Big Steps, little consequences

[aelfie]

Gwen took a big step as a little girl today.

She rode her brother's bike all the way around the block. By herself. (And no helmet)

In some ways I couldn't be more proud of her. She's exploring her world.

In some ways it scared me shitless. I didn't know where my child was. But she came back, safe and sound. And very proud of herself.

And no one called the cops (which is what I'm really afraid of)

Ike was told, next time, instead of coming home to tell me where she was, that he should stick with her. "Always stick together."

But they both broke the rules, they are supposed to stay on our street without going around the corner.

Both have lost their right to play in the front of the house for the rest of the week.

My babies are growing up!

Comments

[sapphyres.livejournal.com]

Time to microchip them. :D I'm loving the phones with GPS so you can monitor the holder's movements, can't wait to see how accurate they are.

[aelfie.livejournal.com]

Joe says that's an invasion to their privacy...part of me agrees and part of me says "Chip 'em!"

[sapphyres.livejournal.com]

If you think about it...at this age and for some time, they'd better be where you think they are. If they're not there, well they oughtta be and you're going to find them eventually anyway. I say the lack of panic and feeling of smugness will contribute to a less hefty punishment, and if they aren't out of place willingly, that's a whole 'nother panicky story!

[polychrome-baby.livejournal.com]

Yipes, and yay all in one, for sure.

[mollygm.livejournal.com]

How does the chipping thing work, anyway? Is it like a bracelet?

[rephetibel.livejournal.com]

All the way around the block? Ah me, they grow up so fast! I was grateful that none of mine were like me. I don't know how my parents survived. There was the time I took home a live rattlesnake. I knew it was a rattlesnake and that it was dangerous. I took it home so my father could kill it. I was nine.

[aelfie.livejournal.com]

Yea...and its a long block too, about a quarter of a mile all the way around. I can imagine how free she felt and I partly envy that freedom and long to give it to her...but I don't think she's ready quite yet.

A LIVE rattlesnake? Okay, now I like snakes, but I would never have the guts to approach a rattler. Wow. I hope Gwen isn't as brave as you!

[rephetibel.livejournal.com]

It didn't seem like a brave thing to do at the time. Just logical. My parents, bless their hearts, just said that because rattlers are so dangerous, I should have waited until Daddy got home and told him about it. It was in the schoolyard so it did need to be dealt with. It gives me the willies now. Someone could have died because4 of my actions.