I have a problem. Not the embarrassing kind that people talk about during Testimony Meeting, or on their blogs, that make other people uncomfortable and are best mentioned in private but still make people uncomfortable.
It's more of a growing tendency that I have to constantly reign in. Keep in check. Be very metacognitive about.
I guess it's all Lareine's fault (she is my 7 month-old niece, daughter of Beth). I have fallen in love with children. But that's not a problem, per se.
The problem is this: every time I see a child (who is clean and not crying), I have this urge to pick them up, ask them a question, start playing with them. It's a very, very strong urge. To the point of weirdness.
Like today, I was running on the Provo River Trail. There was a mom on a bike towing a kid-carrier, and her daughter was 20 yards behind struggling up the hill on her own pink Huffy, streamers and all. She said, "I can't make it up." I answered, "You can do it!" Her face was a mix of bewilderment and half-smile--she didn't mind my comment, but she wasn't talking to me.
In my defense, I do generally refrain from picking up the child who has caught my attention, mostly because I think that would scare them or their moms. That's really the problem--the moms. Some moms just smile when strangers notice their adorable little ones. But some do not smile. I may not be the most threatening of passer-by, but it is still not okay that I just asked them when they lost their tooth (at the post office), or how old they are (at the grocery store), or which movie they want to pick out (at the library).
I guess as long as I don't try to give them candy and a ride in the car, I'm not doing anything too socially unacceptable. And maybe I'm normal. And maybe this is what they are talking about by "maternal instinct." Either way, I think I better stick to playing with kids I actually know. And look forward to having my own.
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6 comments:
All the more reason for you to become a cute mommy now. Oh wait, then who will dote over my child??? But you forgot to say that my child is cuter than any one on a huffy even if it does have "white heat"!
Hi Rachel :) I was snooping around the Beckman's blogroll and found you! And I also found Beth, which I'm really happy about. I haven't seen her since November.
And I don't think you have a problem at all. It's called, "Being in the Primary for a long time". :)
Hmm.... If you ever need to get the bug out of your system for a little while, you are ALWAYS welcome to come hold and play with my children. Especially in the next two weeks. :) I've not been asking you because I know you are quite busy right now, but I would always welcome a visit! :)
By the way, Natalie has a good point. Primary has definitely made me more interested in children other than my own. :)
Natalie commented on my blog! How fun. How is your baby doing? I miss getting to see you in Primary.
Cassia, I would love to come play with your kids. I have been busy, but I won't be training anymore after Tuesday so I'll have more free time...how's next Thursday evening for you?
oh my gosh! i'm so happy you're back! how the heck are yoy?
Yep, primary would do it. But I don't think it's weird. I do it all the time...which may, now that I think about it, be not be a very good point of defense.
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