The Dynamic Duo

It was a very hot day and Linc seemed to already be tired and sleepy when we got to the clinic for his mandatory BCG shot which is provided to all babies in Japan for free.  I was thinking he would be grumpy by the time he got his turn, as would anyone after coming there under the horrible heat on a summer day and waiting for more than 40 minutes at the clinic.

While sitting in the waiting room he was quiet and smiley, but I could tell he would need a little nap soon with his little yawns between smiles.  Then a nurse came to take his temperature.  As she grabbed his arm and stuck a thermometer under his armpit, I thought he would not like that.  I was wrong; He actually gave her a big smile and started giggling (talking to her might be a more accurate description). The nurse was surprised and said “Oh I totally didn’t expect to get that from you!  I rarely get smiles from babies here.”

Later he started sleeping in my arms as I expected.  I thought I was going to have to wake him up while trying not to make him too grumpy to take the shot.  Let me tell you I’m not joking, but he woke up by himself just 10 seconds before we were called to come into an examination room!  No Tears!

The doctor needed to see inside of Linc’s throat to make sure he is OK to get the shot, and so he got a long metal tool and a small flashlight.  Then a nurse grabbed Linc’s chin and opened his mouth so the doctor could push down his tongue with the tool.  Linc seemed a little bit surprised with all the actions, but was still a good boy. Finally with the doctor’s approval it was injection time!!  I had to hold his body and stretch his arm out and a nurse helped to hold Linc’s head so he couldn’t wiggle.  He didn’t like having his head held immobile and cried to complain for a few seconds.  In the meantime the doctor pushed those needles down and made some holes on Linc’s arm.

After all Linc didn’t cry because of the shot or coldness of the BCG vaccine the nurse put on his arm before those needles come down.  This was interesting.  Some babies don’t like the liquid put on their arms, some get scared of the doctor or nurse, and some just don’t like the clinic!

My mother told me I only disliked the dentist and mostly was a good girl, and I wonder how UltraBob was. (editor’s note: UltraBob was, and is, totally awesome dude™)