A New Bear
E had his 2 year check up recently, which meant it was time for another blood test. So this past weekend I took him to the hospital to get that done. The further into the hospital we got, the more nervous he got. His happy chatter stopped, he traded running for walking, and asked for a pacifier. Still, he did great. In the waiting room I asked him to pick a chair, and he climbed up in it himself and sat there waiting. When we were called back, he sat on my lap and silently watched everything going on.
And just like last time, no tears, not even a peep as the needle went in his arm. I am beyond impressed at both him and the nurses there. When we were all done, the nurse went to go find some stickers, and came back with stickers and a bear! E grabbed the bear up and hugged him tight. Even though the bear was heavy and big (and a bit ugly and scratchy haha), E wouldn’t let me help carry him back through the hospital. Instead we stopped every few feet for him to readjust the bear as it slipped lower and lower.
“E’s bear!” he kept telling me. Yes, it’s your bear kid. It went in the car seat with him, and he hugged it the entire car ride. That bear has slept with him every night since, joined him for most meals, and can usually be found nearby. If we’re lucky, Tom or I are allowed to touch it or carry it somewhere for E. But baby G is NOT allowed anywhere near it haha.
But the whole day made me realize how many great people are out there if you pay attention. Not just the nurses who interacted with E, but the man we met in the waiting room who said goodbye to E by name and waved at him and told him he was doing a great job. Or when we went to Dunkin Donuts after to get him the bagel I promised him and two different father’s in line taught E how to fist bump. He was so excited and kept running up to them to do it over and over again.
It was just really nice to have a day I was worried about turning out poorly, go so well. At the end of the day, E thought he’d had so much fun. And that’s all that matters.