Rudolph Saves the Day!

Tuesday Jackson had his (late) 4 year check-up at the pediatrician's office. Turns out big JPM didn't have to work after all, so I was quite relieved to be able to take Jackson by myself without Preston. Why, you ask? Because he got four shots, a urine specimen, and a finger prick!!! That's alot for one mommy and one 4-year old to handle in one day!

But, I tell you he was awesome as usual. He really is amazing me how fast he is growing up. I can really count on him lately. Maybe too much. Sometimes I feel like I put too much pressure on him. But, he is so mature. Not to brag, but he is. And, school has really helped him blossom into a little person. He's not a baby anymore. He is more like my friend/buddy. Which does cause some disrespect sometimes. But, once I nip that in the bud, he really is quite enjoyable to be around lately. Thank goodness, because Preston is in full-swing terrible twos!

Anyway, back to the Dr. Jackson is 42 inches and weighs 43 pounds! He is proportionate and in the 75th percentiles I think, which is good! He has been steadily there for a while, so he is growing great. And it is good that his height and weight are the same percentiles.

We did the urine specimen. I thought how am I going to do this??? But, he just peed, I held out the cup, and while I did get splashed a little it was fine. He said, "That was fun!"

Then, they did the finger prick to check his iron. That he cried over really bad!!! I was worried because the shots hadn't happened yet! But, once I started singing Rudolph, and added the "Ho, Ho, Ho" part after "Santa came to say", he dried the tears right up to correct me. He hates it when I add that part.

Then, Dr. Smith came in to tell us the good news that all his labs were normal. Then, he asked Jackson what he was going to be when he grows up. The response was hilarious. Jacskon looked shocked at the question and said, "I'm already all grown up, silly!"

Then....came the shots. Some mommies I know have said they didn't tell their 4-year olds they were coming. They thought the anticipation for the child was cruel. Not me. I shoot straight with Jackson, and believe that not "tricking" them and being honest is the best. So, I just told him that it was going to feel like a pinch (I actually pinched him the day before to show him and he jumped back and said that hurts!), and then I explained why we do the shots. He understood. He wasn't happy, but he got it.

The nurse comes in, and I suddenly came up with the idea for Jackson to sing Rudolph (his favorite song) while he was getting his shots. The silence was kind of scary I thought. And, that sweet boy sang all through (with me and the nurse) the first two on one arm, and then he slowly faded out on the third shot. The last shot, the dreaded MMR, stings when it goes in, and that is when he started crying. Poor baby. The song was almost over anyway, so if you try this you got to sing fast! :) I told him I was sorry and hugged him, and he said through tears, "It's okay."

Later that night, I told him that he doesn't have to do that again for a long time. He exclaimed, "Good!" I didn't want him to fear every trip to the doctor.

The next morning, I asked him if he felt okay checking to see if he had any side effects coming on. He was so cute. His response was, "I feel fine! My shots are working!"