Note to self: do not leave husbands in charge of children when football matches are on.
Saturday, Rainer’s best friend Tobias came to visit with his wife Katrin and two beautiful kids, Hanna, who’s almost 5, and Simon, who’s 2 and a half. I made cookies, which the kids, and unexpectedly Charlie too, gobbled up. We watched Charlie carefully for any signs of distress at such a massive chocolate consumption (he snagged half a plate), but he was fine.
All went well until it came time to prepare dinner. Us womenfolk went into the kitchen to chop veggies and cook, and left the men in charge of the kids. Suddenly, I heard the most terrified shrieking cry coming from my tiny little boy. I rushed into the living room to find a red welt covering a large section of the right side of his head. I scooped him into my arms and began comforting him.
Me: “What happened?!?!?”
Rainer: “Simon wanted to give Oliver a toy and accidentally dropped it on his head.”
The toy was a large wooden Ikea Mula push toy.
Me: “Weren’t you watching?!?!?”
Rainer: “Yes, but these things happen so fast, you can’t stop them!”
True. Sometimes.
Me: “Where was Oliver at the time?”
Rainer: “In his playpen playing with his baby disco.”*
Me: “And he just dropped it in? Didn’t you get suspicious when he said he wanted to give it to Oliver?”
Rainer: “These things happen so fast, and it was more like he brought it down on Oliver’s head.”
Rainer then demonstrates an overhead swing that any pro tennis player would be proud to have.
Me: “What!?!? And what was Simon doing with the toy before this happened?”
Rainer: “Well, he was running it along the rail of the playpen for a while.”
Me: “And you didn’t think to stop him at that point????”
Rainer: “I don’t know… we were watching football…”
Aha! So the kids were basically unsupervised.
It took about 15 minutes to soothe Oliver. I’ve read breastfeeding helps with pain reduction, so after I ascertained that the injury was not serious, I tried that and it did seem to help, although he’d suck a little, then let out a little pitiful sob. (Katrin also took a look – she’s a doctor – and thought he was fine, so I didn’t get too upset).
Tobias took the kids to the playground, Rainer watched Oliver, and Katrin and I finished cooking. It was a nice meal and the kids seemed to enjoy the Chinese chicken salad, sesame meatballs, and stir-fried veggies that I prepared. After dinner, they headed home to Würzburg (after apologizing profusely, yet again).
Hanna and Simon
Chinese chicken salad
Sesame meatballs and stir-fried veggies
In the morning, Oliver still had a red mark on his head, but by afternoon it had faded away and all day Sunday he was a happy little guy. Katrin called on Sunday to check on Oliver, and Tobias wrote Rainer twice on Monday to double check. He added, “Tja, und kannst deiner Frau sagen, dass sie die beste Köchin ist, die ich kenne.”** Aw shucks, I guess all is forgiven 
Oliver, yesterday
*Baby disco = Baby Einstein Play Gym
** “Tell your wife that she’s the best cook I know.”
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
In Rainer’s defense, that was a very important soccer match, and it was anybody’s guess as to which direction it was going to go, so hey, what’s a first-born compared to that
I’m glad to hear that Oliver seems to be doing fine.
@martina: He’s none the worse for wear, so I’m not complaining… too much
Adorable kids — all three of them! (Welts and all…?)
Oliver already looks SOOO much bigger and more grown up than when we saw you in Nurnberg… just two weeks ago!?!? It’s amazing how fast they change these days!
Carol
Amazing looking food…
And Oliver in those overalls… reminds me of another little boy who is growing up too quickly! It seems like just yesterday The Boy was wearing them!
LOL @ calling the play thing a Baby Disco. Where on earth did Rainer get that name for it from?
Oliver seems to say, “Mom, what WERE you thinking??”
Those first bumps & bruises are the hardest. Mostly on mom.
I know you don’t go in much for the homeopathic remedies, but for my wee head-banger (who always seems to hit the exact same spot on his noggin) I absolutely swear by Arnica. It works so well Wee Laddie even asks for it himself now!
your little one cracks me up. he has the best facial expressions i’ve ever seen on a young one.
Hi Christina,
Awh !! I’am sorry to hear about this, but glad to know that it was not too serious.Even though, having a wooden toy fall on his head must have been unpleasant
I have not raised kids, but yes, I have had menfolk watching football hours on.
Don’t count on them for doing much at this time besides watching the ball !
Your friends sound really nice and sincere and great… your cooking is highly valued !
See you soon.
I’m finally home to check in on my blogs. Your little boy is just so handsome! Glad his head is ok.
@carol: It is amazing how fast he’s growing!
@maria: The Boy is looking quite dashing these days!
@j: I’m not sure whether Rainer or I named it the “baby disco.” It plays music, has flashing lights, and Oliver likes to dance when he’s under there!
@o-tay: I might check it out. Thanks!
@rita: Must be something about this family that gives it’s members odd facial expressions
@barbara: It was nice of him to say, but not true
He knows my mom and she’s an awesome cook (maybe in another 25 years I’ll be as good!)
@andrea: Your Miss Chickadee is such a cutie!