My little guy showed so such bravey today!  We went for Bradley’s five year old checkup and he had to get three shots!  We went to a different office than we usually go to because it was the only appointment I could get him into and he needed updated immunization records for school this week.  Anyways, they took his blood pressure, did a urine sample, height, weight, eyes, ears check and everything came back great!  He’s 20/30 by the way (thank goodness he has his daddy’s eyes and not mine), and is in the 75% for height and weight.  Everything else was perfect too.  What a blessing from God to have a healthy child.  Then the doctor did a physical exam and all was still well.  After she left, she said the nurse would be in in a few minutes to give the shots.  She didn’t say the word “shot” but I had to let Bradley know what was coming.  I had told him earlier in the morning that he might need to have a shot, so he would be prepared.  As we sat there, for about five minutes I could see his anxiety building and building.  He said several times, “Mommy, I really don’t want to do this” and “Mommy, can we just leave now?”  I reassured him (tried to anyway) that it would be just a little pinch and in a second it would be over.  I told him that everybody has to get these shots when they turn five to keep them from getting really really sick.  He wasn’t going for it.  Well, when the nurse came in, we realized that it was going to be three shots!  He was soooo brave for the first two, and she warned us that the third one was the thickest and would be the toughest.  As the needle went in and out, Bradley’s eyes filled with tears, and so did mine!  He never cried hysterically, but I think a single tear did fall down his cheek.  After the nurse left the room, he told me, “Mommy, I don’t like this doctor’s office”.  I had to giggle at that.  He also asked, “Do I have to do this again when I turn six?”  What’s funny about that is I remember asking my mom the SAME thing when I got my five year old shots!  I don’t remember much from when I was five, but I do remember that!!!  I remember feeling so relieved when she told me that I wouldn’t!!!  The nurse told us as we left that Bradley won’t need any more until 7th grade! Whoo hooo!! :)

After Bradley composed himself, he walked out of the room holding his arm out awkwardly apart from the rest of his body.  I asked him if he though ice cream might make him feel better and he said yes.  :)   I had also bribed him before the shot that if he was very strong and brave I would take him to Toys R Us to buy him any toy that he would like.  So, after we left the doctor’s office we headed to Toys R Us, which was convienently right around the corner from the doctor’s office!  We had a nice time and browsed every square inch of the boys toy section.  Twice.  Bradley decided on an aircraft carrier. 

I was truely so proud of Bradley today.  I have heard stories of children his age who scream and shout and throw themselves on the floor out of terror when it comes to shots.  Bradley show so much courage in the face of his fear! 

Bradley with his new aircraft carrier, fully equipped with six fighter jets!

Bradley’s battle wounds 1 and 2.

Battle wound 3.

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