You wanna do WHAT to me?!

Oh, my poor babies! Today, about half of my class took part in a lead-screening test at school. Their parents signed consent forms for this, oh, I don't know, back in SEPTEMBER!! I was told at about 10:50 this morning, while the kids were at lunch, that we would be taking the babies down around noon for this test. I wasn't completely sure until we got there how this was going to be done. I was hoping at the most it would be a finger prick, but alas, it was not. I don't think I've mentioned this before, but I have an absolute phobia about needles. I've had dental work, including a root canal, done without any anesthesia just so I wouldn't have to deal with the shots. I gave birth, for God's sake, without any drugs. And believe me, it was NOT an easy delivery! (I'll save that story for another day!)

Just my luck, I have to take nearly 30 5&6 year olds down to a room so half could have their blood drawn, while the other half watched!! Luckily, most of them were very brave about it. But, of course, there were a few that completely freaked! Two of the girls went absolutely ape shit. I had to hold both of them in my arms and let them sob into my shoulder while the phlebotomist drew the vials of blood. In the meantime, I'm ready to freakin' pass out myself!! I was really impressed with myself, quite frankly. I made a comment to one of the office ladies, who happened to come in to see me, that next year we need to have the parents come on test day. Immediately, the phlebotomist says, "OH NO!! It's even worse when the parents are here!" And I know she's absolutely right. I had a much harder time when my son had blood drawn when he was little. It may as well have been me having blood drawn. OK, enough, I'm starting to feel queasy...

"Before giving a blood transfusion, find out if the blood is affirmative or negative." ---anonymous child