Sarah Goes to the Pediatrician

Tues. 6/23/09

Sarah has her first pediatrician visit today. Hope it goes smoothly. I brought along a couple packages of rice crackers in case they’re needed as bribes. Snacks usually come in handy during times of stress. Jenna has a play date with Andy during Sarah’s doctor appointment. She’s excited to go to his house to play with him and Willow, the family dog.

The first hurdle during Sarah’s exam was getting her to take off her shirt, shorts, and shoes so she could get weighed. She wasn’t keen about it at all. Out came the rice crackers as a bribe. We walk down the hall and Sarah gets weighed on the baby scale. Back to the exam room to get measured for height. Sarah balks at stretching out on the table. Back down the hall to the height measuring station. Mommy shows her how to stand with her feet up against the wall. Sarah decides it’s O.K. to get measured. Back to the exam room again. Sarah balks at getting her head measured with a tape measure, so daddy gets his head measured first. Sarah decides it’s O.K. to put the tape measure around her head. Sarah gets her rice crackers and munches contentedly while we wait for Dr. Green.

Dr. Green greets Sarah with a smile. Sarah is a little wary. She’s wondering what’s going to happen next. Sarah doesn’t like getting examined. She wants to put her clothes back on, especially her shoes. Everything checks out O.K. While Dr. Green talks with us, Sarah dresses herself and then explores the room. She wants anther cup of water (she’s already had 2) and has fun scrunching up the cup.

The nurse comes in to give Sarah a mantoux (PPD) test. Remember those “shots”? It’s not really a shot, but the needle goes in just under the skin. Sarah doesn’t like it one bit and cries. She gets a band-aid to cover the puncture mark. I’ll need to bring Sarah back into the doctor’s office on Friday, so it can be “read”. The last stop is the lab. This is the hard part. They need to get samples of her blood – lots of it. The phlebotomist has trouble getting the needle in her vein. Sarah doesn’t like this strange lady poking her arm. She screams long and hard as 5 vials of blood are filled. It seems to take forever. I’ve got Sarah on my lap and have to hold her arms, legs, and shoulders still. It’s not easy. Sarah is a strong kid. Finally, it’s all over. Sarah gets another band-aid and 3 stickers. I hand Sarah another packet of rice crackers to eat.