Five shots and a breakdown

Well, we did it.  All five of us Crumbs got the H1N1 vaccine today.   It wasn't the easiest decision, given all of the hoopla and fear-mongering on both sides of the discussion.   We did a lot of research and talked to a lot of people.  But, in the end, our family doctor had the vaccine herself and gave it to her young children.  If she - a medical professional who I trust - is confident enough to give it to her own kids, that makes me feel a reasonable level of comfort in giving it to my family.  That being said, I would certainly support anyone's decision for or against it.  I'm not a vaccine pusher by any means. 

Now that all that is out of the way, I can tell you what a comedy it actually was getting it done.  We decided to attend a clinic that our own doctor's office was running so we could hopefully avoid the chaos at the other, larger public vaccination sites.  There was no way I was waiting in line for long with Daddy Crumb and three children under 8! 

Thankfully, we were in line at 3:50pm and out by 4:30, including the 15 minute wait following the shot to ensure there are no reactions. 

As we stood in line, the kids were happy enough.  School was finished for the day and tomorrow is a PD Day so it was all about the excitement of a long weekend and which Hallowe'en treats they would eat at home after the needles.  As we signed in, Suvi started asking questions. 

"I know we're here to get a needle...but will it hurt?" and "Why do we need to all get a needle again?"  To me, it was her usual curious self.  Often, she asks so many questions about things my head starts to hurt and usually ends in "go ask your father." 

Anyway, we were sitting outside the vaccination rooms and she was getting a bit more antsy.  We were all allowed to go into the room together and the nurse asked us who would be the worst at getting the shot because that is who should go first.  I guess you don't want the person who will freak out to go last so they can really get worked up. 

We chose Finnegan (the 2 year old) to go first as I figured he was most likely to have a meltdown about it.  He sat on Daddy's lap and the superstar didn't flinch the entire time.  No expression whatsoever.  When it was done, the nurse offered him a sucker and he was happy as pie.  Seriously!  That was the easiest shot ever!  No tears, no complaining, no anything!

Max was up next.  By this point, Suvi was really getting agitated.  "Oooohhh, it's going to hurt, isn't it!" 

"Did Finnegan look like it hurt?" I asked.  But she wasn't settling.  Her anxiety was rising fast.  Max started to get a little worried as well but mostly I think because Suvi was losing it and he was watching her.   He was feeling her crazy girl vibe and wasn't liking it.

He took the shot in the arm and started to cry.  Not horribly, but sad enough.  He was given his sucker and sat down next to us as he let a few more sobs out.  We told him he did really great. 

Then it was Suvi's turn.

Freak out. Total freak out.  She was sitting on Daddy's lap and was squirming all over and yelling (yes, yelling) "Noooooo!!!  I don't want it!  Nooooo!!!  It's going to hurt!!"   Those poor people waiting in the line outside the room must have thought we were killing her in there.   Remember that scene from the dentist's office in Nemo when the fish are flipping all around inside and Darla is screaming and all of the patients' jaws drop from fright in the waiting room?  That was this moment. 

After a few minutes of freak out, I decided to step in and get myself done to show her just how easy it was.  Nurse prepped the site and stuck in the needle.  Suvi watched my face the entire time and, despite some slight discomfort, I did my best to laugh and smile to show her how easy it was.  (Yeah, having a needle is fun!  Woohoo!  Join the party!)

Still, she threw a massive fit.  The nurse was clearly getting agitated herself with a huge line up outside the door waiting for their shots and we just didn't have time for this.  She said "I'll have to move on, I'm sorry.   I'll come back in a minute."

She stepped out and as soon as she was out the door, Suvi whispered "Okay, I'll do it."  We comforted her and said that she was a brave girl and it would be no problem. 

But guess what?  As soon as the nurse stepped back in, it was "Nooooo!!!!  I'm not doing it!  Nooooo!!!!!" 

By this point, we had to get things moving.  There was a big line up outside and we either had to get it done, or move on.  It meant a bit of restraining by Daddy (I hate doing that) and before she knew it, the thing was in and out of her arm. 

Then came the drama.  Eyes wide open.  Expression of utter shock.  "Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!    That really, really, really, really hurt!!!!"   Sob, sob, sob.  "Ugh!"

We all exchanged knowing glances, rolled our eyes and chuckled.   Next summer I'll be opting for drama camp instead of science camp. 

Before long, Daddy had his shot and the sniffling bunch walked out of the room along the line up in the hall.  Daddy and I were laughing under our breath as Max and Suvi both whimpered and held their arms.  We all, of course, were being lead out by a marching, skipping Finnegan who happily trotted along with his sucker in his mouth and a big grin on his face.

Guess we'll know for next time who will react the worst!

Oh, and on an unrelated note...tomorrow we get to see Aretha Franklin in concert!  Woohoo!!  Can't wait...