First time mom

My husband has suggested I might suffer from hypochondria. At first I was skeptical, but after researching the symptoms, I can safely say this is one of many illnesses I've contracted over the years. Lately, however, it seems to encompass not just my sicknesses, but Eleanor's as well.

Since birth, I've been convinced she has temporary blindness, rabies, soap and water poisoning, rickets, thrush, explosive diarrhea, constipation (she actually had this) and the bird flu. Ok ok it wasn't actually bird flu but she did catch something from the 4 year-olds in my Sunday school class. Let's call it kindergarten flu. I've been treating her kindergarten flu with saline nasal spray and wet wipes and keeping my hypochondria at bay. Until..... she coughed. I panicked and did something The Husband has forbidden. I googled. I know, I know, TERRIBLE IDEA. As one who's easily persuaded, I should never EVER google, but last night I just couldn't help myself. Big mistake. After just a few clicks I was certain E had RSV, pneumonia and bronchitis simultaneously.

I laid awake all night (well, until I fell asleep) just staring at her chest and planning how I was going to synchronize CPR and a call to 911. I pictured myself screaming at the dispatcher, "LIFE FLIGHT HER!" between breaths and chest compressions. I might have overreacted just a tad. Alas, we made it through the night. I paced the floor until 8 am on the dot when our pediatrician's office opened. I tried to hide the panic in voice while I explained to the receptionist that my daughter was clinging to life. I even leaned the phone toward the, now-smiling baby in hopes that she would cough to accentuate my point that this was severe! She did not cough. She did not cough again all morning. She did not cough during her 10 am appointment. She has not coughed since.

Turns out she has a cold. And a mother with hypochondria.