Thursday, November 8, 2007

Poked and Prodded


Babies spend their whole fist year being poked and prodded. Once babies are successfully squeezed through the birth canal, they are pulled out and stuck. We've gotta know their blood type, if their blood sugar looks okay (if it doesn't - like Canaan's- they have to poke several more times to monitor it), etc. Once they are released from the hospital, they get shots and more shots, every three months during their well-check appointments. Don't get me wrong, I know it is for their own good, but the poor babies! Well, this past week, not only did Canaan have to get 7 shots during his one year appointment (we had to get a few extra for Russia and the flu shot), but he had to get his blood drawn! (Dougle, Canaan and I all had to go in and get HIV tests as a part of our VISA application process for moving to Russia.) The guy who did our tests for us used a butterfly needle, which is smaller than a regular one for kids. But babies' veins are so small, he missed the first time and Canaan had to be poked a second time in the other foot. Then, because of the small needle and veins, the blood comes out a bit slower; poor Daddy had to hold our crying Canaan through the ordeal! The pictures are from after we came home, with bandages on both his precious feet. Our poor little boy! I did want to make a special note to say how blessed we've been that Canaan has been healthy and not needed additional testing/surgeries for additional pokes and prods because of a health condition. I know there are many babies who live in hospitals and are constantly poked; we are very blessed to not be one of those families at this time. We thank the Lord for our health!

3 comments:

Timbra said...

so sad. . . thankfully they don't remember any of it right? in fiji the babies have to get their TB vaccination/test which includes taking a little sample of skin (i didn't see it, but mike's mom told me his oldest brother had it done and she told me what they do) and i was totally traumatized. . one day old baby, taken away from me and then somewhere in the distance i hear her screaming. . . poor monkey!

Timbra said...

ps. . . don't worry about the "thievery" and something i found really helpful, since i always kept falling apart about journaling each stage, is that i have a dayplanner and each day has a full page available and i just write all the new things she's done really quickly. . a new word, a new sign, a new skill etc. then i never lose track (though there's no emotion really involved like journaling you know?!) i'm excited to read it all!

Guy and Nancy said...

I hate BABY SHOTS! URGH! Aspen gets hers actually on her birthday this year. What was I thinking??? It is a good day to do it but how sad on her birthday! OH well! She won't remember. I miss you guys. Are you prepping for Russia? AHH - it is so soon! Love you, nan