Are you prepared?

As parents, we try our best to protect our children.  Some of us might even be labeled "over-protective".  However, the true reality is, that we cannot protect our kids from everything that this world throws at them (this is where our faith in the Lord comes in).  Falling down, scraping knees, busting noses are all part of growing up and learning how to survive!!

My niece and nephew came to stay with us for a few days this past week.  For fun, we thought we would take them to the water park in Canton, but since the weather didn't cooperate, we ended up at the Dallas World Aquarium.  We arrived around lunch time, so we decided to eat lunch in one of the cafe's.  We had been sitting down for about 15 minutes munching on chips when all of the sudden Lindsay starts to cough and takes the most strained breath I have ever heard.  My mom was sitting across the table from us and she very calmly said, "Kelly, she's choking".  I reached over, snatched Lindsay out of the booster seat, laid her over my legs on her belly, and hit her on the back with the base of my hand 3 or 4 times .  This all happened so fast, I really don't recall the exact order of how things happened.  As soon as I hit her the first time, she did start to try to cough and spit and drool.  I looked over my shoulder and told the waitress, "we need some help over here" and they guy at the table next to us said, "she's coughing, that means she's getting air".  Albeit a strained cough, she was coughing!!!  All of the sudden this paramedic lady appears out of nowhere to check Lindsay out.  Thankfully, after a lot of coughing, she was back to normal.  She ate a little lunch and then had a great time at the aquarium!!

Why did I lay her over my legs instead of on the floor, I have no idea, but the Lord was in control of the situation and He gets all the glory!  I know that I cannot protect Lindsay from every little thing, but I now know that I can be a little more prepared, just in case!!

Out of the blue tonight, Lindsay told me, "I was coughing in my booster seat.  The lady had on gloves (referring to the paramedic lady). I coughed up a chip."  This happened on Thursday, so I have no idea what brought it to her mind.  

I am so thankful that I did not panic and that I felt the peace that passes all understanding!