Help! I Need Somebody. Help! Not Just Anybody

Now that Eliza is 6 months old I find myself a little more on top of things in my life and slightly more willing to venture out in public and do the things I did routinely before having a third child. This includes but isn't limited to: having a regular grocery shopping time, library story time, going to the park, extra outings, Wal-mart, clothes shopping, taking walks, etc. I would say that at least 90% of the time, if not more, I feel like I handle it all pretty well. The funny thing is that I get comments on my bravery, sanity, "hands being full", etc. EVERY TIME I GO ANYWHERE!

These are largely well-meant and do not offend me. I just think it's hilarious how much people want to help me. Maybe I just noticed it more this week but everywhere I went people stepped in to do something for me. Cases in point:

1. I went to Samantha's Fire station field trip on Wednesday and a fireman took Tommy through the truck, the presenter picked him up and held him on her hip for a good 5 minutes of her presentation (I was a little mortified, but I figure-hey-if that's what she wanted to do) and another Dad carried him around on his shoulders for another 5 minutes
2. I went to either wal-mart or the grocery store the other day and some women saw me hoisting Eliza into the front part so she picked up Tommy for me and lifted him into the basket part.
3. At the check out stand of a grocery store I was holding Eliza and loading things one-handed onto the conveyor so a lady came running up and started loading my things with me to help me. (Afterwards I got one of the favoritest comments of people-the cashier said I was "brave" while she implied with her tone that I was "insane")
4. We had a crazy week so we got fast food twice and both times the cashiers were falling over themselves to help us to our table-and Tom was even there.
5. A man wanted my parking spot and I told him I'd just be a minute because Samantha had her bike and I had the double stroller, so he hopped out and tried to help me fold up and load up.
6. And finally...the funniest/creepiest one is when the man who had just finished soliciting me for money tried to pick Eliza up from the spot in the car I had laid her while I buckled in Tommy and put her in her carseat. I took her as politely and quickly as I could-I really think he was just trying to be helpful :S.

So, if I sound like I'm complaining-I'm definitely not. I'm thrilled there are so many helpful people in this world. I just hope it's not the look on my face that makes these people pity me. I do try to be ultra-calm in public so I don't appear to be that mom. I guess I should enjoy it while it lasts right?