Diner-Saur

Madeline and I lunched at Tim's today with a pair of other moms. While rushing through my soup, I lamented that dining with the Shmoo used to be fairly low-key. She'd sit happily and eat finger-food, play with crayons or playdough, or sort those little packets of sugar. But lately, I've felt that walking into any restaurant with Madeline has been like walking through the gates of Jurassic Park instead. Today, I was saw Speedydactyl, who ran a circuit around the bank of tables as I placed our order at the counter. Speedydactyl thought it was also fun to run into the men's washroom (sidenote: why was the door propped open anyway???). Grabosaurus helped herself to her little buddy's cookie before I'd even sat down at the table myself. She was not interested in hearing about polite dining behaviours from me; maybe we needed a lesson from Tablemannersasaurus instead? Next I was visited by Standonchairus Rex, who did sit properly on her behind when asked, except she'd pop right back up again. This exercise repeated itself several times. I was really unimpressed with and tired out after this tour of prehistoric behaviours. Madeline's paternal grandparents are arriving for a visit sometime today, and I know that Chris has planned several meals out. I'm kind of wishing I knew where to get a dinosaur-sized dose of mellowness for Madeline ...

Comments

[Sarah]

Ugh, we dont eat out very often right now either unless it is a REALLY kid friendly restaraunt. Was it you asking about books on manners for kids? I found one at the used bookstore called "The Polite Elephant." It is a little dated (Richard Scary, 1963 I think), but it is cute and it gets the point across.

[mamapie]

Love this post! For some strange reason, Ezra seems to be in a good phase with eating out. Who knows why? I'm just enjoying it while it lasts.

[Alexandra]

I love all your dinosaur commentary - it had me chuckling quite a bit!

[Juliasaurus]

Oh my! That's so funny! The mens room? Lol.. and you had to go in and get her. Too funny. I am at my desk at work and I laughed right out loud. Everyone stared.

[Jaime]

Great post, loved reading it!
I hear you! Nikyla is great now, but wasn't always. Jersey is a mess, doesn't like sitting...EVER. Let me know if you find the miracle distraction.
On a up note, great to hear you were out with some mom's since previously you were looking for some mom's to hang out with.