Barney saw the inside of a church for the first time today. I bought him a onesie with built in braces and bow tie and a flat cap for the occasion. Hubby had to work so I would need to wing this just the two of us. I had this, right?
Is it ridiculous that I still fear my baby crying in public? The cry that isn’t a whimper but one that’s enough to be heard in next parish. It does happen. I know. When will I overcome that fear? With 17 children attending, I knew the odds were in my favour that his cry wouldn’t be the only one echoing around God’s home. And as you do, I’d bought a sweet outfit which I hoped might distract others from the potentially deafening screams.
He had had 18oz of many milk since 2am, so I woke him earlier than usual to offer some more before the service. It’ll tide him over until the restaurant, yes? Wrong. Tempting him with a few ounces before strapping him into his car seat meant he screamed the whole way there. Real tears. I knew I was in trouble.
On second thoughts, I wouldn’t be overly impressed if hubby placed hot food in front of me before taking it away and producing the cold remains two hours later. I hadn’t thought this through.
Boy was I pleased that I left early to deal with unforeseen circumstances such as this. I knew I could save this situation. I had twenty minutes to feed him in the church car park and had come equipped with 5 muslins, 8 nappies and two 6oz bottles. I was well prepared.
To my horror others were already there hovering in the car park. No! Visitors raced over to meet the new arrival and were greeted with a screaming baby. Anyone would think he had been starved for three days. And have you ever tried winding a newborn on the driver seat with a steering wheel in the way?
After that he was as good as gold. He was probably the only baby that didn’t make a noise during the service. He cuddled into my shoulder and fell asleep on his full tummy. Result! Up yours, hunger. People commented on how quiet he was. Who was I to tell them about our episode on the way here, or the hour long screaming fit he had the night previous. Proud mummy.
Fortunately my fears of public crying were also taken care of at the restaurant as the other 16 children reaped havoc over the temporary play area that had been installed to keep them occupied. I was so happy to see that play area when I arrived. If public crying was due, chances are he wouldn’t be heard over the excitable children anyway.
It was a lovely afternoon. I wrapped a slab of cake for hubby in a multi-purpose nappy bag and left. I was exhausted. How is that even possible? My child does not even walk yet. Perhaps fearing for broken bones as children launched themselves two foot in the air off soft toys or watching a group of 3 lift an expensive painting from the wall had done it. I was ready to get home to look forward to the next cycle of feed, burning and poop.
All in all a successful outing.
Nice work, son.
Barnaby 05-03-17
One Mum on a Rock 
Leave a comment