Wednesday, February 9, 2011

A Mother's Guilt

I wish I wouldn't have given into the begging yesterday. I said we didn't have time to visit the playground after gymnastics class. There was some begging and some whining and I gave in. "But only for 15 minutes," I said. Five minutes into it, and Mr. H here had a scraped up face, a mouth full of dirt and a broken arm. I've been kicking myself over and over for even allowing that trip to the playground. I just had that feeling that it was a bad idea. But I rationalized it by thinking I was just being a lazy mom so I should take the time to let him play with his friends.

Hudson was a phenomenal patient. He sat quietly watching Charlotte's antics in the waiting room. He was patient with me when I had to wrangle Charlotte, rather than hold his hand. He held really still for his X-Ray; and did everything the doctors asked of him. Several other patients in the waiting room "assured" me by saying, "I'm sure it's not broken. If it were broken, he'd be crying." He's so tough. Even last night, B told him he was sorry he'd had a bad day and Hudson responded with, "It wasn't a bad day. I had a good day." I love him to pieces. I just wish I would have said no to the playground yesterday.

Charlotte, on the other hand, was a maniac at the doctor's office. She pulled the dirt out of the potted plants, she startled more than a few elderly ladies who were convinced she was going to get away from me. She rolled around on the floor, blew raspberries on the chairs, and dropped cheerios behind the chairs. When I tried to hold her, she rewarded my efforts with an angry bite to any exposed skin she could find. While we were in the doctor's office looking at the X-Ray, she yanked the keys out of his filing cabinet and took off running (and giggling wildly) down the hall. Luckily the doctor had a good sense of humor. While at the doctor's office, she was called "little guy" or any other term for a little boy upwards of 7 times. A nurse called her a "rough, tough, little girl." While another described her as a little firecracker.

So you'll have to excuse me today. I'm scheduled to help at preschool (which is good, so I can make sure he doesn't try any daredevil stunts at recess). And I think I've got my hands full for the time being. So don't forget to enter the CSN giveaway...the winner will be announced tomorrow.

11 comments:

km said...

"It wasn't a bad day. I had a good day." WOW! What a lesson. We sure can learn so much for these little wise ones! As for the waiting room antics... oh my I've been there... someday we will look back at the crazy and wild moments and laugh laugh laugh!!!

Fashion Confessions of a Mommy said...

Oh, I am so sorry. Don't beat yourself up though obviously accidents happen in playgrounds and it is unavoidable. You son and daughter sound so much like mine. My son is so brave like that and my daughter is crazy. How far apart are they?
Hope he feels better. Is he in a cast?

Heather I. said...

What an awesome little guy. His response had to east the mommy guilt a little bit, right?
Seriously, let me know if you need anything! Lizzie and I'd love to hang with the kids if you need a break :)

Ashley said...

Christina,
I thought about taking Charlotte for you after we left. I'm so sorry. I'm such a dud? I should have been a better help to you. You toitally would have done that for me in a heartbeat. Hudson is So tough.
P.S. I'm SO excited...

PS~Erin said...

Oh goodness. I'm so sorry for your sweet, little guy and for his mommy. Hang in there!

Wahzat Gayle said...

I have a friend who says that part of having fun is the falling and the bruising!
He is a gem...hope he heals quickly.

And don't beat yourself up. these things happen.

((hugs))

Jackie said...

Oh Christina! What a horrible day, I am so sorry all that happened, especially poor little Hudson's arm. What a trooper he is. And I feel you on the youngest ones-my youngest Kara is a crazy one and everything Charlotte was doing sounds exactly like what Kara would be doing. Hang in there momma!

amy said...

Isn't it funny how we just "know"? If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to trust my gut - no matter who is telling me they know better. Not to worry, there will be plenty more times for you to trust that feeling you had before the playground. You may just save them from something far worse than a broken bone. Being a Momma runs deep for you, or you would have never had that "feeling" in the first place. Lifes reminders are a hoot, no? (sarcasm intended!) *hugs*

Jill GG said...

Oh, poor little guy! Don't blame yourself though... this stuff happens! It seems like his personality will have him back in the action in no time!

oomph. said...

sorry you had one of those days. it sure is hard to be consistent and not give in, isn't it?! but your son sounds fine, so i wouldn't harbor any guilty feelings. and your daughter sounds like my son. seriously, this is the period where he does not belong in public.

rockoomph.blogspot.com

Emily Reese said...

Rats! Sounds like a rough day to me. I love that Hudson didn't think it was that bad.

I take Connor to gymnastics also and I think of the two of us once in a while. How fun it was to ride to class and competitions together. Looking back Mrs. Shivers was a funny lady, definitely didn't fit the stereo type.