No more peppermints for Kaden.... EVER

I don't think that I ever really wanted to know if I could master the Heimlich maneuver. Unfortunately Kaden gave me that chance......... fortunately, I passed the test :) It was during the Star Spangled Banner at a friend's fitness show. I had just given Kaden a red and white striped peppermint (the colors don't really matter because he is now banned from any hard candy - not just the kind he choked on), and we were standing as the anthem began. Kaden started coughing. I asked him if he was ok and he didn't respond. I thought for a brief second about how hard I was actually supposed to squeeze MY four year old to unlodge a piece of candy without breaking something else. Then I just wrapped my arms around him and gave one quick pump under the rib cage and out came a red and white striped candy (minus the stripes) and a pile of throw up. I was never before so relieved that Kaden had thrown up in public (and on the lady in front of us). I'm not for sure how many people in the auditorium knew what had just happened while they were placing their hands over their hearts - but if the first pump hadn't worked - believe me - everyone would have known! This is why Kaden will no longer be allowed to be a candy sucker (like his daddy), but instead a candy chewer ( like his mommy). On second thought, since I have now mastered this maneuver - Kaden will probably not be allowed to eat anything with out me being present!