Maybe it’s because I’m a first time mother, maybe I’m paranoid, wait, no I’m not paranoid, I just am careful about my baby, I don’t know why or how it happened but I had a grocery store stalker tonight. Actually not me, Matilda had a stalker.
I know it happens to lots of parents you dress up your child, they look cute, you take them out, people coo over them, it’s all part of the awesome parenthood experience right? But what do you do when there is that one person who coo’s just a little too long, then keeps cooing, then follows you around the store through the isles? I didn’t know what to do it’s never happened until tonight. We went shopping at Fresh N Easy had Matilda in the cart a few people said the norm ” Oh how cute, we smiled politely said thank you, secretly thinking “yea we know,” and then there she was. The stalker. She was innocent looking enough and she did the usual banter, how cute, pretty baby. But you know how after someone makes those comments they usually walk away? Yes so do I. But she didn’t. She just stood there. And I thought, umm OK, that’s enough now you can keep walking. Finally I had to say, OK have a great night bye now.
I thought that was the end of it. Then she headed me off at the baby isle. Same thing. Oh your so cute ( to Matilda) what a pretty baby, your spoiled aren’t you, to which I politely said, no we don’t believe in spoiled babies they are all wonderful. Finally I had to do it again, OK bye now and we zoomed off. Chad was on another isle with the other cart and I told him “Don’t leave me again babe that weird lady is lurking.
I’m sure she was just trying to be nice but it kind of weirded me out. I don’t mind people talking to Matilda I think it’s cute to watch. When you stick around too long though or follow us, I don’t enjoy that.
So I’m wondering what are your uncomfortable public appearances with your kids? Strange people? Strange things happening? I know I”m not alone?
I have had two awkward experiences that I can think of. One at Sam's Club and it was one of the employee's. It was pretty uncomfortable because I could tell that she was mentally handicapped. I tried walking away a few times and she kept following, finally another employee said "you're not bothering that nice lady are you?" the stalked woman proceeded to ask me directly,"I'm not bothering you am I?" Uh.. what do you say there? I said "on no it's fine" but then I sped to the checkout. She actually followed me there and proceeded to tell the person checking us out how cute my son was. Ugh!
The other time was at the regular grocery store, and it was a little girl. It seemed like her entire extended family was there with her and I kept on running into them and every time she would come over, "what's his name, he's so cute, I think he likes me". Her mother told her finally that sometimes she annoys people by bothering them like that, and that was the end of it, but it took a good half dozen times before the mom stepped in.
Those are super annoying but the worst for me is when a stranger actually touches my son. It's happened a few times and for some reason I freeze up instead of asking them not to touch him. I have no idea why! I always think to myself, that next time I will tell them not to but I don't. I really need to work on that since it bugs me so much!
Good luck with whatever solution you come up with!
that is so scary.
things like this are the reason i dont make eye contact with people when im out with my adorable baby. it just invites people to talk to me, and after some awful biatches during karina's first few months were unbelievably upset that she wasnt breastfed, i just dont want to talk to anyone when i take her out shopping.
@Kacie- Thanks I know creepy!
@Meg@Domesticated-ISH you just made me laugh out loud
Yea I don't know what I would have said if they asked are you bothering me LOL And the touching I totally understand I guess we just have to learn to be like football players and BLOCK them with our long arm 
@Krista I'm sorry I'm a mom who is still breastfeeding at 9 months and I'd never think or say anything to you – I've learned that each mom has to find THEIR own way and do what they think it's the best for themselves and their child…just ignore the haters
Sometimes people forget that others have a bubble of personal space that must be maintained in order to be comfortable. I'm so totally awkward in social situations like this and would likely just walk away OR use my daughters as an excuse (Oh, they're getting antsy, better go!). At least now my girls are old enough to just answer people's questions without me having to make small talk.
How awkward and scary. I probably would have done the same thing as you, but I sure do hope that it never happens to me, or to you again!