The Perfect Patient

Sometimes when I watch other children Emmett's age, it's hard not to feel a little sad that he isn't doing the things that they can do. This is partially because I feel like he's missing out on things, but today I experienced something that actually made me a little thankful that he's not like a "typical" 3-year-old.

Emmett had to go in for a fasting blood draw this morning, to check for micronutrient deficiencies. Thankfully, when we arrived at the doctor's office, he didn't seem overly hungry and was in pretty good spirits. However, he has tiny veins and it is sometimes hard to find a good one. The nurse was very sweet and spent a long time trying to find a vein before actually sticking him, but she was having no luck, so she asked another nurse from a pediatric office in the building to come down and try. They were all amazed at how calm and still Emmett was. One advantage of low muscle tone is a high pain tolerance. Emmett barely even flinched when they were looking for a suitable vein. A typical 3-year-old would have been squirming and crying at the sheer sight of a needle! In this moment, I was thankful that he didn't completely understand what was happening and that he didn't seem to have much pain. He did get a little restless while they were filling the vials, so the nurses started singing to him and he just kind of looked at them like they were crazy.

Emmett's big brother, Corbin, was also along for the appointment and he was really good too. It probably helps that he gets to raid the prize drawer every time he comes with us. I think he was just thankful that the needle was for Emmett and not for him!

Emmett might not be able to do what most 3-year-olds do, but he sure is a good patient and for that, I am truly thankful!