Last Friday, we had 4 doctors appointments for the boys — a 6 year well child for Jude; a 3 year well child for Levi; a 1-1/2 year well child for Asher and a history and physical in preparation for Jude’s upcoming sedated MRI. I knew Asher was scheduled to get shots, but I didn’t know that Jude and Levi were also due since they had missed a shot at some point. I had told them they wouldn’t be getting any shots. Since Jude’s greatest fear has always been pokes (and he’s gotten more than his fair share in his lifetime) and since it usually takes 4 adults to restrain him while he gets a poke, I was shocked when he voluteered to get the shot now rather than wait until next year. Then when the time came for the shot, he grimaced, but was silent and didn’t yell “you’re the meanest doctor ever” and he didn’t swing at anyone. Then when it was done, he had the proudest smile on his face. My baby is toughening up.