Well, the little trauma that is the welcome home for every internationally adopted child has officially begun. On Tuesday, the physical. With astounding feedback from her wonderful pediatrician who raved about the length, weight, awareness and neurological development of my little princess. Next stop, extract various bodily fluids for close laboratory scrutiny. Final stop, Children's Hospital for the bloody blood draw. Which is where her astonishing physical health let her down. Because it's very difficult to find a vein in a pudgy, muscular infant, even this one, who sits very still. It started with 2 nurses, and ended with 4. One to amuse her, two to hold her down, and the big honcho brought in when nobody else could find a vein. I thought after a week in her company, I'd heard all the noises she could make, but I assure you that one was missing. The high pitched distress signal that has almost no volume, because there's no steam left to fuel it. It was heartbreaking. And also alarming, in light of the amount of blood drawn. They needed 4 vials, and apparently two of the tests need to share the same blood sample as there was still not enough to go around. Basically, aside from all the usual tests, a number of additional tests need to be done that reflect health risks particulars to east Africa. So, for example, her blood will be tested for lead and mercury. Also, for antigens, to ensure that the vaccinations she has received to date were done properly and are protecting her. Otherwise, they have to be re-done. This is Makeda, happy in her crib and bumbo chair, prior to the start of her ordeal.
And here she is afterwards, licking her wounds (check out those bandages).
Now, we wait for the results. But while we're waiting, here's a few more ;)
Yes, I did her hair.
This one she'll eventually hate me for including, but I had to toss it in. Widget got a bit too close and gave her a little unexpected ear waxing.
4 comments:
OMGG, that 3rd picture is a heart breaker. Poor little mite. You would think nurses at a children's hospital would be skilled in how to draw blood quickly and efficiently from a baby. Still, I am yet to hear of this procedure going well.
I'm glad you both survived it. And fortunately babies tend to forget the atrocities inflicted on them by their parents. Until they turn about 13...
My daughter has to have blood draws every 3 months and they never go well.. we still need that many nurses and me.
I agree with Haze you would think that they would know how at a children's hospital... the best around here is the everyday regular lab...
Poor baby. I am not looking forward to that ordeal. Makeda is so incredibly cute in every one of the pictures.
Poor precious baby!!! Hopefully you'll make it up to her by letting her go on a date at age 12. It's only fair. Okay, not really. But that poor baby.
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