Just A Little Poke

I'm not sure if there's ever a way to truly prepare your children for a shot ... especially when they are at an age where they understand what is going on. This year, Kailer is fully aware of what a shot is and repeatedly has said to me, "Mommy, I don't like needles!" To which I've replied many times, "Most people don't like needles (Including his father), but we have to get shots to keep us healthy." So last week it was time for Kailer to get his flu shot - an event that neither one of us really wanted to take part in, but knew it was going to happen. I had promised Kailer that after he got his flu shot I would take him out to lunch, followed by an ice cream cone. I'm pretty sure it was the thought of an ice cream cone that finally tipped the scale and gave him the courage to get his vaccination. I was actually going to wait until Aylah's 4 month check up, this week, to have Kailer get his shot, but last Tuesday he asked, "Are we going to get my flu shot today?" He totally caught me off guard, but I rolled with the punches and said,"Um, I'm not sure, I'll have to call the clinic and see if we can get you in." Needless to say he asked several more times before I realized I needed to seize this opportunity and do it while he was willing. So after a visit to the library, I pulled into Urgent Care in Belgrade where the sign in the front read "Walk in Flu Clinic." Well, I guess it was our 'lucky' day ... ha, ha! While I'm filling out the paperwork Kailer is repeatedly saying to me, "Mommy, I don't like needles." As any parent can imagine, this comment ripped away at my heart with each passing beat. I took a deep breath and smiled at him to try and reassure him that it's going to be okay!! The nurse called us in and this momma beamed with pride as Kailer let me pull down his pant leg and hold him on my lap. Kailer did so well!! Yes there were some tears shed, but he did it and I was Over.The.Top. Proud Of Him!! I told him how proud I was and that he was a big boy -- with tear-streaked cheeks he said to me, "No, I wasn't, I cried." I couldn't even begin to express to him how courageous he was and that even though he cried a few tears, he was still the bravest 3 year old I know! We went to Burger King where Kailer got a Kid's Meal and a vanilla ice cream cone..and now, every now and again he will say to me, "Mom, after I get my flu shot next year, we can get another ice cream cone, right?!" LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. That Boy!!

Enjoying his special treat!

Kailer: 3 years 4 months            Aylah: 4 months