Yay for flu shots...

That is my thought on the girls finally getting their flu shot, but they might think otherwise. The flu shot can be given to babies older than six months, but their pediatrician agreed to use it off-label since they are only a couple of weeks short of six months. I really wanted them to have the shot before we headed back to WI for the Cihlar Christmas on the 10th.

They took it like champs. I took them to the doctor's office myself so I just left them in their carseats and pulled down their pants. Marilyn, the pediatrician's main nurse, is so good with them and very understanding with me when I am trying to get two little girls ready.

Tessa went first. She was smiling at Marilyn until she started injecting the fluid. Then her eyes got big. The needle came out and Marilyn was able to coax another smile out of her.

Audrey: not the champ. She was fine with the needle going in, but she cried when the fluid was injected. Needle came out and I came over to tell her it was ok and she stopped crying.

I know how lucky I am! My biggest worry with taking them myself is that I am going to be walking out of the clinic with two wailing babies and lots of people staring at me.

Speaking of people in the clinic. Ok, so I am accustomed to hearing, "that lady has two babies" or "oh, look, twins" as I walked by people. What I can't stand is people thinking they have the right to uncover my babies to look at them.

People, they are covered for a REASON! I was reading my cousin's blog the other day. She is in Seattle and she talked about dealing with strangers giving unwanted advice. I thought at the time how lucky I was not to have to deal with that. So far. Well, my luck turned.

I walked into the clinic with the girls covered up with two blankets in their carseats. I make nice with the older lady waiting in line. Yes, they are twins. Two girls. No, they are not identical. They are six months old. Yes, my arms have gotten stronger. No thank you, I don't need any help. We have our routine worked out. Yes, they were born early. Then the story about so and so having twins comes about. This routine happens all the time and I really don't mind it. It is a fact of life now.

But then, when I turn my head to the receptionist I hear, "well, where are you?" The lady has picked up one blanket, goes for the other end of the carrier, picks up that end and then pulls back the second blanket. Keep in mind that I am still holding both carriers and rocking them back and forth. This usually keeps people away. Not this lady. I just kept swinging so she wouldn't be able to touch Audrey without poking her in the eye.

We are in a clinic. Why do old people go to the clinic? Because you are sick! Stay away from my babies if you are sick, fool. I keep them covered when I know people (strangers) will be tempted to touch them. Yes, they are 14 pounds now, but the pediatrician and neonatalogist both made it very clear how severe and long-term the effects of a cold, flu or RSV can be on preemies in their first year.

Lesson for the day: Be mean.

I told Wes what happened and he said I should be mean. This mama bear needs to work on that lesson. I have no problem telling family exactly what I think, but a stranger? Why can't I put a stranger in her place?

And on a happier note, here are some pictures of Audrey at 3 months. I put up some of Tessa back then, but none of Audrey. Have to be fair!