Posted on 10/02/2005 7:48:26 AM PDT by nuconvert
I still get indigestion just thinking about trying to eat out the first few years of my daughter's life. As soon as we entered any public place, the blood-curdling screams would begin and someone would immediately have to leave and walk around with her. It required military precision to get the timing just right- after nap and feeding, changed and alert but not hyper.I kept thinking if we just took her out enough, she would 'learn' to behave. what a fool I was. My next two were 'port-a-babies' and I couldn't believe the difference it made in my life to be able to go out in public and enjoy a meal that I didn't have to cook without becoming ill with worry and embarassment. I had to slink out of so many stores and restaraunts that I still haven't gone back to because of the bad experience/memory.
The other day we joined my parents and their friends at their country club for dinner. I was a little nervous, but couldn't have been prouder. they won rave reviews for their cuteness and wonderful behavior (they are now 10, 9 and 5). I guess I paid my dues.
Ooooh yeah! Belgians tolerate dogs in restaurants better than they do small screaming children.
When the baby throws a fit, I just throw back my head and laugh. To h$%$ with the other diners.
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