Ever since Lil Man's first prick at the tender age of 1 month I've had a serious battle raging in me regarding vaccination. The battle is two-fold. Firstly, I don't think there is a mother in the world who can remain dry-eyed as they watch their baby let out a blood curdling scream when the needle enters his soft tender skin. I'm sure you know the adage that says "When baby hurts, Mommy hurts harder." Well said. Secondly,it's more than enough pain just to watch your baby suffer through an injection. However must the torture continue for baby with days of crankiness, fever and sleep deprivation for both? Enough already.

I took Lil One for his 2 month appointment. Slight diversion here: He weighs 11 lbs 11 1/2 oz and is 23 inches long. Honestly, I thought he weighed more, but he's growing perfect with the weight he's gained so far. His pediatrician was so impressed with his babbling, cooing and alertness. Boy, did Lil One pull out all the flirts and smiled from ear to ear for the staff.

All the smiles, of course, were pre-vaccination. This is his second round of shots and I'm seriously thinking of calling it quits on vaccination hence forth. I'm still debating...

I spoke this thought to a friend of mine and she looked at me cross-eyed. You would have thought she saw two heads on me. "You can't decide not to vaccinate your baby! Isn't it against the law? He'll need to be vaccinated for school later, right?" she responded.

It's a controversial issue, I know, with some believing that vaccines maybe the cause of the autism epidemic. My reasons for possibly stopping vaccination are personal and furthermore I don't want to come across that I am trying to justify my views. However, I do believe there is a misconception that parents do not have a voice in the decision to vaccinate. Parents, call the shots regarding your children's vaccination! I do not appologize for the pun because in this case it's far too befitting. Mamas and Papas you have a choice in the matter! My wish is only to share some information that I have researched and challenge you to do your due diligence regarding vaccination.