Remember the post I did when I first had RoyBoy about how annoying people can be over babies? Well, it's still happening. I get that babies are cute--especially mine:) When I had Caroline, I loved when people oohed and awwed over her and complimented me on the way she looked or how pretty her eyes were or what a cute outfit she had on. But after your first, you realize that a baby is just...a baby! They are all the same. No offense, but I don't have a major need to hold someones baby unless it's a family member or a very close friend. These are some observations of mine from the past 2 months with a newborn:
1. Again, some ladies are CRAZY about babies. When Charlotte was about a month old, Roy and I were out to dinner and we brought her along. We literally sat down and the lady sitting at a table next to us got up and came over and just bent over her car seat. She stayed in this position for about 2 minutes---I'm serious. The waiter even came to take our drink order and there she was. When she was done, she complimented us and then went back to her table. Weird.
2. People do this all the time! I'll be in the grocery store or the mall and people will come do the same bent over position to look into her car seat or stroller. It's a little awkward. The other day I was in Dillards and Charlotte was being a little bit fussy. If the stroller was moving, she was fine. So I finally got her to quiet down and I passed a sale associate who made the "aww, a baby!" squeal and then she started following me! I would stop and then go, not sure if she was wanting to look or just trying to go somewhere. This would make her stop and then go. We did this little dance for about 5 feet until I finally just stopped and then she did the bend over. She had her hands all up near her face, while smiling, acting like she wanted me to hand her over so she could hold her. Charlotte started to cry, so we smiled and were on our way. Thank you for crying, Charlotte.
3. Speaking of being fussy, we run our errands in the morning, so poor Charlotte naps when she can. She is a belly sleeper, so you can imagine how fussy she can be when she has to sleep facing up. So, while I'll be out running these errands and she gets fussy, so many moms will look at me with a "poor thing" look and click their tongue with pity for me. I've even had a few moms come up to my cart or stroller and start rocking it back and forth to "help" me. Thanks.
4. I guess some moms assume that I'm a first time mom. I was at the dry cleaners recently with Charlotte in my Baby Bjourn and again, she was slightly fussy. I started rocking back and forth and the lady in front of me told me that I would come to find myself doing that even when I didn't have a baby with me. Then she started telling me all sorts of advice and tips on being a mom. I smiled and agreed with her and then told her that Charlotte was my third. I guess it's a compliment....maybe I look so young they all assume I'm a first timer?!
5. I have to say that most of these incidents happen with ladies in the 40+ age range. Maybe they forget how people were with their babies? I don't think I would ever go up to a stranger's baby and touch his/her hands or forehead. I don't think I'd even stop for a bend over. Maybe just a smile and a compliment:)
Friday, December 17, 2010
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7 comments:
Well, I think maybe it's just your kids people are obsessed with because they are just so cute! I remember wanting people to ooh and ahh over Michael when he was a newborn and I never had that problem. haha! I remember asking Leland if Michael was cute because nobody ever said anything about him. Man, this is sad now that I think about it. So just take it as a compliment. They probably secretly know it's "Billy Graham's" great Grandchildren so they are even more obsessed! haha!
I'm glad you had #5 on here, because that is what is it all about--they are mostly older ladies who have lived life--their babies are grown up and when they look at you and your sweet little ones it brings them back to some sweet memories of themself when they were your age.
Sadly, there are things that I feel "old" about too--things I would have never thought I would find myself doing or saying--like looking at a sweet newborn or complimenting a mom. I do try to keep all advice to myself and try to never touch a baby, especially near the face or hands.
I think in general, age liberates people and they don't care what you think--we will all be there one day.
BUT with that being said, you will always have those baby freaks out there who just won't let up! (Cue Jack Black with the CooCoo-CooCoo.)
Well I am not in my 40's but there is something about 3 and 4 year olds that I tend to talk to them or smile at them when I am out. Maybe it's because my children are older and I TRULY miss that age or maybe it's because "they" know I'm a preschool teacher, but we gel! I know their moms must think I am crazy too, some moms would gladly hand them over at times, and I would GLADLY take them! As far as touching a baby that is a NO NO, even my children know that! I wouldn't even want a stranger breathing on my baby, hello, cold and flu season. Dolly, that sweet little Michael is precious!
Dolly, Michael is a DOLL and I couldn't wait to hold him!! I can't wait to hold that second, one, too. and I know he/she will be gorge:) Denise, so true. You nailed it. I guess I just don't like strangers rocking my stroller or touching my cart:) And Sommer, I totally agree with you about he 3-4 year olds. I love to interact with them, too---even the ones I don't know. I esp. like to look at them like theyr' e in trouble when they are acting up in stores. When their moms aren't loking, I raise my eyebrows at them and purse my lips together to scare them:)
Oh, Donna! I know what you mean! Remind me to tell you my grocery store story when a mom actually offered the help of her 10 year old to walk us out to the car...Henry did not want this little girl to help and hold his hand and it all went dooooowwwwwnnnnnn hill from there, with me running over Henry with the grocery cart, Georgie flipping over upside down in her carseat and the little girl running off crying. Pretty sure she won't be having children!
Well I reckon Dolly they just never got a good look at Michael......He is soooooo cute! He has always been so cute. I love his face! Actually he makes me smile. If I remember he looked like a little man. As far as "older ladies" loving babies......well I think you realize how fast your time with your own went and you miss that time. I love babies and I have to admit and might be like the lady in the grocery store if I have not seen my own grandchildren for a while or if I didn't have any......Call me the "Creepy Granny!" Dolly you made me laugh early this morning with your comments! I use to have people grab Will when he was a baby and want to have their picture taken with him! We people are a funny lot!
Good post, Donna....and so true. I'm glad you can laugh about those kinds of things, but also, wonder why they happen. I wouldn't dare lean over to someone else's baby and touch them. As far as I'm concerned, that's personal space....just like with anyone. And Dolly, little Michael is a beautiful child, and always has been.
Denise, you are SO right about age liberating a person. I do things now that I'd never have done when I was younger....even some things I have no power over....if you know what I mean!!! Oh, the trials of OLD AGE!!!
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