Puking, preschool, and other tales

So guess what?  Abby started preschool like two weeks ago and I'm just now posting a picture of her.  

Bad Mommy!

But isn't she just so cute?  I've never put my kids into preschool this young before, but let me tell ya...she needs this like she needs food.  And I need it like I need air!  Those three hours have got to be the fastest three hours of my life.  We both absolutely love it.

Life continues to be so full of adventures for us.  Yes, I'm attempting to be optimistic by calling them "adventures".  I won't make a list of them, but I will tell you one little story.  It will make you laugh, I promise.

A few days ago I woke up feeling kind of sick.  Like the throw-up kind of sick.  As the morning went on I felt worse and worse until I came to the point that all I could do was lay on my bed and feel very sorry for myself.  Abby, of course, did not understand why I couldn't play tea party or construct a Barbie universe with her, so I attempted to distract her.  I had her lay on my bed with me and play my iPod.  I downloaded probably 5 or 6 different free kids games for her during those few hours and let her play to her heart's content.  She is just old enough that she can navigate through them fairly well and it gave me a few moments of peace.  Well...you know how when you put your password in to download something, it remains active for 15 minutes and after that you have to re-enter it to download something new?  Well, 15 minutes is a long time when in the hands of a 3 year old.  Later that night I received an email from iTunes with a receipt for my recent purchases.  "Funny...", I thought.  "I don't recall making any actual purchases."  I scrolled a little farther down the screen and sat there stunned as I read the dollar amount of these purchases...... 

$128.20

Apparently, while I was groaning with my head in the toilet, little Miss Abby was busy purchasing in-app content with my credit card.  Yes, you could say that I learned a few lessons:  

First, always make sure that in-app purchases are restricted.  Even when you think you are oh-so-smart and are convinced that you have already done this.  Check again.  Especially when handing over control to a toddler.  

Second, never hand over control to a toddler.

I immediately e-mailed iTunes, the people who made the app, the National Guard, and the president of the United States.  I gave them my sob story and they reluctantly agreed to refund my money "just this once".  I was grateful that they even did that much for me, considering that this was completely my own stinkin' fault.  However, I am glad they could see the logic behind my case--why on earth would I download a free kids app and then proceed to spend over $100 on content?  Ya, it doesn't make sense.  I felt rather stupid about it, actually.  I hate those "duh" moments as a parent.  But the good news is that they teach us the greatest lessons.  Well...

lesson learned.  :)