Macho Boy!

Ben met with the allergist again this afternoon as a routine appointment. I told the doc that we re-introduced wheat and consider it a success, but I have a hunch that it affects behavior and maybe even sleep, so I try to have at least 3 wheat free days a week as a balance. Doc ordered a new blood draw and said that if wheat shows up as positive again, we might need to reconsider total elimination. Ben was a real charmer during the appointment, scoring suckers and spiderman stickers galore.

As we walked across the parking lot to the lab for the blood draw, I started feeling shaky. This kid forgets NOTHING. I had visions of him telling everyone we met that Mommy held him down while he got stabbed. I figured he could tolerate the pain okay, but assumed he would hate us for allowing it to happen.

He naively played in the lobby until they called his name. At that point, I joyously proclaimed, "It's your turn, Ben!"

"For what, Mommy?"

"Well, this lady needs to give you a shot. It might hurt at first, but it'll be over real quick,"

The "lady" looked to be about 17 years old and I sincerely had my doubts about there being any potential for this to go well. We got into position and the nurses started smacking their rubber gloves on.

Ben asked again what was happening and I fed him the same line.
And then I held down his arm.
And Keith held down his legs.
And the other nurse held down his other arm.

Ben looked nervously up at my.
"What's happening, mommy?"

"Just a little poke!"

First the arm strap.
Then the poke.
And nothing from that kid.
He made no yelp, hardly even flinched the entire time.

Then he walked out and proudly displayed his bandaid to the big boys in the lobby.