Pokey Ouchy

We just returned from having Hunter get his 12 month shots. In his previous experiences, he was a good sport. He might have whined a little, but didn't have any real response to the shots. He did have a couple episodes of extreme frustration and pain a few hours after the shots, but... for the most part, he was a trooper and just dealt with it. This time, the second I tried to hold him still, he started wiggling. This is not unusual as the little man gets older. In fact, he mostly will only hold still while he is asleep (not even when he is nursing, folks). The dance show this weekend (three hours watching my talented little sisters in a darkened theatre) was amazing because he was quiet, sitting on a lap and watching, through most of it!! Anyhow, back to the story.. I tried to hold him still and he started whining. As soon as he felt the first poke (out of three), he screamed and pulled away. The others continued with much the same response each time, subsiding a little after a few moments. By the end, no subsiding but full-out wailing! So, the offer of nursing and.. sigh, silence and peace as he tugs on his ear and pats my chest. I loooove being a nursing mom and I am so thankful that it has been (and continues to be) a positive experience for us.

Anyhow, he soothed a little, then sat up. The nurse offered him a happy face stamp. I thought, uhhh he's one. He has no idea that that is a smiling face and it's not going to make him feel better! Well, it turns out I don't know my own child, folks. He sees the stamp, grins and pokes it wondering.. what is this?? Cool! So.. he has three stamps, one on each ouchy part of his body (Right arm, right leg and left arm - poor kid). All in all, however, I'm glad the experience wasn't as terrible as it could have been.