Doctor Appointments, Piano Recital, Birthday Party, and One Stressed Daddy

HEALTHY: So, I thought I would be so smart to do my boys' well-check appointments back-to-back-- y'know, save myself an entire extra trip to the doctor's. It's worked before. But, alas, this past trip did NOT go so well and I will forever onward take my kids to the doctor one at a time. Here's why: Since Benjamin's blood test, he's been pretty leery of the doctor's office (who can blame him? I'm still getting over that whole trauma...). To get him to cooperate, he needs to be fully reassured he will NOT be getting a shot. Since I had checked with the doctor, nurse, and front desk receptionist last time we were there and they all confidently said "no shot at 3 years, if immunizations are current" (which they are), I gave Benjamin full reassurance that he need not worry about the needle. If you're an experienced parent (more or less) you know what came next. When the boys were finally called to go in to the exam room, I was attempting to tear Benjamin from the movie playing in the waiting room with "Don't worry, bud, you won't get a shot" when the nurse gave me this nervous look and said "Um, I wouldn't be so sure about that...". Dang. Benjamin somehow felt his impending doom and begged for further reassurance which I could no longer give him. He started to scream, that terrified how-could-you-let-this-happen-to-me scream, and kept up through the entire half-hour appointment, despite promises of a tootsie-pop, stickers, and even McDonald's Ice Cream. Sigh. With this lovely background noise, we proceeded with Jonathan's well-check (I really hope the doctor could hear his heart and lungs well enough...) and somehow accomplished Benjamin's. Finally, the shots were ordered and the nurses came to execute the nasty deed (I say nurses because after Jonathan's four shots, poor sweet baby!, another nurse had to come in and hold him while I held Benjamin down-- for the third time that month, really that's just way too many!-- while he struggled for his life through his one HAV shot). Finally, it was over. I would post their stats, but, honestly, with my maniacal son freaking out the whole time, I can only remember that Jonathan wasn't quite as big as I thought (70 or 80th percentile maybe for height/weight/head circ) and Benjamin was a little small (40 or 45th-ish for everything, I think) and that they are both very healthy (if with a strong pair of lungs) and vibrant little boys-- I am grateful for that. And I suppose if you are only 3 years old, with so very little life experience and perspective, a few moments of anticipated and intentional pain really is the worst thing that could ever happen to you. So afterwards, Benjamin and I split a yummy Oreo shake while Jonathan promptly fell asleep.


STRESSED: My poor sweetie! Dustin takes the Boards NEXT WEEK (Tuesday and Thursday). He is actually taking TWO major comprehensive tests, the USMLE and the COMLEX, and he is very anxious and stressed about it. One of his professors told the class that preparing for and taking the Boards would be one of the top 5 worst experiences of their life. I believe it. There's been this black cloud of anxiety and stress looming about our home the past month. We will be so relieved and incredibly HAPPY! when he is finally finished. He (and I'm sure all the other med students taking the Boards right now) would sure appreciate your prayers to help him get through these monumental exams. We appreciate your love and support so much!!!


PROUD: On a lighter, more cheerful note, I had my piano recital May 24. My goodness, I'm so proud of my five beautiful students!! They all worked so hard and devoted so much effort and practice to perfect their recital pieces and they all did so well! Each of my students played a duet with me and a solo -- all memorized. The students' families came and we all enjoyed the music and some refreshments. It was a lovely little recital. I'm very happy how it all went-- and I just love my girls! :) (And my husband was my angel helper and support in making it all happen, even despite dealing with his own academic angst-- I am so deeply grateful for this remarkable man!)

ONE YEAR OLD: On May 25, our Baby Boy turned one!! I finally got a whole bunch of *pictures and *videos uploaded, so now, to the inexpressible joy to many of you, I'm sure, I shall expound upon Jonathan's fabulous little birthday party (this is especially for you, dear Momma! :) ). Benjamin was super excited about Jonathan's birthday and presents and cake and everything. He helped me wrap the gifts the night before and then made Jonathan's cupcakes, pretty much by himself (including mixing the ingredients, *putting the batter in the cup cake cups, and frosting and decorating them-- I thought he did a superb job for a 3 year-old). After Church and Jonathan's nap, the festivities began! (Benjamin sure had a heck of a time waiting... he kept trying to wake up Jonathan, which is a major no-no because Jonathan's one cranky kid when he's tired). The party turned out to be a bit more eventful than planned. I think Jonathan enjoyed it, more or less. *He loved his musical card from Grammy and Grampa-- he even "danced" a little for the first time when he opened it up and heard the music. We did discover, however, that it is extremely stressful for Benjamin to witness his little brother having all the birthday attention (Have any of you gone through this?). At first he was very excited, if not a bit *overly helpful. He really did *try hard to help Jonathan enjoy his birthday, but towards the end of opening presents, he pretty much had a *melt-down because Jonathan wasn't playing with his new toys "the right way" and we kept "encouraging" Benjamin not to *run off with Jonathan's new toys (He claimed Jonathan was "sharing"). Benjamin's "taking over" was okay for awhile, since Jonathan was pretty oblivious and indifferent to the whole thing. It just got to the point, though, where it became too hard for Benjamin "share and be nice" anymore... I understand... but then, Jonathan still ought to be able to play with his birthday presents on his birthday, at least a little bit... right? At the same time, if was kind of difficult to hold Jonathan's attention on the whole birthday thing as he kept getting distracted by the video camera. Anyways, after presents, we had the birthday cupcakes! Yay! Jonathan was pretty *fascinated by the candle and devoured his cupcake. It was his first sugar experience and he absolutely loved it. Benjamin cooled down, enjoyed his cake, and *all's well that end's well. We love our little Jonathan so much-- he is so delightful and fun! He brings our home so much joy. We were happy to spend a day celebrating him and the wonderful year we've had together.

Have a great weekend!!! :)