Compliment

      I enjoy taking my children everywhere with me. Most of the time. This is not to say that it is always a lovely experience nor is it always easy. They are children and strong willed children at that. But that is a post for a later date.
     At any rate, due to Matt*s work schedule, I end up flying solo more often than not. This morning was one of those times. A french creperie opened in downtown and has become my most recent restaurant obsession. They have a brioche that makes my mouth water, in a setting that is child friendly and fairly affordable. Again, probably a post for a later date.
     We had a good morning as we took our time readying ourselves to go out in the snow. Brioche cravings know no bounds. The kids were looking forward to a later outing and with a little persuasion (read: bribery), I convinced them to come along with me and be on their best behavior. And they were! Wiggles and squirms are a moot point as long as everyone is happy and eating. Or at least quiet and eating. I never expect people to pay us much attention, or if they do, I expect sidelong glances as I wrangle the children in and get everyone settled. I have never claimed to be a mind reader, but it seems that I can read in their expressions a dread of the forthcoming craziness that they must be used to witnessing in restaurants where children dine. Not that I haven*t had moments where my brood are the ones being stared at/obviously ignored. I have also been the one at times to stare at/obviously ignore other peoples children. But for us, today, it was not our turn. 
      As I waited for our check to arrive, Thane hit his boiling point and could not wait even one more moment to nurse. Sitting in a tall chair near the door does not lend itself to discreet nursing. Holding a crying baby is none too discreet itself. So, out came the blanket and the baby calmed quickly. This made the older children have to wait at the table longer than they were prepared to wait, and since breakfast was done, I anticipated a meltdown of some sort. Trying to engage them in some sort of conversation was my best bet. It worked! And as the couple who had sat catty corner to us were leaving, the man leaned over to me and said,** Your children are so well behaved.** 
     It doesn*t take much to light up a mom*s day. Thank you, kind stranger, for lighting up mine.

P.S. A small child of female origin, who shall remain unnamed, once popped the apostrophe and quotations button off our computer. I have resorted to using the star.