Blood Draw

Nicholas had to have blood drawn today, which was a traumatic experience all around. I don't know what the rules are in other places, but in Maryland kids who live in a certain subset of zipcodes have to be tested for lead when they turn 1. I assume it is based on the decades when the bulk of houses in that area were built or something, but for all I know it could reflect which state representatives were the most powerful the year the law was passed. Anyway, we unfortunately fall into one of the zipcodes that requires testing.

They had to bring in a second tech to hold his arm still because he was too strong and the one couldn't hold his arm and do what she needed to do. So I held Nicholas while one tech held his arm still and the other drew the blood. They actually did a really good job--only one poke and all done quickly. But that certainly didn't mean it didn't hurt. I had brought his favorite books, which were enough to distract him a little while the tech looked for a vein, but as soon as that needle went in, he threw his head back and screamed bloody murder the entire time. I have to admit that I cried a little too because he was so distraught. He had no understanding of what was going on, when it would stop, or really even what that kind of pain feels like.

He recovered pretty quickly, basically when they finished putting the tape on and he could have his thumb. No smiles for anyone, but at least the tears had stopped. When I went to get him out of the car when we got home, though, he looked at me warily, which broke my heart. Instead of his usual, "Yay, you're here--let's go!" smile, it was an "I don't know if I trust you anymore" look. Ouch.

But then we came upstairs and I gave him a bottle to ensure he got some food and liquid in his system and Elmo happened to be doing a cooking segment on the random talkshow that was on the TV when we turned it on. Nicholas was very excited to see Elmo on TV! He doesn't yet realize that Elmo actually belongs on the TV. After that and some of the walking game between me and the couch, I put him down for his nap and took a nap myself. The whole thing wore me out.