9-1-1

Yes, I have, for the first time in my life, called 9-1-1! Last night my precious little Millie choked down a quarter. I saw it in her mouth just when I laid her down to change a diaper. I saw a big silver circle fall to the back of her mouth. I immediately turned her over and said "spit it out!" (She is quite familiar with these words) That's when she made the choking sound. I tried to reach it, I tried hitting on her back, I tried the Heimlich (not only do I not know how to spell it, I really don't know how to do it!) all as I screamed for Jeff to get our neighbor (she used to be a nurse--and I never have been--so it seemed logical at the time!?) while I dialed 9-1-1. Millie wasn't making any noise and I have always heard that's bad...really bad, so I was in full blown panic mode. The conversation went something like this:

"911 how may I help you"

"yes, my 2 year old is choking on a quarter"

"Ok, we will send an ambulance, what is your address"

"5224 Mountain View"

"You said she is 2?

"yes"

"Are you sure it was a quarter?"

"I think so...it all happened so fast...maybe it was a nickle...does that matter?"

"what is your child doing right now"

"well, actually, she seems to be... breathing...?"

"she is breathing?"

"yes, she is. she's just sitting here breathing."

"ok, that's good. (well, now isn't that the understatement of the year!) try to keep her very still. does she seem to be acting normally?"

"she does seem to be acting normal, but I am in a complete panic!"

We continued on the phone for several more minutes (with Jeff back and all of the Sidden Family) while I am wondering how in the world my tiny little 2 year old could physically swallow a quarter---is this possible? and then the EMTs arrived. They checked her out and decided she was fine (breathing normally, vital signs normal and talking) and assured me that I would be getting my quarter back in just a few days. But they said if it would make me feel better we could go to the emergency room and have her x-rayed. They would even take us if we wanted the bill!

We decided to wait and talk to our pediatrician---who also agreed we would see our quarter again soon. Unfortunately I am the one who has to be sure we actually get our deposit back (so to speak). So I am the official poop smoosher--thank goodness for latex gloves. Nothing so far, but I will be sure to keep you all posted on the "out come".

I definitely have never been so scared in my life--although Millie was quite the joke at church this morning, last night it was not remotely funny. I don't know how I would handle it if anything ever happened to one of my precious little babies. I said an little extra prayer of thanksgiving last night. God was with us and we are all a little richer (about .25 cents richer!) for it.