2 Month Vaccinations

Today was one of the worst days I've had so far as a mom. If you have a little one you'll probably understand.

I woke up this morning and checked my phone. It reminded me that Raegan had her 2 month wellness checkup at 10 am. I had totally forgotten! But luckily, I woke up early enough to get ready and Keali'i was able to take off work to come pick us up.

As I happily bounced my sweet baby in my lap, I told her, "You have your appointment today!" Then a fear suddenly sunk in... This checkup would be accompanied by the dreaded shots.

Back when Raegan had jaundice, they had to draw her blood via heal-stick, and it was dreadful to watch her go through that pain. Knowing that I would have to go through that again today, I wasn't looking forward to it at all.

We got to the doctors office. Everything was fine with her, and she's gained about 2 lbs since her last visit, which is great! When it came time to get her shots, she was content and happy, as usual. But once those long, piercing needles were stuck into her tiny, spindly legs, terror set in. Just watching her face go from curiosity to pain was enough to break my heart. And what was worse, I couldn't calm her down quick enough after it was over. Eventually she did calm down enough for us to put her in her carseat and go home, but all day she hasn't been her same, happy self.

She's slept a lot more today, which is normal after vaccination. In-between her naps, though, she's so fussy. I had to pick up some infant tylenol from the store in hopes that it will help her. But I really feel horrible for having her go through those shots. I hope she feels better soon.

Even though I've had a bad experience today, I know that this is for her benefit. The risk of not getting the vaccinations outweighs the pain she has to go through. I got the shots when I was little and I turned out fine. I just have to keep reminding myself that and hope that soon I get to see my happy baby smile back at me like she used to.