had them before and done just fine.
Corwin is a hard one to argue with. He's too smart.
Finally, I said, "Well, we'll see what the doctor says. If he says you don't need them, then we won't get them." That seemed to satisfy my son and, at the same time, pushed the blame off of me and onto Dr. Russell. Yes, I'm a chicken.
Bawk-
bawk!
So,
Corwin was brave and strong, until the needle was an inch from his leg, then he decided to tell everyone within a 10-mile radius that HE DID NOT WANT A SHOT!!! PLEASE! PLEASE! DON'T GIVE ME ANY SHOTS! The nurse tried to calm him because his legs were so tense and hard as a rock. Finally, he weakened a bit, so she stuck him and told him to say the magic word over and over, as fast as he could. "Bingo." So, he "Bingo, bingo, bingo, bingo-"-ed through five
excruciating immunizations. When it was over he and I both were crying. Owen got his two shots with only a whimper.
But, it wasn't over. They then sent us to the lab for a blood draw to check hemoglobin and lead levels. I
did not want to go through the drama again. But... doctor's orders. This time,
Corwin marched in there, told the
phlebotomist he was going to be tough, and began to impress her with his gallantry. He cried right before they stuck him with the needle, then watched as the vile filled with his thick, red blood. The
phlebotomist was amazed at his courage! She said he was the youngest patient she'd had that sat by himself and endured the torture. Most want to sit in Mommy's lap and proceed to scream the whole time. Owen, again, endured like a pro. He made a face when they removed the needle, but that was all.
So, now I am exhausted--emotionally and physically. It took all morning to get those pesky sticks done. But, I'm so glad it's done and over with for a few years. Maybe next time
Corwin will be big enough to
really be tough. But, then it'll be Owen's turn to be four and terrified. Ugh. The price of parenting.