Nursemaid's Elbow

Yesterday was one of those days where I felt like the WORST mom ever. We went to the car wash to get the million crumbs cleaned out and the million bugs cleaned off the minivan. There were some flower pots that were irresistable to Lucy and she could not stop playing with the dirt despite many warnings. Finally, I grabbed her hand and lifted her up and away from the pots. When I did this I heard a little pop and Lucy immediatetly started crying and saying, "A hurt." I felt HORRIBLE that I just injured my child. I called the doctor and fortunately they had an appointment right away. As soon as the nurse asked what happened I started bawling as I explained the horrible thing I'd done. She was so nice and told me not to feel bad as it happens to lots of kids. The doctor came in and said the same thing. The injury even has it's own name: Nursemaid's Elbow. Apparently, kids under age five have very weak joints so when the ignorant nursemaid or mommy picks the kid up by their hand it easily slips out of joint. It took the doctor 30 seconds to get it back in and a few minutes later he got Lucy to take stickers from him using her injured elbow. By the time he gave her a sucker she stopped crying and we were on our way. Even though it's a very common I still felt like the worst mom ever. Sorry Lu Lu!!