Another first

Jane experienced another first this weekend... her first trip to the Dean Dome! Thanks to the generosity of Sam and Debbie Winters; Andrew and I got to take Jane to the UNC/VA game this Saturday. Thanks again Sam and Debbie!!! It is always wonderful to get a few moments of "just Andrew" time; and couple that with Carolina bball and the weekend doesn't get much better. Jane did phenomenally. She made quite a few friends sitting around us with her contagious grin, and even caught a brief nap ad mist all that noise. We even ran into the parents of our good friend, Mike Kelly. The Kelly's have always been so kind through the years inviting all of us to pre-game football tailgates and allowing the "gang" to stay at their beach house during Labor Day reunions. It was nice to check up and introduce them to Jane. Oh, and we won the game as well! ha

Even with all this fun, I was definitely awarded worst mother of the year. frown Susanna was kind enough to watch C and G for us, but little J went to the game b/c of her nursing schedule. It was a bit cold, and the DD is always loud; but we decided to take her anyway. When we got to our seats, almost immediately a man came over to us and kept insisting he take a picture of our family with our camera phone. He talked to us for a minute or so, and asked if "your son is around 2 months, right?" Umm... no and no. Andrew told him she would be 5 months next week. He then commented, "Oh, well she is pretty small for her age." Well, not really buddy; but anyway. ha I mean this was all a little strange, but it wasn't like "you're weird, stay away" strange. I could tell he was just trying to be sweet and helpful. I did kind of want to tell him though, that it wasn't our first trip to the Dean Dome. That might have sounded a bit arrogant so I refrained. ha

At halftime, I stood up to bounce Jane to sleep. The DD seats seem to get a bit smaller every time I go! wink As I was standing on the steps, he approached me again. This time he tells me he is a pediatrician and that the noise level in the arena was getting pretty loud. Thinking he is just making small talk, I agree and comment that I'm holding a blanket over Jane's ear b/c of that. (I really was... that and to keep her asleep! ha) He goes on to say, "My ears have even been hurting some today, so you know it is doubly loud for your little girl. You might want to be careful with her developing ears." I was in such shock, I just said, "Thanks for the tip" and turned around.

Ok.... I wanted to crawl under my seat. First of all, thank you for embarrassing me. Secondly, who are you again... someone whom I don't know that claims to be a pediatrician but thinks my 5 month old girl is a 2 month old boy. Hmmm.... Now, I don't doubt he probably is a pediatrician; but who cares. I know that I give my opinion more than I should and at times when I shouldn't. That is something I have really been trying to stop for a while now. That said, I hope I would never have approached a complete stranger and reprimanded them in public over my own opinion. Yes, its loud. But hopefully one game will be fine.

I am all about accepting educated advice, and adhering to it when I feel appropriate. If she was screaming and her ear was literally draining fluid; ok, tell me to be careful and get to a doctor. Totally agree in that situation. Don't reprimand me though when I am taking precautions (covering her ears), just b/c you feel the need to redeem your age/sex blunder even in light of your education. I bet I could make you even more uneasy, Mr. Pediatrician. My children see a general practitioner/family doctor! GASP! We have used both pediatricians and general practitioners; and I felt more secure and confident in one of the GPs than anyone they have ever seen. So take that Mr. Know it all. ha

So... I know I am being a bit sensitive about this; and of course I sat through the second half of the game freaking out about her ears. ha Andrew and I laughed with each other wondering if that is what happened to Ceilidh. She is SO LOUD and attended quite a few football games during her "developing ears" phase! wink Anyway... we had a terrific time, "worst mother of the year" award and all. Next game, Jane can watch with the t.v. on mute! wink