The title to this post could fit a number of things in my life as a new mom— like how quickly Charlie is growing….how fast the days/weeks/months are flying by…. or how he is learning new skills at a lightning pace…. but today it’s about how accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.

For me it was a valuable lesson that, thankfully, did not come with any serious injuries to my little guy. 

We were getting ready to leave the house this weekend and I was cleaning up.  There was a pile of toys in front of the couch that I wanted to put away, so I sat Charlie in the back corner of the couch, then stood right in front of him while I straightened up.  In an instant, Charlie was face first on the floor screaming.  He had rolled off the couch and his precious face had broken his fall.  It happened so quickly, and even though he was only inches away from me, I wasn’t able to prevent it.   After a few tears and a little rugburn on his cheek, he was fine.  I, however, would remain upset and worried through the rest of the weekend.

I should have known better than to put him on the couch like that.  It was a valuable lesson that you have to stay one step ahead of their abilities and, thus, potential dangers…. it was only a few days ago that Charlie couldn’t get himself from a lounging position to his hands and knees, but, obviously, now he can do it.  And while he’s not mobile yet… he’s pretty close.  I need to get my house babyproofed BEFORE he sticks something in the sockets, or gets into the cleaning supplies and I need to lower the crib BEFORE he pulls up on his own and falls out of it. 

My mom gave (as always) sound advice… that it’s these little errors in judgement that can help us prevent big ones.  Take it and learn from it.  Of course, it didn’t help me feel any less like a terrible mom.