OBaby got his first immunizations yesterday.
He took the shot like a champ.
I say the shot, singular, because instead of the 3 recommended shots for a 2 month old, OBaby only got one for now.
One was enough, too, because we’re already running a low-grade fever, my poor little munchkin.
We are spreading out the recommended immunization schedule so that instead of many vaccines every two months, OBaby will get fewer at a time every other month.
We do plan to fully vaccinate OBaby because A) I believe that mass immunity’s effectiveness includes myself and my children and B) I would never, ever forgive myself if he contracted a fully preventable disease because I chose to forgo the use of modern medicine.
I am trying my hardest to be an informed consumer of medicine, though, as I would like to be with my consumption of all things. Because of that, I read a book from the Dr. Sears Parenting Library called The Vaccine Book. The author (Dr. Sears, one of many) comes from the perspective that vaccines are good, but they are something with which we should proceed with caution.
So, cautiously proceed we shall, as Mommy tries to make the right choices for the health of her little one. This feels like such a daunting task and honestly, my yoke of motherhood in this area (making choices that will/may effect OBaby long-term) feels heavy.
I could read books until I’m blue in the face about the risks of this and the benefits of that and then I could pull my hair out trying to make every. last. good. decision.
OR I could remember something: I am his mother, not his Savior.
Can I get an amen?
So, when it comes to making choices that have the potential to shape his future, I will remind myself of this:
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands his destiny*
Trying to take the lighter yoke, we’ll stick to loving him the best we can and knowing that we don’t have to be his savior.
*-From the hymn In Christ Alone
Ok. So, I love how the happiness pictures got a “bajillion” comments and this has none. I love the happiness pics, (really, adorable) but this post is where it is at! (emphasis on ending that sentence with a preposition. =)
I love being reminded of that concept that we aren’t people’s savior. I sometimes forget with my “kids” that Jesus is their savior and I’m not. From parents to youth pastors and every relationship in between. Jesus commands our destiny.
Love this post! Keep ‘em coming. =)
You can get an Amen from me!
Very good perspective! That’s what we did with vaccinations- took all of them, but spread out. Usually a week in-between and never if he was sick. It always seemed weird that they would give you the info sheets with what to watch for in case of a severe reaction, but if you’ve had 4 shots at once how do you know which one is causing a reaction?
OH! What a gorgeous little babe. Good for you, mama, for spreading those vaccines out a little. I am a huge, huge (some might even say *overly zealous*) advocate of parents educating themselves on vaccinations. I am so thrilled to hear you read the Sears book before baby arrived. I WISH I had known there were choices in vaccinations before our oldest was born. I have felt so much better about our approach with our second daughter.
I stopped by from the Divine Caroline awards. You are up there at the head of the class! I had to stop by and visit. I want you to know that yes, hippies can eat Kraft Mac N Cheese. Heavens knows I do!
Blessings on you and your sweet family.
amen. awesome reminder. for someone who too often falls into the trap of being the over vigilant protector of my children. i have to remind myself often that i have to trust the one who made them and loves them even more than i do.
I LOVE that book. Use it often. We used his schedule almost to a “T” with our second.
I’ve been weighing the risks of the flu vaccine and feeling burdened, this was a great post.