Oops

Well, after 19 months of flawless parenting on my part, I'm here to report that I've finally made my first mistake. It was about time, anyway; all other parents were probably developing a bit of a burn from basking in my glow for so long. And it was getting a bit lonely way up at the top.

No, I didn't drop her on her head or set her on fire....or do anything as horrendous as accidentally leaving the top stair gate open (ahem, Chris ;-))

But in retrospect, going to check out Matthews Beach 45 minutes before Anya's bedtime, with no water clothes/diapers for her or other distractions, was dumb. I've never been there before and had it in my mind that she'd stick her foot in the water for a minute and then want to play at the playground or wander. Of course that isn't what happened.

She was instantly drawn to the water and didn't want to leave when it was time to go (after a measly 5-10 minutes). Once we got her on the grass, she kept beelining back to the beach and then broke down when it was apparent we weren't going to let her back in. From that point until we got home, she wailed (over and over) "Go back to waaaater!" It was heartbreaking. And it was all she would say.

OK, so next time I will be sure to bring a swim diaper and beach gear, and be able to stay for at least 45 minutes if I'm going to go anywhere near an accessible beach with the kiddo. And tomorrow should probably be that day. I feel like I need to make it up to her.

I am humbled by my very first *ever* mistake as a mother. And I'll be sure to remember this feeling if I make my next mistake in a few years with her.