Shots, Shots, Shots, Shots - Day 80

G Baby,

You're a champ, my man. Today was shot day, 4 in all. Manhandled, wrecked, conquered, devoured, these are just a few verbs that come to mind when finding the words to describe your first experience with needles. There was some surprise, and a slight whimper of sorts, but within 10 seconds you were smiling again.

SuperG

Immunized like a boss

Afterward it seemed more nerve-wracking for your mother and I then it did for you. And if we're being honest, mommy held a strong majority of the angst. Neither of us knew what to expect. This was the first experience, but surely not the last, where something was going to cause you discomfort and we needed to allow it to happen. “This is for your own good.” “This is gonna hurt me more than it hurts you.” The latter actually seemed 100% true for your mother, at least emotionally.

Considering that this type of situation will happen on many more occasions throughout our lives is honestly a bit discouraging. You’ve only been 2 and a half months out the womb, and there is already discomfort I can't protect you from. And people are telling me it gets worst!!! What am I supposed to do with that? You're here now. Obviously, we can't put you back inside your mother. You're already 2 inches taller and several pounds heavier than when you made your exit. So what's a dad to do?

As soon as you made your grand entrance into the world, a litany of switches flipped. I mentioned a new capacity for love in a previous letter, but the feelings I experienced at the doctor’s office were new. They were the same, yet different. This had more of a protective edginess to it. I was ready to shake the doctor and the office itself if something went wrong. This was that wrestle a grizzly bear love, even if you had poked it really aggressively.   

It's a pretty tough question for your dear young dad. How do I protect you, whilst also allowing you to be in situations you will not be comfortable with? Unfortunately, you won't find out a resolution in this letter. Apologies kid, but I honestly don't have the answer to that yet. I can make assurances about this and that, but I don't want to promise you something and not deliver. That will never be the plan with you. Even saying “that will never be the plan” seems like I'm dealing in false pretenses.

I will do my best to figure this out though. That, I am comfortable saying. I won't give up. I at least know I can give you comfort post your discomfort. We will go through this life thing together and collect as many answers as possible along the way. Just a heads up though, there will be more shots. Oh, and there's this place called the dentist's office. Your Aunt Jada knows all about it. You have some time before you get there, but apologies in advance.

Love you fella,

Daddy

Smile after the discomfort. Makes the joy return quicker.

- Pierre