Sharp Shooter

What parent doesn't hate that sad and scary day of holding their newborn while they get their first set of shots? The eyes that trust you and sparkle with love for you is enough to want to shout, "Okay! I've changed my mind! Any illness is better than this!!!" Then it's over; the baby trembles in pain and trauma and look at you like they don't understand how you could do such a thing or let such a thing happen.

It gets a teensie-tiny bit easier with each vaccination, and each child. At least, that's what I had thought until Kellan's well-child checkup yesterday. Corban was an angel throughout the visit to the doctor as we weighed, measured, and gave Kellan a look over. The doctor leaves, the nurse comes in and says, "We've now found it's easier to give the shots if you put Kellan on your lap instead of lay him on the table." I think nothing of it, and sit Kellan on my lap.

....In view of my toddler. Who with the first scream from Kellan, looks at me like I've just run over a cat. I'm trying to comfort Kellan and Corban as the next round starts and Corban starts backing away from me as if I've just committed man-slaughter. "I'm feeling bad enough as it is!" I state to Corban as the third and last shot is entering Kellan's leg. By this time Corban is backed in a corner shaking with tear running down his cheek, and clearly more upset than Kellan who has now stopped crying.

We pack up, get our stickers, and leave. As I'm buckling Corban in the car, he finally comes forth with, "Mom, that's so mean you shot Kellan!" Now it's my turn to cry.