First Injury

I did it ... I caused my child bodily harm.  That might seem a little dramatic, but no less dramatic than the reaction CC had last night when I (accidentally!) nipped the top of her index finger while attempting to trim her nails. 

No, it's not my imagination ...
see the dark spot on the tip of her first finger?

Not that this is any excuse, but baby fingernails are tiny, people.  Really tiny.  There was a split second of awful anticipation when I realized I'd cut her finger, but before she reacted.  My eyes flew to MJ's and I said, "Oh my God, I cut her," in a horrified whisper. 

Then all hell broke loose. 

I think the neighbors could probably have heard her.  Her reaction to getting shots earlier this week seemed tame by comparison.  And I felt just awful, despite the fact that it wasn't even bleeding.  The hysterics went on for about 20 minutes, during which I realized she was probably overtired, which wasn't helping matters.  I got her ready for bed, and by the time I was ready to put her in the crib, she had forgiven me and was smiling again. 

By then, one tiny drop of blood had formed at the cut.  I reassured myself and MJ that it was nothing, really.  Just the tiniest of nicks.  Which is why I was so surprised this morning, when I got her out of bed and found a quarter-sized bloodstain on her swaddle sack.  It made my heart hurt, even though CC was acting completely normal and seemed entirely unfazed.

I'm sure this won't be the only time I accidentally hurt her.  But it was the first time, and there was a fierce debate between my heart and my head.  I know it was really nothing in the grand scheme of things, but I still cringe when I think about it.

P.S.  The above picture was taken this morning.  No, I did not whip out a camera and take a picture of my screaming-in-pain infant daughter.  Just in case anyone was wondering.