Two Month Appointment: My Trooper

Today was the day I had been dreading for months- Nathaniel's first shots. It was inevitable, since I refuse to be the parent who doesn't vaccinate their child and puts everyone's children at risk, but it was a tough day nonetheless.

We headed out to the pediatrician's office and my little boy was happy as a clam. He let the nurse weigh him and measure him, something I was eagerly anticipating as my arms are about to break every time I pick him up. Nathaniel is just shy of fifteen pounds and is 24 1/4 inches long. For his age, he is in the 95th percentile but he isn't disproportionate in any way; he's just a big little boy!

Then came the shots...

It was a delayed reaction; after the nurse stuck the first shot, Nathaniel arched his back and screamed at the top of his lungs. I nearly started crying myself and I wanted to punch the poor nurse. You will all be happy to know that I restrained myself, since I didn't feel like going to jail today.

As soon as it was over, I scooped up my little boy and cuddled him, all the while feeling like the jerk who let my son get hurt. I know it's for the best, but I can't help feeling a little guilty. I guess this is just one of those times where I have to remind myself that I'm doing the right thing...