Daddy picked me up early from school today so that I could go and get my third Covid shot. Mommy and Daddy both prepared me by explaining what would happen and how the shot would hurt, but only for a short time. I told them I understood and that I would be okay, but they feared the worst.
Daddy drove me to the clinic where I would be getting the shot and that put me in a pretty good mood on top of the fact that I got to see Daddy on a weekday afternoon. We went into the clinic and I was completely ecstatic! There were cars and Anpanman decorating the pediatric clinic! I excitedly pointed out all the cars and Anpanman pictures that I saw. I even pointed out all the animal pictures and animal dolls. I was so happy that I couldn’t sit still in the waiting room. Before long we were called in to the doctor’s office. On the way there I spotted more Anpanman pictures. When we sat down in the examination room I spotted toy cars and car decorations all around. I obediently let the doctor listen to my chest and back, and even opened my mouth wide as did the preliminary check up. Then it was time for the shot.
The doctor instructed Daddy on how to hold me tight so that I wouldn’t move during the shot. It just so happened that I was positioned in a way that I could see some cars on a chair cover, which I mentioned as my shirt sleeve was being rolled up. Daddy took advantage of that observation and had a short conversation with me about the different vehicles that were on it. He pointed things out, asked me what I saw, asked about the colors, and ask which was my favorite one. During that time I got my shot, winced a bit as I held my breath, and then it was over. I did not cry one bit. I let out my breath and continued to focus on the cars. The doctor and nurse were shocked by how well I took it. They must have had tons of babies and kids crying their eyes out during the shot and probably even before and after. But not this baby boy. I gritted my teeth through the pain and did not hold a grudge against the doctor and nurse. I even said goodbye to them and bowed thanks as we left.
Then it was back to the excitement and exploration of the waiting room while we remained for the 15 minute observation period. I was practically running around and talking the whole time.
I left the doctor’s office in as good a mood as I entered. I won’t go so far to say that I liked the shot, but I did like the clinic. I had a great time! Daddy was so very proud of how brave I was, how strong I was, and how well behaved I was. I was proud of myself too!
It’s funny. Some of the smallest things during a routine day can upset me and drive me to tears, like someone accidentally closing the front gate instead of letting me do it. And I mean free-flowing tears and cries of near distress. But for the big things, the things that most parents must dread, I always do fine, if not great! Thinks like getting a shot, traveling on an airplane, or visiting a new place. Well, I’m my own person and do things my own way. It keeps things interesting and it keeps everyone on their toes.