On the day I registered Andy for school I received a call from the school nurse saying that Jack needed to get his last Hep A shot done. It had been 6 months and it was time. I was then given a list of 5 things Andy had to have done as well before he could be enrolled in school. So I called the local Health Nurse and scheduled the needed immunizations. I decided to tell Jack early this time instead of surprising him with it. That didn't work out so well last time. He was not happy about it when I told him but had warmed up to it and yesterday evening when we talked about it again he was ready. "I only have to get one shot and Andy has to get 5" he said in a tone of relief. All was going well until we picked up Andy from school and I mentioned they were going to put a small needle in their arms. "What? I don't want them to put a needle in my arm." I turned around and looked at him and he was terrified, tears were building up in his eyes. I held his hand and assured him that I would be there with him and would hold his hand. He said he would be brave.
As we walked into the building Andy, who by the way has been completely relaxed about the entire thing, walks up to one of the workers there and says "I'm going to get 5 shots". He didn't even bat an eye and the lady was giving him this look of terror and thought he would be scared. Then she caught on that he wasn't nervous at all and she smiled and was a little more encouraging. I was like, don't ruin what I've got going on here with this one lady. We sat, filled out some paperwork and the boys watched a little Jungle Book on the tv in the lobby. Jack struck up a conversation with a couple that was sitting there. They were probably in their early 20's and Jack just chatted away with them. He had them laughing. I love that he can do that. What a gift to bring a smile to a strangers face and to simply love people. There are times it makes me nervous and we talk about strangers and being careful. That is another story.
We got called back and as we sat down with the nurse Jack was really nervous. The nurse wanted to do him first and he wasn't about to. He made that pretty clear. She objected to my suggestion of Andy going first and thought it would make things harder on Jack. Well, I was the one that had to hold Jack down last time and I didn't really want Andy to see that before he had to get multiple shots. She didn't like my logic but consented. Andy did great on the first and the second shots. He had a little wince at most but did just fine. There were two more to go (they combine two of the vacines so it only took 4 pricks) and she moved to his other arm. Where Andy had been doing great Jack was whimpering and gettting more and more nervous. With the arm switch Jack could see the needle go in and he started to lose it. Andy was still good but these were bigger shots and they hurt a little. He cried some and then the last shot happened and as soon as the bandaid was on and he knew he was done he was fine.
Jack was not fine. He kept saying doctor, doctor, I don't want to have the needle, I'm okay, I don't need to have this. I had to hold him on my lap and wrap my arms around his to keep him still. He was in major tears and the shot was done - I don't think he even realized it so I said "Okay Jack, are you ready for the big shot now?" He was crying and I let him know he was done. Oh, sweet relief. He continued to cry. The nurse offered them both stickers. Andy was happy to take one and Jack cried "I don't want a sticker" and he was out the door. Couldn't get out fast enough.
As we walked through the lobby the workers were all looking at Andy who was completely calm and collected - he was cool. No big deal. They were all amazed. Jack however was still crying and carrying on. When we got outside I told them both how brave they were and how proud I was of them. I carried Jack to the car, still crying he said, "I was so brave". Yes you were big Jack. As scared as he was when I mentioned the needle he actually did very well. I know that this is a scary thing for kids. I don't really know why but it is.
These brave warriors of mine had chosen donuts for their special treat so we headed to Lins. They both picked out sprinkle donuts and chocolate glazed. We grabbed a couple for Natty and then just rounded out the dozen. I think Jack has had three by himself. He is excited to have another for breakfast.
I think Andy was hurting a little tonight. I gave him some pain releiver and he is now in bed. He has one more to go in 6 months and then he should be good. Hopefully he will be as brave and unflinching as he was today.
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