Hug that baby!

Later in the day update: My nephew is well, all is good in the world! Thanks for the prayers!

My heart stopped this morning when I heard the news that my 2 year old nephew got into another family member's medication. We have all been there -- those horrible moments when your heart stops and you just pray that everything will turn out okay. So far so good -- the hospital has confirmed he ingested the medication but the dose was small enough that reversing is not the best choice. He is being observed at the hospital and is happy as a clam. They will release him later today but are watching him right now just to be sure.

I've been there. What a horrible feeling. Once, when he was a toddler, my son tried to eat a glass Christmas tree ornament. How did he get it? Heck if I know! I think I must have blinked, and in that instant Wonder Boy chose to grab the ornament, break it, and eat the pieces. I looked over to see him chewing glass. I know, right now you want to nominate me for mother of the year. I think this was way back in 1997, so it is a little too late.

I desperately fished the pieces of glass from his mouth. There were no cuts on his gums, tongue, lips or cheeks. I hastily played "reassemble the broken glass bulb ornament and hunt for missing pieces" game. By the way, that game really sucks and we got rid of the glass bulb ornaments that year too. I took Wonder Boy to the emergency room and got to feel the shame of bad parenting. I don’t care how hard you try and how careful you are, everyone will have a moment like this at some point when raising children.

There was nothing like the judgmental look on the emergency room intake clerks face to make me feel like killing myself. It wasn't like I didn't realize that I had completely failed my obligation to protect this wonderful child who is such a gift in my life. I knew I was the worst person on earth, now could you hurry up with the x-rays dammit????

All turned out fine. While we waited, the hospital staff gave Wonder Boy a wooden toy to play with and keep for his troubles. Guess what? He broke it within minutes and attempted to eat the round wooden wheel which fit PERFECTLY into his mouth and which presented an awesome choking opportunity. A nurse came in as I fished the wheel out of his mouth. I handed the saliva covered wheel to her and advised that the toy might be considered a choking hazard. Her eyes widened and she congratulated me that this was my first trip to the ER with Wonder Boy. In the time that we were there she had seen enough antics to know that his guardian angel works overtime.

We were both stunned and freaked out. The nurse shared Wonder Boy’s feat with the doctor when he returned and I thought he was going to puke right in front of me. They had given this same toy to lots and lots of kids previously. The doctor reported that Wonder Boy’s X-rays came out fine and we were on our way. I think the doctor and nurse may have been damaged for life.

I am sure my nephew will be fine. Please pray for him and my little brother though... this has already been a really crappy year for my little brother. Also, please check your medication caps twice if you have little ones. I would not wish this kind of fear and horror upon my worst enemy.