Everything happens for a reason...

I've never really wondered why I had my job as a child life therapist, because it was always something I had dreamed of, but God showed me another reason why that job was so important at Bella's 4 month check up.

At this check up she was to receive a second set of shots, that she had a very difficult time with the first time around at her 2 month appointment. The appointment which she was held down to the table while she received a shot--I know, I am embarrassed to even admit I was present for this. But this time around I was ready to advocate for my little girl and I was determined I would hold her when they gave her the shots this time around.

How proud I was when I TOLD the nurse, not asked her, that I was planning to hold Bella while she received her immunizations this time around. And even prouder I was when the nurse turned me down, and I continued to tell her why it was important that I hold my daughter during this procedure. She finally caved, commenting that it would be ok this time, but it would not happen every time I came. I ignored this comment because I had triumphed! And while I plan to and WILL hold my daughter for every immunization, I will pick my battles as they come. And on future visits, I plan to come even more prepared with information in hand about the importance of "positioning the patient for comfort."

What a great feeling it was to advocate for my child. And while I am someone who doesn't always do the best with confrontation, I didn't shy away, not even for a minute, in this instance because I knew what was right for our little girl. I believe if it weren't for my job at KCH, I would likely not have known about positioning for comfort, and even if I did, I may not have felt comfortable enough to stand up to a nurse about it. Oh the little lessons God teaches us!