2 faces of mom

(a self portrait)
Can someone be a good mom and a bad mom at the same time? I know it can happen in one day...believe me...I've done it. But at the same time?

Dillon has decided this year to take part in the science fair. Quite fun, and a 1st for me too. He wanted to do a research project on wild cats. More specifically jaguars,leopards, lynxes, mountain lions, and bobcats. We are comparing their habitats, their speed, their size and finding out other goodies on the way.

The first thing we did was go to the library. We found the wild cat section and pulled out about 20 books. We were able to narrow that down to 7 or 8 that we thought could help the most.

Our next step was to plan out the display board. Why was this next? So that we could nail down what we wanted to display and therefore know what we had to research. Okay, so we got that done.

Next we went online. We found lots of information on wild cats. And Dillon took great notes about it all.

Our next step was to visit the Denver Zoo. Which, by the way, on the first day of Spring break is not a really good idea. But travel there we did. They only had a jaguar and 2 leopards, but we took notes and watched with glee. Aren't their coats just the most beautiful thing?

We also took in the polar bears, seals, wolves, camels, elephants, giraffes, zebras, tapirs, rhinos, etc... It was Avery's first trip to the zoo after all. And since we were there for Dillon, I didn't want Bailey to feel left out so she got to pick one exhibit that she really wanted to see. (She picked the seals)

Okay so here is the part about me being a terrible mom. So far I haven't done too badly right? Well, while we were traveling all around looking at the animals I knew that it was a sunny day. That is why we went today. Monday and Tuesday are going to be the nicest days of the week. Before we left the house, I lathered up Bailey with sunscreen. Dillon never really needs any because he tans so well. And I don't think you can sunscreen a child under 12 months- just stick with hats and shade for them.

Well...Avery got burned. Not badly I think. Her arms and legs were covered, but the only hat I had with me was a cap. It would have been too hot for her little head. So I tried to keep her covered, but I failed her miserably. She is hot. A little feverish, I think. And has a reddish face and head. I gave her a dose of Tylenol and she is sleeping well now. I hope she is okay by tomorrow.

I am putting a hat in the car tonight. Just so I have one handy.

Oh the guilt. Maybe I will be over it by the time I have to help Dillon finish working on his report. Maybe.