There's always that couple/family at the restaurant that you try to Jedi mind trick into leaving ASAP. You know, the couple that won't stop playing kissy face or talking on their cell phones too loudly, or the family with the screaming baby and wild kids.
Tonight, that was us. We were the family that everyone kept staring at, muttering about. Tonight we decided to go out to eat at O'Charley's. We don't actually go out to eat too often, more like bringing the food inside the house, so Lorelei and Aly are a bit out of practice. Thanks to Aly, Lorelei has begun a raptor screeching scream that can mean anything from 'I'm enjoying myself' to 'Give me more!' The screech is so piercing that I know the neighbors have to believe I'm abusing them, and I keep waiting for social services to show up/my eardrums to burst. But I digress.
While we were waiting oh-so-patiently for our food to arrive, there was that miraculous, simultaneous lull of conversation that makes any public area sound like the strictest library. Lorelei chose at that time to let loose her screech. It might not be the loudest and shrillest that she's ever produced, but at that moment it felt like it. Heads turned. We tried to distract her with croutons, but she wasn't too enthralled. Every few minutes she'd screech again, so eventually I gave up and went to pick her up. People watched me, so of course I stumbled with the unbuckling and pulling her free. Matt tried to help, and ended up spilling his drink across the table. More stares. The servers around us ignored us at that moment, so Matt was left to sop up the beverage with the two silverware napkins before they disintegrated while I stood, bouncing Lorelei, wearing Dr. Pepper soiled pants. Meanwhile, Aly couldn't sit still, snatching croutons and lettuce from my salad, and announcing to the world every thought that entered her mind.
I think the cooks let us know their opinion of the debacle, for when our food arrived the rolls resembled hockey pucks and my rice was completely burned. Fun. Times.
I promise you, most of those stares were sympathetic. Anyone with children has been through this. The twenty-somethings that look at situations like that as if you have done something wrong, will get theirs someday (that just shows they have not had kids yet!). Elderly people sometimes act annoyed, senility has just made them forget how their kids acted. By tomorrow they will forget yours too! I'm not saying its easy by any means; but in the long run it is good for all of you - gives Matt a chance to practice his table manners.
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Momma Carole/Grandma
Maybe they were bored with their own conversation and couldn't stop looking at those two adorable girls! I am sure everyone brushed it off their shoulders and thought nothing of it. Lorelei can't help she has stuff to say but can't find the words to say it yet :) Maybe some of the stares were from other parents wishing they could help yall out. I agree with Momma Carole completely! I know I'll feel this way someday, I'm sure!
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