More Shots

I didn't tell Grace until after breakfast that we were headed to the nurse today. Mark and I decided that it would be best if she didn't associate trips to the doctor with pain, so we always see the nurse for shots. Last time, she didn't understand at all what was coming, but today, she immediately started to fret as we got into the car. I told her that Hannah and KJ had gotten shots, and that all of the kids get shots so they can go to school which helped her to calm a little bit. I guess everybody loves company when they are facing pain. It is always hard to know whether it is better to just spring the shots on the children or prepare them so they know that you will tell them the truth.

Her usual friendly demeanor was really subdued, and she didn't even want to talk to the three nurses who greeted us. Her reluctance turned into whining as soon as I sat her on the table. I can really tell that she is feeling more comfortable with us because today she cried out loud with those big tears during the 2 shots. The magic of stickers and going to Baby Talk turned her right around, but she wanted Mommy to carry her to the car now as soon as the vaccinations were finished.

Later we shopped for a couple of summer outfits at Kohl's. It took a while to figure out that she needs a size 2T shirt and size 12 month shorts, though. I could not find any larger pants that would stay up, so one of the pairs of shorts was supposed to be capri length, but they just go to her knees. Because she has worn so many layers in the winter, it has been easy to dress her so that her chest difference isn't very noticeable. Summer will be a different story, so I looked for some shirts with gathers, a yoke, or ruffles. We could care less, but it would be nice if we could provide her with a little camouflage so that strangers don't make her feel uncomfortable. Right now, she knows that she is beautiful and loves to look at herself in the mirror, especially the tri-fold where she can see 7 Gracies. I just don't want anyone else suggesting otherwise or making her feel self-conscious. (There will be plenty of time for that reality in junior high school.) Her brothers have all said that they will be watching out for her, and that they don't want to ever hear that someone is teasing her. She is going to have a bunch of big protectors looking out for her well-being.

She whined all afternoon, walked with her left leg straight, wimpered to be picked up, and fell asleep sitting on Daddy's lap at 7:30 p.m. after pizza (her request) and a dose of Children's Motrin. I'm sure I will be chided by her brothers for indulging her complaining...I think with them I usually said something like, "Oh, you're not bleeding. It's fine. Go play." I told Mark that we are going to have to toughen up soon. She really loves having "owies" and all the mileage she gets out of going down Poor-Me Road. She doesn't even seem like the same little girl who skinned up her knee in Bulgaria and didn't even notice. But, I think she just likes knowing that someone will take care of her, and if she needs kisses, ice packs, band-aids, and extra attention for pretend pains...that's fine for a season. Her left leg was a little swollen, so today's complaining was not imaginary.