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I have always though that in an emergency I handle things quite rationally.....well tonight tested my limits of staying calm under pressure.

I had run upstairs for about 30 seconds and left Michael in the front room to play with his brothers. Then I heard someone fall, knowing it was probably Michael I called for Alex to bring him to me. I still couldn't hear any crying which made me think either it isn't as bad as it sounded or he is holding it in for a few extra seconds. I was wrong, when Alex turned the corner and I caught a glimpse of my 10 month old in the arms of my 6 year old, unconscious, I knew things were bad. I grabbed the baby checked for breathing and a pulse then tried to wake him all while yelling at Alex to grab the phone so we could call 911. Alex stood there like a deer in headlights not knowing what to do. I ran downstairs holding the baby trying to talk him into opening his eyes while calling the paramedics. I gave them all the details and they reassured me that the ambulance would be there soon. During this time I had to call Beau home who had just left for school and the conversation went something like this "Beau, the ambulance is on its way, the baby fell, he is ok, come home now!" (I had to add the "he is ok" to be sure Beau would drive safely, and a little for my own assurance.)

Then came the whirlwind of paramedics, firefighters (standard with any 911 call), police officers, neighbors, friends, and thank heavens Beau. By the time they arrived Michael had began to cry a little which made everyone fell better about the situation. He was very pale and just wanted to sleep, (a no no with any head injury) they strapped him onto a mini back board and off we went to the E.R.

As we drove the paramedics kept asking if it was normal behavior for Michael to sit so quietly, I told them his is a pretty calm baby, but it wasn't until he started signing "milk" that I could see he was going to be ok. (I knew that baby sign would come in handy)
After a CAT scan, glucose, blood pressure and heart rate check we were sent on our way.

We are very grateful for the quick response of the paramedics, great friends that are willing to take on three extra boys and especially for our healthy little Mike who brings such joy and happiness into our family.
Michael is just fine now crawling around the house like nothing happened. Beau and I however are still recovering.