Ear wax and ear infection

Today was the 12 month Doctor visit.  It's nice to track hr growth, her weight 10.5 kg, length 30 inches, but it came with 3 painful shots. 

What was unexpected was the giant globs of ear wax & the underlying right ear infection.  Natalie has always been grabbing and scratching her ears since she a few month old, but her ears would be clear.  Not even ear wax.  but a couple nights ago, i noticed it picked up again where her scratches became recurring scabs.  No fevers, no fussiness, and actually.. Grandma and grandpa have been quite vocal about how extra happy Natalie was.

I'm just bracing myself, I know it's going to be tough giving her the antibiotics.