First Bee Sting

Technically Clayton was the first to cross an angry bee.  The chickens were trying to peck them out of the air.  They were all riled up and Clay was just an innocent bystander.  But just the other day, Sam was outside playing and got stung by his very first bee.  Although it was sad, I was sort of relieved, because I'd been holding my breath, waiting to see if he was allergic. 
The poor little guy let out a yelp and I turned to see a furiously buzzing bee stuck to his leg.  As I carried him across the lawn he was remarkably calm, more interested in this whirring bee attached to his leg than worried about the pain.  I tried to figure out if there was some way I could save the bee; he hung on there for quite awhile.  I always feel so bad for them since they die when they sting you.  But, he let go of his own accord, leaving his stinger in Sam.  I used tweezers to get it out, and then realized that was the wrong way; you're supposed to scrape it out.  Unfortunately I think pulling makes more poison go in.  So, to try to remedy my mistake I made a little mud poultice and put that on to draw the poison out over night.  He watched curiously and seemed to enjoy the procedure.  With a little arnica for the pain and swelling and some minty oil on the bite to cool it he was able to drift peacefully to sleep. 
Although I was sad to see him injured, I was proud of how well he handled it, with courage, curiosity and a good dose of snuggles.

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