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Just got this email from BabyCenter:
Your Child’s Growing Brain
Fascinating things are happening in your child’s brain right now!

I clicked the link, but it didn’t tell me why Lilia decided to leave my side in a parking lot yesterday and take off behind 7 parked (thank goodness they weren’t backing up) cars, ignoring my pleas to stop, and dart into the road.

I am usually pretty cool in emergency situations, but I had the folded stroller in my hand and a couple bags, so as I ran, I ended up tripping and falling on the pavement while a woman, who is my mystery, unnamed hero, ran from the other side of the parking lot and scooped Lilia up before any harm came to her.

I thought Lilia knew to stay out of the street, to stay by our side, and to always hold my hand when crossing the street, because that is what she has always done. In fact, I thought maybe there was something wrong with her for not displaying what I thought was the typical “toddler dart”. Maybe she was lazy, or maybe I scared her into submission? It turns out she just hadn’t thought of it yet.

Luckily we were near Target. I hobbled* in and bought a leash. Until I’m sure the message has gotten through to her growing brain, the girl is in lock-down.

*My boo-boos on my left hand, right elbow and right knee will serve as reminders to keep her in lock down for at least the next month. At least my expensive no-line bifocals didn’t break when they flew off my face.