Smelly Dr. P

The kids have been so looking forward to this last doctor's visit. Not really. For weeks they have been burdened with the knowledge that there was to be shots. I told them to just forget about it and don't stress. We almost ALL forgot about it, until our friendly reminder call the evening before. I had to work that night so I failed to get the message to the kids the next morning. Boy were they surprised when Mike and I were picking them up early from school. I think they were almost excited that something spontaneous was in store for them. Well, it kinda was!

We were in the office for 2 whole hours. The kids were in good spirits, considering. It was extra fun to have Mike there as he makes most of our experiences an adventure. He was 100% jolly and supportive until it was time to administer the immunizations. He then, very quickly, shot out the door and left me to wipe the tears. I don't guess I've been to a well child dr visit other than my own many moons ago. It was interesting.

Dr. P is a funny lady. She's talkative and very down to earth. She makes a great pedi doc in my opinion 'cause she knows what to say and how to say it. She sits on the examination table cross-legged and wears fun jewelry. On a side note, I think we all came to the conclusion that Dr. P had too much chile (with beans) this week. Everytime she came into the room she brought in a bit of a potent wiff with her. We all deny it was us... so....
Anyway, Dr. P acknowledged each kiddo as a group, quizing their interests and activities, breaking the news about puberty, commenting on how it sucks to have divorced parents, then going over safety. All three kids were amazed that she put so much emphasis on bike helmets, but none of us own any current ones. We are loser parents. She then took each one individually for their physical.

She filled Maddie in on what many of us women look forward to each and every month. (Sarcasm) Maddie is in the 95% for height. She's going to be a tall glass of water like her daddio. She gave us a little scare during the eye exam, but that was just because she and I have no idea how that works. Her eyesight is good and her health is great.

Dr. P brought the boys in together with Mike. Apparently she talked about sports, acne, and even gave a rather detailed but simplified "birds and bees" talk. I believe Mike thinks that he should get credit for this since he was in the room. Negative. Graham has finally caught up with his weight and the dr was very pleased with this. I think he is in the 40-50% in height at 5'7" (my height exactly). Zack is in the 60th for height, I think. They are both pretty average at this point and got a clean bill of health overall.

Then there were the shots. Ah, the shots. The kids were trying to be so brave. I worried at first but then was greatful that they had all three of them in the same room. They laughed at each other and themselves and this kinda broke the tension. They also showed a good amount of sympathy, giving each other loving pats and verbal support. As awful as shots are, there was a hint of love expressed among the three of them and that made my heart feel good.

Conversations on the way home were interesting to say the least. It was my intentions to share them in this blog, but after giving it some thought and feeling a bit of apprehension from Mike, I will leave it all to your imagination.

We persevered 7 immunizations between the three of them and wiped a few tears. No one passed out this time and I'm proud to say that all 5 of us are now current on our tetinus which is such a horrible shot to receive. Poor kids are still aching today but they are healthy and happy. What more could we ask for?