small confession

Well, I have a confession to make. I had been bracing myself for the "culture of fear" that I always feel in the US. If you watch the news, the way they talk about things is so ridiculous.....like there is something to fear around every corner. Especially when it comes to kids....
So I had been preparing myself for coming here where folks don't have a "community mind-set" to raising kids and aren't as helpful as folks from the desert where we have been.
Fortunately, I have been pleasantly surprised! It is true that in general, people pay less attention to babies. Lj's cheeks aren't squeezed as much and other little children don't run up and pat her cheek like they do at home, but I've also found that lots of folks are still really nice and accommodating.
We were at the hospital today doing 50 minutes of PAPERWORK at the reception. I was trying to keep Lj somewhat contained and dreading that the ultrasound procedure for her heart was what I wanted to save her good behaviour for. Anyway, at one point she crawl/dashed from the reception room into the main walkway of the massive hospital. Thankfully this enormous security guy who was very tall and very black just swooped her up and kept her company until I was done (= He was lovely.
Then I got to the procedure place and was told that I lost my slot since I was so late. I told her that I had asked at reception if we needed to call and assure them I was coming. The reception lady said it wasn't important. So I actually had my first sort of "mommy grit" moment with the nurse who was asking me to wait 30 more minutes. I kindly stared the lady down until she offered to see what she could do about re-instating my appointment and avoiding the 30 minute wait. Thankfully it worked out. The nurse turned out to be very lovely. I was completely dismayed though, when I was told that the procedure involved keeping Lj still for 10 minutes!! I actually laughed at the lady. I totally should have brought Tom. Anyway, it was a feat, but after much bribing with chicken, grapes cheese and even the nurse's own blueberries, she passed with flying colors. The nurse said she was remarkably calm and cooperative for most kids her age. Can't imagine what "uncooperative" looks like. I was certainly praying and singing every song that came to mind (those of you at home can picture that well!). By the end we both had ultrasound jelly all over us and Lj had a TOTALLY blue nose. I couldn't have painted it on better!
So. All this to say the visit to the hospital, while tiring, wasn't horrible and people in America really aren't that cold hearted around kids (=