Oops

Although it doesn't look like it here, Heather's daughter Olivia had a lovely time in the pool this weekend.

Until I held her.

Let me start by saying I'm not tall. For most people, four feet of water is a wading pool. For me, it's tread worthy. Sure, my shoulders are above water, but holding a child in that depth isn't necessarily smart. And I didn't just decide to hold the baby. I wanted to play motorboat and twirl her around in a circle.

The first couple of rotations were successful. She was wide-eyed and smiling. But during our last turn, I (apparently) held her too close to the water and she swallowed a minuscule, albeit significant, amount.

Water is a new concept to Olivia who has, in her young age, only been exposed to breast milk. Pool water shoved in the face does not mimic breast milk, and she responded with severe coughing that seemed to halt all movement and sound at the pool. . .or so it felt for a moment. Luckily, Heather was nearby and with her magic mommy embrace she made it all better. Still, I had nearly ruined the baby.

During the teasing that ensued, I tried to hide away in the deep end of the pool. When that didn't work, I suggested that Olivia was thirsty and dove for the water with all her strength. Although those who bore witness were laughing, their gazes made me feel a bit like Carrie in Sex and the City when Charlotte questions her ability to take care of Brady, Miranda's child.

Luckily, Angela was tuned into my horror and dismay and she knew just what to say to make me feel better.

"That could have happened to anyone," she whispered. "Besides, Olivia didn't need to be such a baby about it."

Exactly.