I’m not sure who was dreading it more — me or the girls?? Both girls will be in some kind of school this year. Abby will be going to kindergarten (can you believe that???) and Hannah, preschool. I knew I had to take them to the doctor. I had had the forms in my possession for a couple months. The schools needed them back. The problem is, I knew both girls needed shots and that is just never a fun time

I tried my best to keep my concern to myself. I tried to reassure them that IF we had to get shots – they seriously only hurt for just a second. I promised them Steak N Shake milkshakes when we were done. They knew they would get stickers from the Dr. It was just something we had to do. So off we went!

We went in and they both got weighed and measured. Abby is 90th – 90th in height and weight and Hannah is 75th – 75th. This just means they are both a bit taller than the average — but their weight is right on course with their height. Now in the past, weighing hasn’t even went well. Abby has always completely shut down at the doctors office. Sometimes we even see hives! But so far, so good! Still smiling and laughing with the fantastic nurse!

Next we walked down the hall so Abby could look at some pictures. At first she thought it was just a fun game and did great. Then the nurse walked us to the end of the hall and I had to cover one eye so she could look at the pictures with one eye from a distance. She started to get uncomfortable and said she couldn’t see anymore and such. Once again the nurse pulled through and got Abby to have fun with it. She did great! I forgot to mention that while Abby was 20 feet away, Hannah was standing right next to the nurse yelling, “STAR”, “BOAT”, “FLAG”. Ha! She finally stopped when the nurse told her she could get a turn later

Then we went into the room – and all of the fun was sucked from the air. I could clearly see Abby getting more and more nervous — Hannah was just kinda oblivious bouncing around. The nurse came back in and did a little hearing test for Abby. Abby had to say “BEEP” every time she heard the beep. She did great!

Finally it was time. Dr. P came in. Dr. P is such a warm and funny lady! But she is a doctor and I guess that scares Abby a bit. The girls aren’t really sick all of the time – so they don’t see her too often. Maybe their yearly visit and possibly one other time a year? I know we have had years when they only went on their birthday. So maybe she is just unfamiliar? Dr. P did both exams kinda at the same time. Checked this, then that, both girls.

They both did great. I learned that one has much larger tonsills than the other – but I don’t remember which one Abby showed Dr. P she could (finally) skip. Hannah did multiple ballerina spins. Abby had to write her name and draw a picture of a girl. Hannah drew a completed circle.

Almost done! Dr. P left the room and the nurse came back in. She handed me three wipes and a cup. Yes. Yes. I had to take both girls into the bathroom and convince Abby to pee in a cup. So there I am, trying to keep Hannah from touching everything, Abby is balancing on the toilet, I am holding the cup under her with my arms in a public toilet. Abby is worried about peeing on my arms – which she finally did. Ah! A mother’s love! Anyway, we got the pee and it was time for shots.

Hannah choose to go first. I asked her to sing a song with me. She sang “Old McDonald” – but she got the shot before we found out what animal was on the farm. She wasn’t happy – but did okay.

Then Abby. She was so so brave! She hopped up where she needed to sit, held my hands and readied herself. It is so hard to watch their faces as they feel that needle. I just kept reassuring her that is was only going to sting for just a minute. Two in one arm and one in the other. She did cry. But it wasn’t the “i’m freaking out cry” it was the “this really hurts mom cry”. Both girls had it together by the time we walked out of the room. Success!

WE WERE DONE!!!!

The girls really loved their bandaids – so that was good.

Whew! Ready for school!!