Dear Henry, did we vaccinate?

Vaccines seem to be a hot topic right now, I thought I would let you know how I feel about it. Henry was conceived through IVF, born in a hospital and at the moment, lives in the NICU. You could say that we are pro medicine.

There are people who are pro vaccines and there are people who are anti.

It is my personal opinion that if you are anti, it's because someone told you that they cause autism and you didn't look much further then that, or maybe you are just an all natural parent and you think that they will get the immunities on their own, or you think they are poison. Either way, you don't like the idea, and thats fine, as long as you stay away from Henry and his very premature immune system. If you (anti vaccinate person) or your child, get sick, you will probably live. Henry isn't as fortunate as you.  

I don't want to take part in any debate, I don't care who you are voting for, I don't want to talk about if you are or aren't pro life and I don't care if you do or don't agree with vaccines. Everyone has a right to have their own opinions and ideas. I respect most people, even if we don't agree, I just don't want to talk about it. This post is about Henry, and our decision to vaccinate. 

Before Henry was born I was in the emergency room and labor and delivery for 4 days. If they offered me a pain killer that was going to make me feel better, which in turn would make Henry's stay in my belly more comfortable then I would take it. When they offered me steroids and magnesium and said they could potentially save Henry's life, I was all about it! Epidural? Sign me up! Amniocentesis? Yep. Antibiotics for a potential infection? Bring it on!

When Tara said that anyone who had plans to hold Henry or spend a substantial amount of time with him in the first year needed their vaccines, a TDap and a flu shot, we didn't hesitate to tell the immediate family. This is about keeping healthy for Henry, and doing anything that we need to do to make sure we provide him the perfect environment.

So when The doctor and nurses sat me down for the vaccine talk, the only con to note was that he might not feel well the next day. I was ready to sign the consent before the discussion even started. It was time to boost this little guys immune system, he had just turned 8 weeks old, so let's do this.

He got 3 shots in his thigh and he was pissed off about it. That night he had some spells and the next day was a little rough. 

So Henry and I spent the day together, cuddling. I sang to him, read to him, and talked to him. He wasn't feeling well so I was just there for him to bury his head in. 

The next day he was feeling much better and I'm so happy everyday that we pass a new milestone! Yay Henry!

-Nikki