WAIVER

Picture courtesy of CottonSoxPhotography
Layla signing her waiver to race

You know how you have to sign a waiver for practically every thing these days, because nobody wants to take responsibility for anything anymore? Ya, well, my kids should have signed a waiver before being thrust down from the pearly gates of heaven into my incapable arms. Especially since becoming a mother, I find myself in those "what was I thinking!?" situations all too often. I'm fairly certain at this point that my children will look back and wonder how they survived their mother. I already have a head full of insecurities as a mother and it's stories like this that cater to my self doubt. 

Rocktober brings on my favorite cycling season of all time, Cyclocross. We geared up and excitedly drove to Fort Buenaventura for Kday's first race of the season. It's a pretty breathtaking little park with a pond, tee-pees, swings, walking trails, and a park. A park with a REALLY tall slide. My lapse in judgement came when my thrill seeking little one year old son who defies any sense of safety awareness, asked to go on the big slide. My 4 year old daughter still won't go down a baby slide at the park mind you... So I obliged and helped his square stocky little body climb up the 13 metal stairs. He plopped his soggy diaper on the top level and prepared to let gravity create the thrill of a lifetime. I hurriedly ran down the stairs and to the bottom of the slide while reminding him to "wait for mommy to catch you!" Just as I approached the landing zone the world turned to slow motion... I watched as my little boy struggled to maneuver his feet to point down the slide. This created the weight shift necessary for one sweet little 20 month old to fall backward and tumble head first down the top two stairs. I screamed with all the gusto I had as I lunged and reached for my baby. The slow motion fall continued as he tumbled between the railing and he was in free-fall, it felt like forever as I watched his body nearing the hard ground below. I couldn't get there. Just a half a step separated us by the time he landed on his little bulbous belly. What in the world was I thinking leaving my little baby up there alone? I scooped him up and cradled his little screaming body and thanked the Lord that he didn't break his neck. Freak accidents happen. And this one should have been avoided by more thoughtfulness on my part. I inspected ever inch of his body, no blood, no swelling, neuro checks for concussion were normal. He cried for a few minutes and a few hours later he asked to go on the big slide again. Only this time, we opted for the swings instead. 

I. felt. aweful. I've laid in bed since and each night I can still see the picture re-playing in my mind. I know much worse has happened to children but I just felt so thoughtless as a mother. I try not to be over protective, and in certain instances I am and I just won't budge. Car seats for instance, but I also try to let my kids experience freedom, life and learning opportunities. So even though Layla was the one to sign the waiver to race her little bike around the grass course... Owen was the one who should have been asking for liability with is mother! 

We salvaged the day with a prayer of gratitude to the Lord for sparing any injuries to my Owee bear. Kday raced, Layla rocked the barriers at the Strider race, and the boys enjoyed being boys. 

Proud dad and Grandpa-Pockie cheering Layla on

She knows how to represent on the podium

What boy doesn't like a little recline action during a nap?

Post nap- Post fall and happy as long food and adventure are available.

This bear likes to take it easy and is often happier when left alone.

I dread the day these boys out grow the baby swing

She kinda loves her helmet. Which is funny because she's the most timid child of the three.
Maybe we'll start a helmet regimen for Owen at parks. 

THE BIG SLIDE - 

I know.... 

"What was I thinking?"