Poison Control

We had an exciting afternoon around here yesterday. I was inside nursing Cole while the big brothers played in our fenced-in backyard. They were being particularly quiet, so I offered a prayer somewhat along the lines of 'please protect the boys'. After I finished, I went outside to find Sawyer hopping off the chicken coop roof, saying, "We ate these berries mom!" Ohhhhh really?! I took a picture of the plant and sent it off to George and my mom so I could get help identifying it as quickly as possible. Meanwhile I tried to look it up as well while burping Cole and keeping an eye on Sawyer and Jack for any symptoms. Sawyer told me they each ate five berries and that they were 'good and sweet, not too sour!' Glad you enjoyed them, ha!

It was taking a while to identify exactly what the plant was, so I decided to make them throw up just in case. I didn't have ipecac on hand, so I traumatized them both by sticking my fingers in the back of their throats. It turns out Jack has an iron gag reflex. I could barely get a cough out of him! Sawyer on the other hand was crying and gagging and rather upset about the intrusion. Hopefully it was memorable enough to drive home the lesson to not forage without the help of a knowledgeable adult. 

Turns out there were two different vines intertwined. Virginia Creeper and Corky Stemmed Passion Flower. Thankfully neither of them are poisonous, although the Creeper contains oxalates that can cause minor cuts in their throats. The poison control center recommended they eat popsicles to help with that. 

So grateful for everyone's help (Mom, George, Extension Center, and Poison Control Center)! I'm also thankful for answered prayers - very important lesson learned without major consequences for their innocent foraging. 

Oh yes and even with all this excitement we managed to go vote too :)