Today we taught Jaxson about patience.
When we went to our pediatrician for Jaxson’s 18 month appointment, she still had not received any of the H1N1 shots. So we decided to take matters into our own hands and go to an open health clinic to get the shot.
Today was the day. There were 300 doses available so we knew that we needed to get there bright and early. We got to the clinic about 15 mins before it opened, got a number (we were number 175) and found our place in line. We waited in line outside for 2 hours and then when we finally got to go inside we assumed that it would be quick but nope–we waited another hour inside. We thought this was gonna be miserable for Jaxson but instead he ate all the food in my diaper bag, he played with every toy I had and he read every book, piece of literature, and brochure I could find (twice). He did amazing. Not a tear was shed or a whine was heard the whole time (well-until the actual shot itself). He just rolled with the punches and patiently waited his turn in line.
The shot itself was a whole other story. Jaxson cried for the actual shot and then wanted to leave. He said “all done” when it was over and then pointed to the door. But we were not allowed to leave for 15 minutes because they wanted to make sure that he would not have an immediate reaction. So instead we sat in a waiting room for 15 minutes with a ton of kids who were all crying because they all just got shots. This was miserable and Jaxson had had enough–he wanted to go home and so many tears were shed there. Plus I had nothing to give Jaxson to distract him or make him happy since he had pretty much cleaned out my diaper bag during the 3 hours previously. So i gave him my cell phone (which i really try not to do since he broke my last one) and that worked to calm him down (except he might have accidentally called a few of you–sorry). And then we headed home!
So now we have to wait until december 3rd before we can get the booster and hopefully by then, Jaxson’s doctor will have the vaccine and we won’t have to wait in another ridiculous line because even though Jaxson had the patience of saint–I don’t think I do.
One H1N1 down–one to go.
Filed under: doctors appointments
Way to go Jaxson!!! Thank goodness it was such a nice day outside. I was thinking how horrible it would have been if it were colder or rainy. They really need to modify how they distribute the shot. There has got to be a better way. Crossing my fingers that Dr. W has the vaccination by Dec 3.
Oh, I was wondering why you called and didn’t leave a message…that must have been Jaxson
Glad shot number 1 is behind you! I think kids think anything out of the norm is a bit of an adventure…Charlie certainly thought our line for h1n1 was exciting…so many people to watch…time to play outside. I just hope next round he is tricked again!
My last two weeks have been very similar to yours. We stood in line for two hours last week for the H1N1 and had a few tantrum like moments. Chase had his 18 month appt (he had a few shots at that) and then we were all messed up with the time change-still working on that one. It could be worse, right!?!