I'll have what SHE'S having!

It makes sense that when you are in the process adopting or fostering a child in the US, you have to answer a bunch of questions about your medical history and pass a clean bill of health. But when I've mentioned to people that our cats also have to be up on their vaccinations (with documentation,) I've gotten some queer looks. I guess there's an extra step there that folks don't think about. I mean, just because *I* don't have fleas or rabies doesn't inherently mean that my household doesn't, right? Anyway, this is my longwinded way of saying that we had to take the cats to the vet yesterday for their yearly checkup. Cats, carriers, cars and clinics are always an amusing combination. Chris called me with cryptic little messages throughout the morning to keep me apprised of the situation.

BEEP-BEEP The Chicken is in the Bucket.

BEEP-BEEP The Turkey has been basted.

BEEP-BEEP The Eagle has landed, and is hiding under the bed.

We had a pretty good laugh at the cat's expense yesterday morning, and at the very least that's one more thing off 'The List.' As a bonus we don't have to worry about feline distemper for a while, now if only they could do something about their attitude...

Also on the topic of preventative immunization, Chris and I had a consultation at the Winnebago County Health Services building regarding our impending international travel. On the way, I asked Chris if I should be psyching myself up for getting shots today. "No, it's just a consultation," She said. "Really?" I replied. "If that's what you need to tell yourself," she said never one to miss an opportunity to play mind games. Thanks oodles, hon.

So considering we're here in the heartland, I was actually pretty impressed with how informed they were about what immunizations we were going to need on the other side of the globe. The clinician printed off a list of requirements and recommendations. Chris, of course, had also done her homework and not only knew that we would not be traveling in the Yellow Fever region, but also knew there was no way we would be talked into paying $95 each for the inoculation. That's my girl!

The clinician got the last laugh though, because the Yellow Fever shot is the only one they didn't have on hand that would have required rescheduling. "So you folks just want all your immunizations now, then, right?" she asked. I glared at Chris and mouthed, "Con-sul-tay-tion" at her. She just smiled and agreed that we might as well do it now.

So six immunizations later (that's Polio, Tb, Hepatitis A, Hep B, flu, and Typhoid for those of you playing along at home) we finally get to leave.

If you need me, I'll be hiding under the bed with the other Eagle.

Note from Chris: I really did not know we were getting shots that day. And, technically, we could have rescheduled making that a true consultation. Also, I got one more shot than Lee. And I can't lift my arms. Also, we got awesome band aids!