Worst feeling ever

Mikey came home early today, so I had visions of perhaps reading a book or taking a leisurely shower in which I don't have my ear tuned to the baby monitor. Before I could engage in any of these relaxing activities, Mikey mentioned that William had scratched his forehead. It's amazing how quickly those teeny tiny nails grow, and they can do some damage!

While Mikey was on a work call, I decided to cut his nails while he was on the playmat. I got a few of them done, but then all of a sudden William's face turned red. Of course you know what immediately follows - screaming. I look closely at his finger, and it is bleeding...and bleeding...and bleeding. The dang thing bled like I had cut it off at the knuckle. It seems I used the wrong angle and ended up cutting off skin instead of his nail. Ouch.

Speaking of skin - I need to develop thicker mommy skin because I felt AWFUL. I mean, I can handle it when he gets shots because I'm not the one actually inflicting pain on the kiddo. I'm the one who swoops in and comforts him after that mean old lady sticks him with needles. But this time, I wielded the tool that caused my sweet baby to bleed.

Thank goodness Mikey was home. I held W while he washed off his finger. And then yes, I have to confess. I called the pediatrician. In my defense, William is still on several medications for his virus/almost ear infection/congestion, and I have been instructed to call them with updates daily (for over a week, I talked to them two or three times a day). I hadn't talked to them in over 48 hours, and I wanted to report that he was fever-free for the first time in ten days last night - yay! So I did start off with that report. They were delighted to hear that he didn't have a fever.

Then I went into the lame new mom report of a bleeding finger. Basically, I just wanted them to tell me that it's totally normal for it to bleed a whole heck of a lot. They assured me that it is and told me to put a band-aid on it for a little while. But of course we can't let him out of our sight with a band-aid on his finger since he is obsessed with sticking his hands in his mouth! He is currently snoozing on Mikey's shoulder.

My dear, sweet husband made me feel much better...until he started playing a little game with William. He will put W on his lap and point to himself and say "Daddy," then point to W and say "William." For some reason, William is entranced by this little game every time. He really pays attention. Well this time, Mikey added me in as "The mommy who cuts off your finger." I gave him one of my patented looks, and he said, "OK, maybe I'll start saying stuff like that tomorrow."

I feel much better after getting it all out here. I know it's not a big deal at all, but in the moment, I was so upset.