Mariam’s Moments

As most mothers, I cannot do most of the activities that I would like because my one-year-old baby has to tag along. What do I call this attitude where persistence and insistence still doesn’t reap results? It is not laziness, it is lack of cooperation. My naivety is that I expected any at all!

For example, I wanted to join the gym in my neighbourhood’s club. Both the charges and timings suited me and the distance was barely a few steps away. I promised myself that this time I would definitely move to move it. I changed then I fed my baby, bathed him, changed him and after an hour of preparations made it to the car.

When I got to the health club, I buckled my baby in the stroller and enthusiastically jumped on the treadmill. Scream. Thrash. Thud. Oops. The gym sounds scared my baby. Calming him took one kilometre off my treadmill miles. Once he looked peaceful and cooperative enough I jumped back on to build up a sweat. Just then a gym enthusiast dropped weights. No baby no it’s not an alien invasion!

A gym member then said: “Excuse me Madam, no kids in the gym.”

Really! Babies cry. Don’t we all know that?

Even going to the cinema can be a hassle at times. The toddlers planned that we should all go and watch the new, colourful Coco movie. Like all obedient parents of this time and age we complied with their wishes. I got cosy with some popcorn when my baby decided he wanted to conquer all the steps in the cinema hall. Scared by his ambition at the stairs and from the stares, I decided to take the baby out to satisfy his urge to walk. Once, twice, thrice, when the trips got too tiring I sat down on the steps with him seeking relief.

Just then, a movie-goer said: “Lady you cannot sit on the stairs. The baby is disturbing everyone. Please leave.” Really? It is a cartoon movie after all and we are all here for a good time. Aren’t we?

Flustered, I decided to treat myself to some molten lava and left the theatre. I arrived at a restaurant and put the baby in the baby chair as a waiter kindly set the table. Spoons, a glass plate and water- the field was layered out. The baby picked the spoons up from the table and banged them happily on the glass, the wood and plastic. Overjoyed with the beat he started beating harder. All pumped up, he stood on the chair and splashed around some water.

A young man sitting at the next table pleaded: “Hey lady can you control your child!” So babies like drumming. Can I control a baby? You may try if you like.