Shots and Stats

Okay, so don't get spoiled by my writing two blogs in two days. There is no guarantee that this will ever happen again. We just had an eventful day and I thought I should share it with everyone.

Today was our two month check up with the pediatrician. If you have kids, you may remember that the two month check up begins immunizations...

So the day began with Madalyn and I having a very enjoyable morning. I put her in her 'Smart Cookie' onsie and her awesome (and the only pair I can find) newborn jeans. Off we went to impress the doctor's office. We only showed up 5 minutes late, which is impressive, and soon we were called in by the nurse. Upon taking Madalyn out of her car seat, I discovered that while she was looking all cute in the waiting room, she was creating something all together awful under the cover of her blanket. She had 'a mess' all over her. It was on her jeans, her onsie and almost up to her bellybutton. I think the nurse was a little grossed out. After a thorough cleaning, Madalyn was measured and weighed. As of 10:30am Madalyn weighs 9 pounds and 6 ounces (up from 7 lb 2 oz at her two week appointment) and is 22 3/4 inches long (up from 20'). Her weight is in the 12% range for her age group and the 60% range in length. That means she is long and skinny! I have to admit. I've taken inventory of other people's babies and they all seem...well...bigger. (Please, no one take offense! All of your babies are adorable!) So, I was a little worried that Mady wasn't growing like she should be. But, the nurse and doctor assured me that she was doing great.

Here comes the sad part...

While we are discussing growth and hiccups, my precious baby Madalyn was beaming with pride. I think she liked the attention because she was all smiles and laughs. She was winking at the nurse and checking herself out in the big mirror next to the table...then came the shots. Now, I had always secretly made fun of moms who went on and on about how horrible it is to watch your baby get shots. After all, I've gotten shots and I know that they really don't hurt that bad. I figured I would be able to shrug off Madalyn's crying and assure her that she would be fine...its just a little shot! Here's something you don't hear from me very often: I WAS WRONG!!!

There was my little girl, innocent, pure...she's never hurt anyone or anything (well, unless you've read the blogs from my last few months of pregnancy...she did cause me some pain then) and she was smiling at us like a little angel. All of a sudden, her face changed: Her eyes got narrow and filled with tears, her chin quivered as she drew in a long breath that made her cheeks turn bright red. Then, she let out the most pitiful sound I've ever heard. What was I doing here? How could I let these people hurt this small person that I love so much? I swore to myself that I would keep her safe and every day I pray that she's happy...I couldn't help but well up myself. My poor baby was in pain! 

Immediately I had a flash back of the night we left the hospital. Madalyn was experiencing her first bout with gas and Michael and I were clueless as to how to help her. I remember thinking, 'How can I NOT know how to help my baby girl' and 'Why am I going home with this little person who depends on me when I have no idea what I'm doing'. The baby is supposed to be the one who is helpless...right? We quickly learned what Madalyn needs to feel better and, like today, we made it without the supervision of professionals.

After much comforting, of myself and of Madalyn, we both left the doctor exhausted. She is now asleep in her swing, hopefully dreaming of a lovely place where they don't give babies mean shots and where her mommy and daddy know exactly how to make her feel better...I think I'm dreaming of the same place.

Oh, geez...how am I going to make it as a mom if I'm already crying at these 'minor' pains? After all, shots aren't nearly as mean as classmates and boyfriends.