afternoon out

For my birthday, my husband had suggested that we go to a local outdoor mall for dinner since we haven't really gone out since Parker's been born. That's almost 8 weeks people! So, despite my reservations we did. I'm always nervous that he'll cry or have a poop explosion or want to be fed. I know I shouldn't worry about these things but people can be so rude and unforgiving. I just don't want to get the stink eye from strangers when my infant is upset. Breastfeeding in public shouldn't be a big deal either but I never see women doing it! So I guess I'm nervous to be the first.

When we got to dinner Parker immediately pooped and wanted to be fed. I fixed him all up in the car so he'd be nice and fresh for the world. I was really proud of him in the restaurant! He was so alert and happy sitting in the car seat and only began to squirm and fuss when he was tired. Even then he fell asleep pretty quickly with me just holding and bouncing him a bit in my chair. We survived dinner in public, yay!!!

The real fun came afterward when we decided to walk around. For my birthday/Mother's Day gift, hubby surprised me a new Mac desktop, woo-hoo! We were in the Apple store picking it out when my little guy started to stink up the place. I excused myself and headed out to find the family restrooms. Just my luck... they were out of service and the lady at the concierge desk was no help at all when I asked if she knew where I could change him. I mean really?! I can't be the only person with a baby who goes to the mall! I scanned a kids clothing store to find that they had no changing rooms. Again, really?! Then, I decided to work with what I had. Hmm... J. Crew, White House Black Market, Francesca's, Teavanna... I doubt any of them would let me change and now nurse my baby in their dressing rooms. Luckily, Victoria's Secret was around the corner so I headed over there. The girls were so nice and opened up a big dressing room for me to take care of Parker in. By then, he had exploded out of his diaper (he just grew out of size 1 diapers and of course that's all I had in the diaper bag). So I cleaned my messy baby and fed him which in the end doesn't seem like a big deal, but I was so embarrassed to ask anyone for help.

I wonder if other people have gone through this? Why is it such a difficult task to take care of an infant in public?! Moms should not have to feel so bad about meeting the basic needs of their children. From now on people are just going to have to deal with my nursing in public and changing diapers in dressing rooms.