Pam ~ Maya K's appointment for her first immunizations was today. I really haven't been dreading it, or really even thinking about it very much, but I did feel a little apprehensive last night and this morning as I knew it was coming.
I am a firm believer in telling children the truth. I wanted to talk to Maya K and tell her what was going to happen, what I was going to do, and what would happen when we were all done.
But I wasn't going to tell her all that information any earlier than necessary. She has never had a shot before, but she did get to see Nathan and I each get two shots about a month ago (we were finishing our Hep A & B rounds). That was such a blessing because I could remind her of that and tell her that mommy knew how it would feel.
Her apt. was at 1:30 this afternoon, so I told her at lunchtime that we were going to the doctor's office after we had eaten lunch and gave her some reminders of when we went there a couple of months ago. I am very glad that her first visit was a non-shot visit!!!!! It was a good experience.
I also told her that we were going to go get some ice cream after we left the doctor's office. She got VERY excited!!!!! And talked about it A LOT!!!!!!
When we pulled into the doctor's parking lot, I told her that she was going to get a few shots today and that there was going to be some medicine in the shots that would help her to stay strong and healthy. I reminded her about daddy and I getting shots and she instantly began shaking her head "no". I told her that it would be fine, that it would hurt just a "little bit" and she would get some bandaids and then we would go get ICE CREAM!!!!! She got excited hearing the words "ice cream" again and didn't dwell on the shots that I had mentioned.
We didn't have to wait very long when we got inside and Maya K was happy and content. She was measured and weighed and has grown one inch since October 18th and has gained one pound. I'll take it :-).
I was able to talk with the nurse about what immunizations Maya K was going to get today, HOW they would administer them, when she needs to come back for more, etc.
When the nurse left, I talked with Maya K again about the shots. I told her that she was going to get three shots and they would be in her leg. She shook her head "no". I said it will be quick, hurt just a little bit, and then it would be all done and we would go get ice cream.
(She took her stuffed Tiger with and wanted him to get his shot first. I said "okay" :-)
The doctor came to check her over again (we did this two months ago, but since she's been home longer now, it was good to talk again). She hasn't even had a cold since we got home 10 weeks ago!!!! We have been blessed with a VERY healthy little girl (so far).
After the doctor left we were able to read some more in the book we had brought and then the nurses came in. Maya K tried to shut down, but I put her up on the table and talked to her and held her while they gave her the shots. She cried and screamed and was very unhappy, but the nurses were quick and efficient and it was done very fast. I picked her up and cuddled her while she cried and I told her that she was so strong and brave and that it was already done. We looked at her bandaids, she stopped crying, I fixed her pants, and told her that I loved her very much.
She looked up at me and said "Chocolate Ice Cream."
YES, baby girl!!!!! We're going to go get some ice cream!!!!!
It only took about two or three minutes for her smile to come back (the two lollipops that the nurse brought her probably helped that a little!!!!) and we left with a calm and happy Maya K!!!!!
Praise the Lord!!!!!
(The ice cream was good!!!!)
