When well intentioned crosses into offensive.

Tonight Steve and I had to make a Target run after eating dinner with some friends. Due to the wind Steve dropped Grace and me off at the door. I went in and got Graces carseat situated on top a shopping cart. Mind you this is something I NEVER do while shopping with her alone. I am too afraid of her falling off when my head is turned, but since Steve was with us I knew one of us would be with her at all times. As I was looking up something on my phone (my hand still holding on to the carseat) a lady about mid thirties walks up and asked if she can be nosy. I give her what I sure was a WTH look and she took that as a yes. She begins by asking what kind of carseat that island then tell me my Chicco isnt very safe. I know it's not top brand but I love it! She then proceeds with her lecture about how resting the carseat on the seat portion of the cart is completely unsafe and that I should have it in the basket. At this point she tells me the tragic story of her friend who lost a child just last week from her sons carseat falling off the cart while she was getting something off the shelf. I don't say anything at this point because I feel like she's is just trying to be helpful. I tell her how truly sorry I am for her friends lost and thank you for the advice. This is where she crosses the line. Apparently she mistook my politeness for a cry for help. She reachs out and picks up Grace 's baby blanket and tells me that I have her strapped in wrong. I am sorry lady but you just went from well intentioned to offensive! I snatch the baby blanket back from her place it into the cart because god only knows where her hands have been. She then reaches for Grace's cheek saying "you'd just feel so guilty if anything happened to this sweet thing." ok now she has crossed a whole different line. Not only did you insult my parenting but now you are touching my child!!!! Thank God Steve walked up and I just stared walking. If I had stayed for even another second I probably would have caused a scene. I can't tell Gyou the number of times I have seen parents do things that I do not agree with but I would definitely not tell the

That. It's their child they can raise them the way they see fit! Grace is safe, happy, and healthy to me that's all that matters.

The Mommy Time Out

The first couple of months of Grace's life I had this feeling that I had to be with her 24/7. I felt as if NO ONE could possibly take care of her right and that if I wanted things done right with her doing it myself was the only way. I have since then learned that all I am accomplishing is running myself into the ground and making my time with Grace much more stressful. I have also learned that believe it or not her daddy is not only perfectly capable of taking care of her, but he's pretty damn good at it. SO I have learned the art of the MOMMY TIME OUT. Even if it is just me sitting quietly in our room with the door shut and a good book in hand. The art of the mommy time out being helpful is NOT to do anything house related either. It is totally me time!! The first couple of mommy time outs I spent it folding clothes, doing dishes, or cleaning house. I quickly learned though that when I was done I didn't feel like I had gotten a break at all. So finally I got the hint it's not really me time if I don't take it to take care of me. In the short couple of weeks I have been doing mommy time outs I have found that I not only have more energy though out the day, but I enjoy my time with Grace that much more. Something I didn't think was possible.