CAUTION!!!!!!!

EVERYONE NEEDS TO TAKE HEED: There are people out there who will willingly cause you pain....by stealing your children. I'm so very serious.

This morning, as Anastasia and I were watching the July 4th parade in Wauwatosa, a woman approached our group. She said she was interested in seeing how our tent was put up, as her friend had one like it, and they couldn't figure out how to get it put up. Seemed reasonable. Then she and I started talking, and she mentioned that she was a certified nurse, who also had child care in her home, and if I ever needed a break, to give her a call. I told her that I didn't have a pen or paper, but I would be glad to get one. She mentioned that she lived in the apartments across the street, so she was close if needed. I smiled and watched her as she introduced herself to Anastasia. Ana started walking away from her towards another of our friends.

Now, Here's the Creepy Part: I looked at Leah for a moment (Read 35 Seconds), and her friend looked at me and asked where that woman was taking the baby to? I looked to where they were looking, and this woman who had seemed so damn friendly was winding her way through the parade crouded sidewalk with Anastasia in hand. We yelled at Leah's husband to quickly grab her, and when he confronted this woman, she said that she was "Only taking the little one for a walk". Seamus stated that it was time for Ana to join us again, and the lady and her friend dissiapeared.

Now, the day could have ended up very badly for me, as my little blond haired blue eyed girl could have ended up on a Missing poster this morning. As it is, I freaked out, and now have a DNA kit ordered for both of my girls, and purchased an Eddie Bauer Harness Buddy for 12.00 at Target. This is not a laughing matter. Children dissiaper all the time, and today I realized exactly how serious this is.

EVERYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN SHOULD SPRING FOR A CHILD SAFETY KIT FOR THEIR CHILDREN. I got mine from mypreciouskid.com. It cost all of 15.99 plus tax and shipping. I also ordered an extra DNA kit for Alexandra.

One other bit of advice I would give to all parents: Take tons of photos of your kids. Just because. Kids change daily, and if anything does happen to them, you will want to know that you have the most updated photos availble.....not something that was taken 9 months ago and might or might not still look like your child.

If you don't want to end up like I almost did today, please, please take this seriously.