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....