Humbling Toddler Mommy Moments in March

Incident #1, Matthew finding his way to the top of the stairs. I was doing laundry and he 'normally' *sigh* follows me. He found his way past the pressure mounted gate all the way to the bottom of the stairs. Through the grace and protection of God he was not harmed. I'm so thankful we had been practicing to bump down on our bottoms when mommy couldn't lift him during the placenta issues last month. Most humbling was raising my voice and giving him a swat in a moment of panic. Both of which I do not want in my home. This incident reminds to refuel my sense of peace, calm and self control by making my morning time with God my very top priority. Solution: Daddy installed a gate upstairs that is not pressure mounted but attached to the wall and banister.

Incident #2, 3rd and worst case of croup since he's been born at 10:35 pm on the 30th that resulted in not only the usual Ugent Care visit but this time a transfer to Children's Medical Center. We were there until after 2 am on the 31st. Matthew received an anti inflammatory shot followed up by a breathing treatment at CMC. Panic set in especially when we were told they were referring us elsewhere. I'm so thankful any breathing issues were temporary. Holding Matthew down as he screamed through the breathing treatment had me sobbing and praying for God to get us through those few moments. I hate seeing my child hurting. Solution: Well croup is a virus. As our dr said, some kids get a cold, our little guy seems to be susceptible to the croup. We are going to try a few home remedies next time unless the strider (audible wheezing) is advanced like going out in to the cool air and the cool mist humidifier right from the start.

Incident #3 came the day after the croup incident. I wanted to cheer him up and he enjoys playing outside. It was a nice cool spring day. We've played in the backyard many times with out shoes on. This time Matthew found a fire ant pile. He screamed and I turned around. It was so quick, by the time I got to him, he foot was covered in fire ants. I ran in to the kitchen holding him. I turned the facet on, wiped all the ants off of him. I stripped him down, filled the sink with cool water which calmed him down. I called neighbors, poison control, our pediatrician, Billy and tested pics of his newly bit foot to two health care friends. Yes, I was in full panic. We ran to Walgreens where we picked up children's bendryl, anit itch cream, a ball and some bubbles. I kick myself for not more thoroughly checking the yard for ants. He has no less than 75 ant bites on his right foot alone. There are also a few stray ones on his fingers where he tried to get them off himself. Solution: Billy has treated both the back and front yards with Over and Out with the spreader. It's good for 6 months and we've heard great things about it.

Minutes before being stung:

Day 2 trying to walk on it, he limps a bit favoring that leg

Day 3, healing process

I know I can't protect my sweet boy from every harm or injury. It still hurts my mommy heart to see him struggling. I know there aren't solutions to every problem, but I do like to learn from these things. I already have the tendency to hover and be a 'helicopter' mom and I'm really fighting the battle to not want to over protect my son. He is a boy with a curious mind with a hands on personality. I pray to nurture and guide those God given traits in ways that still have protection.