Brave Babe

We had to take Emerson over to the blood lab on Saturday because her pediatrician prescribed some routine blood screening to be done. We thought this wouldn't be too big of a deal since it would just be a little prick to get enough to fill a capillary tube. We took Emerson over early in the morning hoping to get it over with quickly. Instead it seemed that that was many other's plan as well. It was quite busy and we had to wait for over 30 minutes. Well, that gave Emerson plenty of time to want to explore. She was all over the place entertaining the other patients as they were waiting. She was running back & forth with her arms up and lots of "talking". We finally were called back and were informed that they highly recommended Emerson have a vein draw. A what? No way! There was no way that Emerson would ever hold still long enough for any nurse to stick a needle in her arm and actually draw any blood. I think I actually laughed out loud at the nurse. She insisted that this really was the most accurate and faster way to go. So we reluctantly said okay and that she had 1 shot to do this. We knew this would not go well, but we certainly didn't want to have to come back because the test results were inconclusive and have to do this all over again. So Todd got into position with Em on his lap and in a bear hug hold while a second nurse came to hold Emerson's arm. Emerson knew this was not good and immediately started screaming at the top of her lungs and many words of very mad baby talk (sounds something like saying "i" over and over). The nurse drawing the blood kept yelling at the other nurse to hold Em's arm more still. Meanwhile, I was attempting to distract Emerson (which did NOT work) and couldn't help but cry for her. I was okay with her getting blood drawn, I just hated to see her so upset and not understanding what was happening to her. They finally got enough blood (2 vials worth). When the 1st nurse took the needle out and relaxed her hold, Emerson pulled her arm so hard away that the 2nd nurse practically got pulled with her. All the nurses could say was how Em was the strongest baby her age that they have ever had. I kept the "I told you so" to myself and we darted out to get Emerson calmed down. When we left the lab, going back through the waiting area, it was like all eyes were on Emerson with very sympathetic looks. I have no doubt every single one of the those people waiting heard every "i" and cry coming out of Em. A few minutes outside of the lab and Emerson was feeling good again. Once home, Emerson was very much ready for a nap! Good job sweetie for being so brave!