I called poison control tonight.  It’s my first time as a mother–not my proudest moment.  Here’s the background story:

Greta is really sick.  She has RSV(most likely…the doctor wouldn’t test her because there is nothing they can do for it) and it seems to be getting worse.  So, I have been extra careful to do all of the things he told me to:  humidifier full blast, Children’s Motrin every 6 hours to keep her fever under control, lots of fluids and benedryl before bed to help her sleep.  And thanks to some excellent mommy advice I received, I have also been putting Baby Vicks on her chest and feet to help her cough.  She is so drained, but won’t sleep or eat.  It has all worn me down significantly.  My house is a mess and I haven’t showered or got dressed in days–but it’s okay, I’m taking care of Greta, right?

Tonight, my worn-down brain made a boo boo and gave her Motrin AND Tylenol instead of Benedryl!!  Chris said, “That looks like her Tylenol.”  I ran in the kitchen to check and it was!!  Near tears, I called her pediatrician and waited and waited and waited and then got disconnected and called back and waited and waited some more.  It was a completely frantic kind of wait, though–I could not wait any longer!!  Luckily, I remembered in 7th grade we learned the poison control center’s number:  I’m SICK because I ATE ONE, I’m SICK, SICK, SICK, UPSIDE DOWN SICK.  Get it?  (412) 681-6669.  Unfortunately, I grew up in Pittsburgh and this was the number for the poison control center there.  Which looking back I totally could have called and I am sure they would have helped me.  But, remember, I am worn out and my brain isn’t working.  My eyes started burning and I was thiiiis close to crying but I pulled it together and looked up the number here (it’s 1-800-222-1222 fyi) and right away talked to a nice guy.  He reassured me that it was completely okay and that she would be fine and I could even give her the Benedryl, too.  I wanted to reach through the phone and hug him.

….and then I cried.