4 Shots for the 4 Year old!

Today was Brendan's 4 year old check up. Normally, he LOVES going to the doctor because our friend Marie works there and she hooks him up with a Popsicle, goodie, sticker, you name it. However, for this check up he needed 4 shots so Marie advised me ever so politely that he had to get his check up on her day off. She didn't want to be the one to give the shots. I don't blame her. The morning started out pleasantly. Aubrey was excited because she knew she was going to Mrs. Emily's today while Brendan went to the doctor, however neither wanted to go to school beforehand. "Why can't I go just to Mrs. Emily's house?", Aubrey asked. So sweet.

Brendan performed like a champ at first. He peed in a cup with no problem and actually thought it was so cool. He did GREAT on his vision test. 20/20 in both eyes. He didn't participate well in the hearing exam at first. The nurse wanted him to say "yes" every time he heard the machine beep. Instead, he would wait until the test was complete and say, "I heard those beeps." Finally, after 3 different attempts I suggested that Brendan count the beeps out loud. That did the trick. Perfect score! I was so happy. I had his urine tested for glucose because he pees ALL OF THE TIME!!!! The Dr. said his levels were fine and that it was very common for boys to have more frequency in their urination and accidents were not at all uncommon, especially with his Erb's Palsy playing into it. (Erb's Palsy is the clinical name for his arm injury.)

After all of the fun stuff, came the not so fun stuff. The finger prick and 4 shots. HOW TERRIBLE! He was SOOOO VERRRRY BRAVE!!! But bravery failed in the face of pain. MY heart was absolutely broken with every cry, tear, and plea for help. I mean, are 4 shots absolutely necessary at 4 years of age? Can't they do one at 4, 1 at 4 1/2, one at 5 and so on? He'll never want to go to the Dr. again, Marie or no Marie.

After he was all bandaged up from the 4 shots that were given by the slowest nurse of all time, I had to get him a special surprise. I mean, I HAD TO!!! Off to Wal Mart we went and I bought him a Leapster hand held preschool video game system. I know, ice cream would have been a heck of a lot cheaper, but I'm a softy and a firm believer that gifts can buy you love :)

My boy is SO BIG! I can't believe he's 4. He weighed in at 44.4 lbs and 40 inches tall. Think I should have played the number 4 on the lottery tonight? :)

With a little Motrin and lots of hugs and kisses, (and carrying him on my hip because was scared to walk on his sore legs) he happy, safe and snug in his bed. I can't believe I have to do this again next year with Aubrey. 14 and a half months to go....

Brendan Funnies

Brendan has only been awake for about a half an hour and he is already cracking me up. He came in to wake me up this morning and looked horrified when I opened my eyes. I realized that I forgot to wash off my makeup last night before I went to bed and could feel that I had mascara all over my face. It was evident from my pillowcase. Brendan points at my face and says, "Oh no, Mommy! Your eyes are broken!"

Aubrey was playing "gas station" with the adding machine and her flash cards. She was pretending to be a cashier. All of the sudden I could hear her saying, "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" Brendan says, "that's a bad word Aubrey." I told Brendan that she didn't say a bad word. It was ok to say gosh, but if he didn't feel comfortable saying "Oh my gosh," he could say, "Oh my goodness." He replies without missing a beat, "Or I could just say, 'Oh crap!' " Hmmm, which do I prefer? :)

Happy 4th Birthday Brendan!!!

Dear Sweet Brendan,

Today was your 4th birthday and I am filled with tons of emotion. My life was forever changed when the nurse placed you in my arms. My heart has never felt so much joy. What a perfect, precious gift from God.

I hope you had a perfect day today! I loved watching you wake up in excitement this morning because you knew you were now 4. I loved listening to your excitement as you got dressed for school because you couldn't wait to tell your friends you were 4. I laughed and laughed taking you to school this morning because you were angry that I bought your class cookies and not a cake. I beamed with pride as I watched you blow out your number "4" candle as your classmates sang the birthday song to you. I allowed you to play until the sun was long gone, just because it was your birthday, and I soaked in every last expression and giggle you made while you were running with your sister and your friends. I loved the excitement in your eyes as I held you in my arms like a baby and told you the story of your birth before I put you to bed. You love hearing that story, and I love to tell it.

One day when you are older I will tell you the WHOLE story of your birth and help you understand why you have a special arm. It will help you understand why Mommy is always a little sad on your birthday because she is reminded of things that happened that day that hurt you. But know this, above all else, you are the greatest gift I have ever received! You have given me more joy than I could have ever dreamed possible. You are loved more today than yesterday, but less than tomorrow, for with every breath, I love you more.


Happy Birthday, Brendan!

I love you forever and always,

Mommy


I love that new baby cry. Notice his right arm doesn't move at all. :(

I love this pic of Russell and Brendan. Russell was an amazing father right out of the gate.























Look how yellow he was. He had such a bad case of jaundice.