On the Run

Suddenly Dahlia is on the move and is paying attention to things and people.

She wants to watch others, especially kids. Everything is new and fascinating, even the grocery store. And so off we go!

I am the "rebellious" suburban mom who didn't put D into swimming lessons, reading hour, baby boot camp and potty training at age 10 months, like some of my contemporaries. I didn't know I was an anti-establishment bad ass until I noticed the raised eyebrows.

D suddenly wants to tumble, roll and run! I feel like I need a padded room for her to do just that. Neighborhood mothers take note; last weekend we went to the local Gymboree to check it out. I felt silly walking in, asking about entertainment for a 1-year-old, but sure enough, we had already missed a "stage."

Gymboree has movement, art and music classes. The least expensive class costs $220 and lasts 8 weeks. Do the math to learn it costs $30 a pop for our tumblin' tot to have a little playtime. Yes, it's expensive-ish, but she would get to socialize in a safe place and no, we didn't sign her up (yet).

Today I took Dahlia to Whole Foods. When I grocery shop, I go to QFC, but I wanted to have an "experience." I forgot to bring the stroller, so I put her in the cart and snapped on her little seat belt. She is on full alert in the store, so I have to keep one hand on her so she doesn't twist 360 degrees.

She drew attention. A little boy, age seven or so, tried diligently to engage her in conversation. She just watched him like he was an animal in the zoo. "What is this strange specimen and why is he touching my feet?"

After Whole Paycheck, we went to the public library to check out (ha ha) the children's section, get a vibe for the place and find out when the children's reading hour is. Just like Gymboree, it's right around D's first nap. A kid's nap schedule is nothing to be reckoned with, so we will have to wait until the stars align.

If I get really desperate, I may have no choice but to take her to crossroads mall to socialize. It's filthy dirty.