Surprise!

Have you ever had a kid who hates to take medicine? I have. Even as a baby, if Landon had to have antibiotics or pain relievers, more medicine was thrown up than ever went down. It was so frustrating. I dreaded the whole experience with him.

We were visiting my parents in Idaho when Landon was about 2 1/2 years old. Unfortunately, he got really sick. He had a high fever and his skin was unbearably hot. He was crying and inconsolable, and generally pretty miserable. We had little chewable Tylenol for him, but he refused. At such a young age, refusing to take medicine doesn't seem plausible, but he was tough. We talked, we explained, we got angry, we pleaded with him. It got to the point where we tried restraining him in some kind of wrestling maneuver and forcing the pills in his clenched teeth...but they came back out. Every. Single. Time. In the meantime, he was hysterically screaming and crying, running away from Brian and me.

The situation was a little out of control.

My mom presented an idea to us. The pills were pink, so she poured some trail mix in a bowl and added the two chewable Tylenol. They kind of looked like the other M&Ms, so I was hopeful. Well, Landon ate most of the trail mix, and left one pill in the bowl.

Hallelujah! He got one in!

As expected, his fever came down, and he acted like his usual self once again. However, the three-ring circus that we had been participating in for days made me hope he'd never get sick again.

A few years later, Landon was 6 and flu season was upon us. Knowing Landon's history, I decided I would surprise the kids with our flu shot appointments.

I picked up the kids from school, which was unusual since they normally walked home . I told them I had a surprise. Their little eyes shone with excitement, and I started to think my approach had been a mistake. I broke the news that we were going to get our flu shots. Absolute chaos erupted in the car. Howling, screaming, crying...whoops.

Definitely a mistake.

We arrived at the health center, and I dragged my four kids through the door. Pregnant and regretful, I hurriedly filled out the paperwork. Samantha, Landon, Julie and I would all be getting shots. My kids were waiting in a room nearby. I went in to get them. As I opened the door, a flash of little boy arms and legs zipped past me.

Landon.

I ignored him for a moment and focused on my other kids. Julie and Annie were sitting in the room, and Samantha was hiding behind the door, sobbing.

Ugh.

One by one, we got our shots. It was Landon's turn. I scanned the room for him. Terrified, he was a cornered animal, running away from me, dodging the nurses, and acting completely insane. This went on for several embarrassing minutes. Finally, two nurses held him down while a third nurse stuck his arm. Just so you know, a scared six year old boy can be really strong. We were done.

I don't think I ever moved as fast as I did to get out of there. I was so embarrassed. Who surprises their kids with flu shots?!?

At the time, I was really upset at my kids for behaving so poorly. Now I look back and laugh at my poor parenting. What did I think would happen? Instead of being the parent and preparing my kids for their appointment, I surprised them so their reactions and emotions could be on display in a public sphere. What a disaster.

Like all kids do, Landon grew up. He takes pills and shots when needed, and he has left the theatrics behind. It was a welcome change. Thankfully, I have changed as well. My Hey-kids-I-have-a-surprise-for-you game is much, much better now.

Don’t mind my chubby face...I was very pregnant here.