The chin splitter

They invented seat belts on shopping carts for a reason.  We were in a beloved double seat cart at Target. We finished but zipped right over to JCP next door to gift hunt for the Momma. A couple of minutes too long because Wade couldn't sit still anymore. 

Hank was dragging his hand along the tops of the smooth glass jewelry counters and Wade wanted to follow suit. He leaned over Hank and attempted to do the same, when simultaneously I find myself warning him to stop and the countertop ends. Crash goes Wade to the tile floor. Chin first. 

I'm really squirming right now reviewing it in my mind. It's my first big mom emergency, ya know. I shall squirm. 

He was just belting it out. He's not known for any shortage of dramatics and as I examined his mouth and teeth I saw nothing and encouraged him to calm down. But he kept screaming and when I went in for another examination, my fingers showed blood. I lifted that chin once and saw tissue through the spilt and I thought "ok. This is one of those situations. What do I do?" I knew he'd need stitches. 

Bless the jewelry counter ladies who were watching me. Now I was holding his chin together and pushing the cart, trying to remember where my destination was to avoid the ER, thinking how on earth I could hold his chin together and drive there and manage Hank!  I waited as they went for gauze and an incident report. The paramedic for the mall and police officer showed up and gave me ye bandaid I needed to hold that slit together!  Wade calmed down pretty quickly. When I mentioned we needed to go to the doctor, he lost it. 

Did I mention it was dinner time? Poor planning, Ali. 

I managed to call Perris, who fortunately was at a client 2 minutes from our house and have him head home to accompany me. I, of course, searched for my insurance card and it's not in my wallet!  

Wade was given a "junior officer" sticker, adding it to his target sticker proudly worn on his chest. The police officer and paramedic watched the boys on the curb while I fetched the car. They were really nice and loaded my target bags too. 

We picked up Perris and all the while I prepped Wade for what would happen at the doctor. He was fine until I asked Perris to say a prayer. He is JUST like me. Courage until we pray or until my Mom asks me how I'm doing. Haha!

He was fine all the while waiting for the doctor and asking 100 questions about everything the nurse was prepping. 

Then the Doc came. But really it was when he saw the syringe and needle. I had to pin him down to get numbed. After that it was youtube to the rescue. 

He was promised ice cream for his war wounds and battle. While eating he asked me if his chin was "still open like a door"?  Not sure how he envisioned my description of his chin splitting open ;)

He's got a nice bandaid covering up the three stitches. I have been warned about the trouble boys can get into, but I thought I had a couple more years before we would have any emergencies. Crossing our fingers for no more excitement at age 3!

Notice his highly decorated shirt!!