Outings with Children

Everything but the Kitchen Sink

By Barbara Nigg

Is it just me? Every time I venture out into the world, I'm loaded down with so much stuff that I can hardly stand up! Just this morning, on my way to the buggy, I staggered down four flights of stairs with Julia wriggling under one arm, a backpack overflowing with assorted baby paraphernalia stuck on my back, car keys clenched between my teeth, three Migros paper bags dangling from my pinky, an umbrella wedged under the other arm and my coat wrapped around my waist. I don't need to go to the gym after that kind of a work out!

Of course, I forgot teething gel and an extra diaper. Have you ever noticed that if you forget something you usually end up with either a screaming baby or stinky baby - but if you remember it, you don't need it? That's why I bring everything...yes, everything with me. Mind you...I still usually forget something. In fact, I have been known to leave Julia behind. It's easier that way!

Before, when there was just my own junk to haul about, I could never find my keys and I always tore around the apartment searching for my wallet. Now that I am a mother, I still don't know where my keys are, but at least there is a good chance of finding my wallet in Julia's toy box (usually stuck to the gooey remainder of her teething cookie).

The funny thing is, that when I am alone - no baby in tow, no bags, blankies, extra bottles or nappies - I get the strongest sensation that something is missing. That I've left something behind. I've grown so used to lugging so much stuff and stressing not to forget something - that when I don't have to carry piles of baby stuff I feel completely out of place. Is it just me?