I don’t know WHAT I was thinking taking THREE kids to the mall by myself last week.
Perhaps I thought that the kids could use a little change in their nightly routine. Ice- cream sounded delicious. Also as much as I am a homebody, sometimes I just need to get out of the house for a breather. We have a ton of space here, but you would be amazed at how small it can get with three crazy monsters… when they are bored and cranky, it feels like the walls are closing in on us!
You might be thinking that I was desperate if I wanted to take on the mall. But the kids are actually very obedient in stores. We can look, touch unbreakables, and wander for a long time before they are ready to leave. Talk about cheap entertainment! I think we have saved a lot of money over the years just because we tend to frequent toy stores often. Their cravings for new toys are satisfied within minutes of handling the beloved doll, or car. I allow them to touch most things as long as they are careful, and return the item when I ask them too. We have experienced very few meltdowns in stores, so taking them shopping is enjoyable.
So why was it crazy the other night?
Because the population of the mall wouldn’t behave. Really.
As soon as we entered the doors, the first friendly couple stopped me to admire my three adorable children. I admit they are cute, I understand the facination. Sometimes I CAN’T stop staring at them. Truly they are delicious little creatures.
Then the second person stopped me.
Then the third couple and their baby.
Then the fourth.
And the fith.
And the sixth…
By this time I was tired of the attention and the comments. I just wanted a fun date with my babies and the kids just wanted their ice-cream.
“Oh look at them. They are SO cute. Look at her eyes. Wow!”
“She has colic. You should hold her like this.”
“Are they twins? ( referring to Bella and Caleb) “
“Do you think she is cold?”
“Wow three kids!”
“Beautiful.”
“How old are they?”
Not only do they stop us, but they feel the freedom to pat Caleb’s head, or smooth down Bella’s beautiful blonde locks. I normally don’t mind, but as of late Bella and Caleb have grown to despise the attention. They have taken to hiding behind my leg, to scowlling at the sweet intruder and normally refuse to say hi, or answer their questions. In this culture they look like they are being rude. But I feel for them. One little person can only take so much…
I once read a blog post of a mom with twins. Her babies attracted so much attention that she posted a cute sign on the stroller asking people to give the babies some space…
I wonder if I should do that here?
“Please feel free to admire but if you get too close they may bite. Mother isn’t responisble for their actions.”
Finally we had our ice-cream, and took off to another store. We kept on being stopped, or stared at. I could tell the kids were tired, and weren’t having very much fun. Who doesn’t have fun in a toy store? I was a bit annoyed that their night wasn’t turning out to be so great. I promised them they could each choose a snack to eat on the way home and we headed out.
But before we could escape the doors another sweet lady and her mother stopped us.
Lady and her mom: “Oh look at them they are so cute,”
Me: Thanks ( Trying to bounce Lilani on my shoulder and keep an eye on Caleb and Bella)
L&M: How old are they?
Me: Three, four and 1 month.
L&M: You aren’t from here are you?
Me: No. My husband is Brazilian. ( Still trying to juggle three kids and wondering if I had pit stains.)
L&M: Do you like it here? Are they in school? They should be. They will learn portuguese really fast.
Me: Yes. No. I think so. ( Lilani is crying at this point and Bella is trying to tell me something. It occurs to me that Caleb is no longer holding my leg so tightly that my pants are starting to fall down.)
L&M: Wow. Three kids….wow…you are so….
Me: Uh huh. excuse me, my son is taking off. Good bye…
Seriously. Couldn’t they tell that my hands were full? Who does that? Stops a busy mom as her kids are going wild? Do they see an invisable pricetag on them? My kids aren’t merchandise… regardless if I want to sell them sometimes.
I left the mall tired, exhausted, sweaty, huffing and puffing, and wishing I didn’t look so approachable.
Unless I get that sign made, I don’t think I will be going back without reinforcements any time soon.
They were just being nice, Cari.
I know that. The kids don’t. They are experiencing on their own level a bit of culture shock. I was simply trying to add humor to a rather tiring night. I am sorry if I came across as rude. It was not my intention.
Ashlyn went through the same thing! It drove me crazy because I could not walk down the street without my child bursting into tears and some lady picked her up and carried her off so show her friends. I feel for you, it’s hard watching your kids struggle with the culture.
wow that would be really hard! You are amazing!!
wow…that’s crazy!! you are awesome cari!
I dont know how you even attempted it.:O) I went to the mall with the two for the first time last week and I felt like I had conquered the world but wanted to pass out by the time I got home. :O) And I didnt even got stopped. Hey I have to tell you, E is the same way with toys in the toy store. I love it!