Scary Moment, Elysse

Pennies, checkers, large foam beads, chunks of food, these are just some of the threatening objects we pull out of Elysse's mouth. It seems as soon as we take one out, she pops another one in.


Last night she had the tell-tale signs of a tasty hidden treasure: a closed mouth and bubbly drool dripping off her chin. As I swept her mouth with my finger to take out whatever was inside, whatever it was actually got pushed back into her throat making her choke. It was so scary. She couldn't breathe and her skin was turning dark. Nate was with me and was pounding her back. What was unsettling was my reaction of panic. I froze in a "What do I do?" state, wondering if I should call 911 just in case the pounding doesn't work, and trying to recall what to do in case breathing stops.

Perhaps that was best, though, so we weren't both trying to take charge. In the meantime, I played the part of a cheerleader, "C'mon, Elysse! C'mon Elysse!"

Thankfully, she threw up, at last dislodging a piece of stiff, rough velcro with dried paint on its backside that had fallen from the wall after I removed wall hangings from the girls' room.

I am so thankful for my little Elysse...again. (and if you are wondering about the "again" part, you can check out my July post titled, "Grateful for Elysse") Not to make light of the situation, but sometimes I wonder if these things happen to Elysse to keep up my gratitude for her despite her constant fussiness.

Sometimes I wish I could just tie her jaw to her chest! Here's a picture when we tried it the other day.....jk