[MamaS]

DH is right. Your neighbor invited your child, knew your child was coming, and put LIT VOTIVES ON LOW TABLES. Does he have normal intelligence? Even telling you the mirror is not anchored does not absolve him of responsibility. It was a known hazardous condition similar to a pool with no fence.
He had two choices -- not invite your family , or invite you and DH to an "adults only" party. If he says ANYTHING just graciously "forgive" him for the injury to your child caused by his poor housekeeping and terrible party planning.

[nikkianni]

How's E doing today?

Storm I know I've mentioned this before, but kids are just going to have this stuff happen. You could tether E to you night and day and he'd still find the next mirror or table or set of steps, etc.
My mother was/is the most anal person I know, Lord love her. And my brother got whacked in the eye during an unauthorized rock fight-MAJOR stitches-, the other brother got a fencepost up the chin-reconstruction and stitches- and I got shot (not as bad as it sounds)-stitches and bed rest.
Just Friday, DD managed to open a door- a first for her- and get to my aunt's curling iron that was warming up on the sink. Yup, burned pinkie.
But I did not blame my Aunt (or myself). She had doors closed, curling iron out of reach, etc. DD just managed to get around it. Just like we did as kids. DD is fine, my Aunt is now aware that she can open doors and all weekend every time DD saw anything resembling a curling iron, she yelled "hot!" and backed away. Lesson learned.
If E's OK, then this is just one of those stories you're going to have. You aren't going to blame yourself every time he gets hurt in soccer or football or whatever are you? (Say 'no' here).
You and DH were doing everything right, E just got around you. That's what kids do.

[jpeel99]

May be he was just asking to make sure that he was on top of things. Just go for it and see what happens. If it doesn't go well, just leave early.

I had a party one time and emailed a friend of mine "what do your kids like to do?". They were older kids and all the others were babies and toddlers. She took it as.....I didn't want them there and was planning on putting them in another room. This wasn't the case at all. She didn't come and I was surprised that she reacted that way. I was just trying to cover my bases and make sure that everyone was taken care of.

[Stormster]

Originally Posted by Wisdom

What a terrible accident. I'm so glad that your little E is okay! It's so interesting how you had funny feelings about going in the first place. I guess those were your gut feelings. The whole thing is an unfortunate accident. It's not the neighbor's fault, who invited you out of being neighborly, and it's not your fault. Accidents do happen. You were being watchful and had no idea the mirror was as light-weight as it was. And a neighbor with no children wouldn't think to anchor the mirror to the wall (unless he lives in earthquake territory). I know your nerves must still be on edge. I'm sorry that E, you and DH experienced that--but really thankful that E is okay.

I agree with this 10000000 percent. Thanks.

[joskids]

Heh, Storm, just read this and feel so badly for you. Throw the guilt away, honestly, if you feel guilty about every broken item in your years of childraising, you'll be a basket case. As for the neighbor, he'll have to realize the same thing, that the most important part of this story is that your son is OK and you've all learned a lesson about how quickly kids can move. I've got 8 children, trust me, there's a lot of learned in my lengthy days of parenting. Hang in there. Neighbors come and neighbors go. You're a good mama to have been concerned in the first place about attending this function. Next time, if you can get a sitter and you and your DH need the time away, then do so. If you'd rather stay home and spend the evening with your child, then so be it. It's not worth your having to feel all this discomfort.

[loveajax]

storm', i am so zorry...you must be so freaked out...so glad e is ok!!!

[finallyamom0310]

Storm, OMG, I am sure you are calmer by now but what a night. Did you take E this morning to the Dr? I am glad that he is alright and moving around. Did you get much sleep? if not, make sure to nap sometime today. LOL.

[feelingreyt]

How is E this morning, Storm? How are YOU this morning?

Accidents happen, thats why they are called accidents.
No one is at fault here.
The right thing to do is pay for the mirror(like you plan on doing) and get past this.
Hopefully the neighbor will ask about E and let you know that mirrors are replaceable. No hard feelings. His concern should be about E, not the mirror.

I still can't get over the irony of the whole situation.

[aclee]

I believe Storm is at the Dr's getting E checked over. I haven't heard anything else though

[Stormster]

Hi Everyone. Just back from doc and he's fine!!!!! He didn't look so good today, kind of banged up. He's really pale so any bruises look super noticable on him. He had zero glass injuries, his eyes, mouth, ears everything is clear and his mood is good.

And while we were at doctor Uncle Neighbor called and was soooooooooooooo nice!. Totally appropriate this time. Maybe even contrite....about the way he acted.

DH seems to think he has PTSD now he can't stop visualizing the accident over and over and over. But I'm pulling out of it

Thanks for all your support. And may i just add, no matter how hard i try, no matter how simple my life:

DRAMA FOLLOWS ME. I'm just doomed!

[Amber76]

Glad E checked out at the doctor! Also glad to hear that the neighbor checked in as well-sounds like he is a nice guy who just doesn't know much about kids. Hope DH recovers as well:-)

[lovemy2boys]

I'm so glad to see that E....and mama....are doing fine.

DH will catch up soon, I'm sure...

[Stormster]

Well Mr. Perfect (DH) learned he's not perfect. He isn't admitting but I see he's a little bit tortured.

And I don't mind someone else doing the self torture around here for once.

JUST KIDDING!!!!

[finallyamom0310]

Glad all is well with E. I had a feeling, when the dust settled, Uncle Neighbor would come around. I have found sometimes with those that don't have kids, the shock of the broken item out weighs the right words for concern.

[Saya]

I just saw this - OMG! Just wanted to say how glad I am that E is OK!!!!!