Sometimes Preschool Moms are Mean

I've vented before about the door ding on the parking lot. I haven't blogged about how most parents are nice that I am forced to interact with in my children's circles. But there's a good percentage of them who either want to be left alone, or are having a bad day -- everyday.

This morning it was pretty cold. I happily gave Flynn's BFF a ride to school (they're in the same class) because her momma had to be at work early. And it's a Baby Lua day, so I had 4 sweeties to get out the door this morning.
Madelyn is no trouble, she actually was probably a motivator for my girl. But for whatever reason, my kids were moving slow. And after Hot Hubs forgot to leave (& install) the spare car seat, I had to think quickly.
Which meant using the baby's infant carrier. And miraculously getting it through the carseat jungle that exists in our minivan.
I had everyone triple bundled. And my hernia was screaming for mercy as I kept the baby in her carrier (for warmth, as she didn't have a big coat on)...and even tho she weighs no more than a yellow pages phone book, her carrier is one heavy mother.

I realize the daunting task of getting a quiver full of children out of the car, cross a parking lot, & into a building....all while playing frogger to get through the 50+ cars that are zipping on & off the lot. I understand the trouble of carrying a carrier & navigating a kiddo (no names mentioned, Bubs) to safety when he doesn't listen.

And when I got up the 2nd flight of steps into the school & remembered our gal pal's seat (to leave for her g'ma) was still in the van, I may have murmered 'crap' under my breath, as that meant the baby & I making another trip out the car. (amanda, don't feel bad!! --- this helps my story!!) Oh well, I think, I missed my work out last night (wii boxing anyone?!), so lugging this 30 lbs down & up again, won't hurt my jiggly arm thingies I have going.

But I never considered just leaving the baby in the car. It's a lot of trouble, but I didn't give it a thought.
However, a parent there did. She zipped up into the parking lot as I was headed out to get that cute pastel booster. I saw through the glass the infant carrier handle (which I was becoming all too familiar with at that given second) locked into place, sleeping baby inside. I have talked to this parent before & knew anyway, that the baby was probably inside. And was going to offer to stand by her car for her -- but she moved quickly past, rushing her kiddo inside (he was already late).

My little Lua & I grabbed Madelyn's booster & headed back inside. As I laid it by the coats, I caught her arguing w/ her preschooler & trying to convince him that he was staying. So I realize already, she was probably having a bad day, but...

"Hey there. I was going to tell you -- if I'm ever in the parking lot when you get here, I'm happy to wait by your car while you run in" (interrupted by her holding up her key) "He's fine. The car is running & locked & I have a key."
She was clearly ticked off that I said anything. I must have struck a nerve.
"Okay, well, I don't mind -- I'm not usually in a hurry" (interrupted again) "It's too D*MN cold for me to get him out & I have to deal with HIM" (referring to her preschooler, who is still insistant on NOT staying).
Then I looked at the baby in my arms, wondering how it's not too cold for her & the other 50 babies I saw 10 minutes prior -- whose moms didn't leave them in their cars.

I'm not judging. If she thinks that's safe enough, it's up to her. But I did think it was kinda odd that I was being nice & offered to do something for her that she found pretty offensive.
She was clearly going to go in w/o the baby, whether or not I offered her help, so I was offering for the baby's sake.
But she didn't know my motives. She was ticked nonetheless.

Eesh, preschool parenthood & the mommy club...
I don't think I'll be nominated PTO President.