Shelby and I joined some friends at Travel Town today to see and ride the many trains.
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| Ready for the train ride. |
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| Jane and Ryan came! |
I have to include a mom confessional in this post before I get to the fun. Today was one of those days of feeling completely inadequate as a mom, and for good reason. I buy in to the notion that it takes a village - or at least a network of awesome mom friends - to raise a child, and had it not been for all the amazing moms in our group today I don't think Shelby would have survived the trip. At least not in one piece.
Here's a rundown of the visit's misadventures:
- I let Shelby climb into a huge train engine with the other kids, then started to gab away without watching her. Before I know it, she's climbed onto a ledge outside the train and can easily fall from a height well over my head. Thank goodness my friend saw from outside, while at the same time some cute little girls noticed and asked one of the moms to help. Yep, one of the good moms who was actually on the train watching her kids. She got Shelby down as I ran frantically to get her. That was everyone's heart attack for the day!
- Shortly after the train incident, you'd think I'd be watching her like a hawk. No, I let her trip and scrape both knees on the train tracks. Poor girl!
- Then I let her walk on a raised ledge around a planter...unsupervised. I was dawdling around cleaning up lunch. I was luckily right by her when the inevitable slip and fall happened, but it was still a rough ride for her.
- I left her little toy in the kids' play area and the poor mom who'd already saved Shelby's life in the train was nice enough to bring it back. Then I left it on the picnic table after lunch and she had to cart it over to me again. I can't even keep track of Shelby today, how could I keep an eye on a toy? Oh, silly Heather.
- I lost sight of Shelby for a minute before we left. I thought she was playing by the planter again (which still would have been bad - what if she fell again? Where is my mind?), but when I wandered over she wasn't there. That panicked feeling is the worst. Luckily she was off playing with her friends, closely watched by yet another awesome mom friend. Thank goodness for the help - I'm a scatterbrain.
Aside from my terribly negligent behavior, we had a great time at Travel Town! Everyone survived, even Shelby (in spite of my best efforts), and we all enjoyed the visit.
Hopefully Shelby will forgive me and we'll try for a less crazy day trip next time.
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| Lilly, Madeline, and Ryan on their way to the train ride. Cuties. |
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| Shelby collected rocks along the way. She loves rocks these days, which makes for cheap and easy play time! |
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| On the train ride. Shelby loved it! |
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| Chillin'. |
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| Hugs! |
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| Ryan tried his hugging skills on Shelby next. Shelby's not quite sure how she feels about that... |
5 comments:
Maybe you're pregnant :)
haha I like the above comment. I'll be honest, I am that crazy mom who follows milo around wishing he was in a bubble. I wish I could be more laid back but my anxiety won't let me! I'm sorry you had such a hectic day! But how fun that you have so much to do where you live! You guys always have such great activities!
You weren't nearly as bad as you wrote it up. There is a difference between giving your kid space and sending them on their merry way in the world with never a glance from you. Shelby needs to explore and you need some adult time. I'm glad you were laughing through it all. You are a great mom.
"Momma said there'd be days like this, There'd be days like this my momma said"...it may be an old R and B song, but it is still true. And you are an awesome mom, with a little extra help on your side.
It is impossible to watch them every second...that is why there are guardian angels. You are a terrific mom...stop beating yourself up.
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