So, after the memorial service on Sunday, we were close enough to the Whole Foods in Charlotte to grab some lunch/dinner, and chat before we all had to go our separate ways that evening.
If you haven’t been to the Whole Foods in Charlotte, it’s time to go, PS.

Deb made fun of me and said that I always force her go go when I come up. But whatever, it’s awesome, and I need my hot bar every now and again.
So here’s where the mommy judgement came in.
As we were about to check out, I noticed a mom with a slice of pizza in one hand, and a screaming child hanging off of the other. I might have imagined this, but I think she was wearing workout clothes, and she was practically begging this child to use her own feet and stop flipping out. As she wove her way to the workout, one mom after another caught my eye and gave their best judgmental looks as if to say, “my child would NEVER!” I was embarrassed that these women thought I was in their same club, and I didn’t want them to think that their judgment was okay, like their kids had never flipped out.
As all three of us, Mom, baby, and me approached the check-out line, I did the best thing I knew to do.
Y’all knew I was a baby whisperer, right?
“Would it help if I picked her up?”
Mom wearily mumbled something, which I took as a yes, and I reached down, scooped up little miss cranky-because-she-just-woke-up, and we chatted for a second while mom could pay for something. When mom was done, I handed her back, and all was right, plus the cashier gave me my sparkling water for free.
So what was easier? Making faces at a struggling mom? Or getting to snuggle with a really cute kid while the mama pays?
Great job, Cheri. You saw a need and filled it. I am sure the mom was grateful.