Micah and I travelled alone, down to Peoria, to his pediatrician appointment. I chose to take the truck because it is very convenient to let him sit in the middle front, since there are no air bags, making it easier to tend to him. His appointment went great, and on the way home I stopped at Target. Tyler had requested that I pick him up some pants while down in the Valley. (So far I have mentioned my greatest pet peeve of living in a small town. Travelling long distances for such simple things, like pediatricians and clothing! That requires a blog vent, so it doesn't belong in this blog story.)
So after I was done with my shopping, it is time to lug the baby seat back to the truck, along with my groceries. For those of you who have never experienced an Arizona August summer WITH a baby, then truly you need to understand this is a social/cultural event unique to places with extremely hot weather!
Goal one, and pretty much the only goal: get baby out of the heat and sun, but recognize that your vehicle is literally an oven inside. Sooooo as quickly as possible, get baby safely inside out of the elements, start vehicle, crank the air, move as fast as possible to get everything else loaded inside the vehicle. Then get the vehicle in motion asap to further aid in getting the vehicle cooled off. All while ignoring dripping sweat down your own back. (yes not attractive, and pretty gross!)
However! The driver side was snugged up closely to the cart drop off, and the truck is slightly high, so this was easier said than done. With some muscle, (or lack thereof) and some jiggling and jostling, I got Micah and his car seat into the Truck. I quickly started the truck, and jumped out to load everything else in.
So I rush around to the other side, "Doh! this side is locked! Go back to the other side..., *$#@!, the whole truck is locked!!! I bumped the lock while jostling the car seat around!!!"
At this point I had visions of being one of "those" parents who end up on the news because their baby nearly dies of heat exhaustion from being left in a vehicle for too long. Who is stupid enough to do "that?" That is Karma for ya, I will never laugh at anyone ever again for doing stupid things...heaven knows I have done my fair share! ARGH!
So after a phone call to Tyler (doh! no hideakey either), it is time to call 911. So, 911 informs me that there is a fire truck on its way, and to call back if Micah stops breathing! They were relieved to know that the air was on. Thankfully this happened in the truck, 'cause in the car it would have just been one big convection oven, with a lot of hot air being blown around. However, I really wasn't certain the truck was blowing cool air at this point.
Within a few minutes I could hear the sirens, and soon they arrived in the parking lot. At this point I started to relax, and could feel the tears welling up! Four fire fighters jump out, and got to work. They started in with a hook the old fashioned way. Within 5-10 minutes they had the truck opened. I lept inside, took Micah out and held him. At this point he was crying, and was a little warm. One of the fire fighters checked to make sure he wasn't overly hot while the others loaded my stuff inside for me, and I sat stunned in the front seat! I also didn't want to pay attention to how many onlookers had gathered at this point! After a short time, I put Micah back in his seat, and double checked that the doors were unlocked. Then I returned to my seat to start the journey home.
So that is the story, thankfully it had a good ending. Micah is barely aware of the danger he was in. His mom was more traumatized by it then he!
