Calming your Baby... by our new writer Billie McCord

Throughout the years I've become what I would consider, a very private person. For someone like me, the mere thought of my newborn having a public meltdown makes me want to run and hide. I'd love nothing more than to dip in an out of my local shopping centers somewhat unnoticed.. I'm beginning to realize, however, that there is nothing invisible about a woman with a new baby. 


Diaper Bags, infant car carriers (that no matter how convenient, prove to be quite cumbersome) bottles, pacifiers, and even a blankie. Not to mention your bubbling little bundle of joy. Nevertheless, I do love shopping with her and each trip gets a little more relaxed. It wasn't until yesterday that Katie had given me any real tears outside the comfort of our cars or home.. 

 So, there we were, rummaging through the clearance racks of 0-3 month clothes at Target when she starts to cry. I thought to myself, this is it, everyone in a 20 foot radius will be staring at us soon. I immediately grabbed her from the cart and began bobbing her down the aisles. I told her how much I loved her and explained to her that if she really wanted to go we would, just letting her hear my voice and trying, clumsily, to distract her. Just as i was about to toss back the cute onsies I felt neither of us could go without, she took a binkie. She had calmed down enough to take a bottle. It was glorious. I did it, I had calmed my little girl down before it became a full blown disaster.! Just as the color began to return to my face (whew!), a woman who had been shopping close by approached us. She complimented me on how refreshing it was to see someone comfort their baby and how great I was doing with her. I honestly could have cried. Her words of kindness couldn't have come at a better time. It felt so good and it also gave me the confidence I needed to hang in there and keep shopping. 

 I know there will come a time when Katie really does have everyone in a 20 foot radius staring at us, but we are growing together and learning from each other. So when that day comes, I'll be there, ready to comfort her and love her. That's what being a mommy is all about, you have to put aside your inhibitions for the greater good of your child. I take this experience as an example of Gods little signs in life, nudging you in the right direction. Yesterday he sent me an angel of strength and reassurance, right next to the 30% off racks in Target. So thanks Big Guy, I was listening.