Band-aids and Bicycles

I never thought I would be the type of mom to want arm pads, knee pads, shoulder pads, gloves, helmets, and boots for their child. I've always felt that it's good to let your kids get roughed up now and then...it's good for them. However, yesterday when Tyler announced that it was time for Cambria to take the training wheels off her bike and learn how to ride with the "big" kids, impulsively I started thinking about how much of her body I could cover so when she crashed she wouldn't get hurt. I was having visions of blood running down her legs with deep, horrible gashes and elbows dripping with blood. Then I realized that Tyler would be right beside her to keep her from falling and that he was just as concerned as I was. So I took a deep breath, smiled at her and told her that she could do it while I was having an anxiety attack. I realized that this was just the beginning of my wanting to protect her from getting hurt, but that I have to let go so she can try and experience new things (even if it does mean a few scraps and bruises along the way). She did great and after a few times up and down the street she was on her way. Interestingly enough, I think Tyler was more worried about her than I was because he watched her like a hawk the whole night to make sure she was okay. There were a few crashes but nothing that a band-aid and a hug couldn't fix. The thing that amazed me is that after we got the small amount of blood cleaned up and bandaged, she went out and got right back on her bike. She's awesome and I'm so proud of her for having the courage to do something hard. Incidentally, Ethan got his bike with training wheels yesterday and wouldn't get off the bike until he crashed, or I made him get off. It's crazy though, with all the tears and blood (and Ethan had A LOT of blood), a band-aid always made the owie feel better. I wish sometimes I could just put a a band-aid on my hurt and it would be all better. Being a kid isn't so bad I guess...and I had better get more band-aids because I think I used up an entire box yesterday.

I love the tongue sticking out as she concentrating...something her dad does as well.

"I'm okay mom, I'm okay." (After the first crash)

Braden outside watching the bike riding fun and wishing he could join them. He's 4 months and this picture gave me visions of him having a football mugshot taken when he's older.

Ethan is so excited to have a bike and he's getting braver because he's starting to go much faster...I hope we don't end up in the hospital.