babies don't care

I decided that after feeling the early onset of cabin fever, Joaquin and I would be more brave about long walks in the snow. The sun came out and it was 20 degrees with no wind. There aren't a ton of charming places to hang out right in my neighborhood, so for local walks it's Target, Whole Foods or Starbucks. We decided on Starbuck's because I almost never go out for coffee anymore, and it was still pretty darn chilly out and why not? I put the baby in his little snow coveralls and a wool hat (made by mommy, of course) and put him in the ergo carrier and covered us with Dad's coat. Dad has tried to recover his coat, but each attempt is met by my wails of "we need it!" We walked through the neighborhood, enjoying having the world to ourselves while all the sensible people are tucked away, inside, by the fire, and watching TV.

Most people who drive by us seem to be trying to get a harder look. I'm sure from a distance I look like either a very fat man in a funny hat, or a pregnant woman about to explode. When they get closer, I usually see a big smile. I guess there aren't a lot of people walking around with a head poking out of their coat, but there should be! Try it!

As we reached 86th street, the busiest street in my part of town I wasn't surprised to see that the sidewalks had not been shoveled at all. This is Indianapolis, where everyday is the Indy 500. Us 'peds' don't get much consideration. I was glad I decided to wear my big hiking boots and the snow was no problem. We reached the crosswalk and I heard someone yell "Hey!"
I turned to look toward the Hardee's parking lot and a man in a Civic leaned toward his passenger window.
"Where are you going?" he asked
I pointed west. "Uh. Whole Foods." I lied
"Do you want a ride?" he asked
"No." I said "This is my exercise for the day!"
"I saw you with the little one and I felt sorry for you. Are you sure you don't want a ride?"
"No." I said "He likes it."
The light turned green and I walked on. The man pulled back on to 86th street and headed east.
So, a man pulled off the road and asked me if I wanted to get in his car. This may sound creepy, and it kind of is, but this happens to me all the time! And it isn't usually men. Sometimes it's a woman with a mini van full of kids, concerned because I am WALKING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE.
Oh, Indiana.

Babies don't care about bad weather. Babies love to be outside. They love to look around and breath fresh air and sleep inside a coat shared with mama.

When we got to Starbucks I ordered a Earl Grey soy tea latte, and it was delicious. Loaded with sugar I am sure, but it hit the spot. As soon as I sat down, Joaquin leaned in to nurse. Babies don't care where you are and no matter how many layers you have on, they still know there are boobs underneath.