The daily dance

One of the preventive measure for SCD infants and toddlers is that they must take penicillin twice daily until at least the age of five. Penicillin significantly reduces infection and may reduce infant mortality rates among SCD children.

When Riley began taking her medicine, she complied nicely. Of course, she had no other choice, but as she has gotten older, we do the daily dance. Interestingly enough, Daddy seems to dance much better than Mommy. Riley smiles coyly, cocks her head to the side, with little encouragement. Hmm, must be a daddy girl's thing.

In contrast, I practically have to BEG Riley to take AND swallow her medicine. This typical exchange can be overheard on any given day:

"Riley, time to take your medicine."

Head shakes "no" or in the alternative, little legs turn and poise for sprinting. (As Micheal eagerly says, "I want medicine" or Nigel notices "Riley really doesn't like to take her medicine.")

"Riley" (with one hand on her arm) "Please, can you take your medicine"

Another head shake, with the hint of a grin. Lots of twisting and turning. Who knew someone so tiny could hold such a stance.

Mommy, usually in a singing voice "Riley, it time for your medicine big girl"

Usually, the big girl does the trick. Well for say 75% of the time There are variations of big girl and some include going through the script again with slight variations a time or two. I typically end with a proud, "Way to GO big girl Riley" and a high five (which she LOVES to do) as she walks off to find new adventures for the day or her bedtime story at night.

Of note, my enthusiastic reaction is basically the reason Michael eagerly wants to take medicine ;).

Very recently, Riley has surprised me. Sometimes, she will take her medicine dropper out of my hand and into her own, as if to say, "Mommy, I want to do it myself" and take every drop of her medicine. I have to be careful because a few times she is trying to outsmart me by running off with it. She hasn't tried this maneuver as of late.

At this point, I think she has realized her crying routine (although jabbing mama's heart) or take and spit strategy did not yield her the results she so desired and compliance has a much happier (and quicker) result in the long run.

Some days, the hardest parts are over, others they seem to creep up again. For now, we will continue to perfect our daily dance.