Every since the babies were born I’ve had a little secret fear of going new places alone. When they were little I would time my outings right after they ate so they would be content and happy. I was always fearful they would both need held and comforted at the same time and there is only one me. Now that they are older and I can soothe them both at the same time I don’t have to time my outings so perfectly. I can bring snacks, sippies, and toys to keep them entertained and occupied. It is very rare that we are out someplace and we have a full blown meltdown (so very rare that I can’t even remember the last time). Most places we go are loud anyhow so if one does whine or fuss it isn’t a big deal. Not like 50 people staring right at you while your child has a meltdown and you are so embarrassed you want to run away.

Today I had to exchange our HD DVR to the cable company. I’ve never been to the cable company. I do most things online and if I’ve ever had a problem they’ve sent a tech out. Thank goodness I never have to go back there! When I called to get the address I found it wasn’t in the best part of town and was kind of hesitant to bring the babies to “the ghetto”, but I really wanted to watch ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘The Big Bang Theory’ so I sucked it up and went. I busted out the double stroller, the bag of goodies, and the giant DVR to exchange. I push the double stroller with one hand while holding the giant DVR with the other. I get to the doors and there is no handicap opener and since I’m down to one hand to push the stroller I can’t open it. There are two ladies smoking right next to me who just look at me as I stand in front of the doors. Luckily some guy leaving holds the door for me. Then I see the second set of doors and want to turn around and run away.

Through the door windows I see loads and loads of people. So many people that I can barely fit the stroller into the building. I swear, it was just like the DMV. Rows and rows full of chairs filled with stinky people with a line to get your number. My number, D594. They were currently on D577, so not that bad…until I realize they are also calling A, B, C, E, and F numbers mixed in with the D’s. I really want to turn around at this time….but the TV won.

I stay. I wheel us back to the furthest corner out of the way and start handing out snacks. Then an opening becomes available in the chair section so I snatch it up and push the stroller against the wall as far as it will go leaving barely enough walk room around us….but really, I don’t care at this point. They can all go around. We’ve already been there for 30 minutes or more and our number was getting closer. And then……Meltdown Mania 2008. Heaten started crying, yelling, and trying to hit Shenzie. I try snacks, he throws them. I try drink, he is having none of it. I try keys and chapstick which are normally instant crier stoppers. Not this time. He continues to cry, hit, and push Shenzie’s head so I get him out of the stroller and try to calm him. I glance over and notice a lady sitting across from me glaring at me. She makes eye contact with me I’m guessing to let me know her displeasure. Then he gets really loud and a couple of other people look over and quickly look away. Not mean lady though. She keeps glaring at me each time making eye contact and giving me that look. You know, that look that non mothers give when they see a crying baby….that look that says ’shut your kid up’. Finally our number is next so I put Heaten back in the stroller and give him his drink. He takes a few sips and then throws it in front of the stroller next to the mean ladies foot. Instead of bending down to pick it up she moves her foot out of the way and looks up at me with that look again. Seriously?!?!? I really want to tell her off, but she is a big girl and even though I’m scrappy I’m sure she could kick my ass.

I must say it was worth it to get me out of my comfort zone and make me realize that a crying baby and 50 people staring at you really isn’t the end of the world. If only I could have deflated mean ladies tires or something (maybe spit on her shoe), then it would have been totally worth it!

And really, you must have a heart of stone to glare meanly at these cute little faces, crying or not!!