Yes, my hands are full but I’m so very fulfilled

Years ago, I brought my four small children to our local coffee shop. When I walked in, I navigated my giant black stroller through the tiny spaces, and it felt like every eye was on me.

“Good morning; you’ve got your hands full!” said one of the baristas with curly red hair.

“Yes, I sure do,” I smiled, fixated on the warm chai latte I was about to order.

This coffee shop was in the heart of the city, and it wasn’t often they saw kids scrambling inside, not to mention several children begging for pink sprinkled cake pops and hot chocolate.

As I waited in line, the same barista made another remark about how young I looked to have all those kids. Her bright pink lipstick shined as she smiled. I laughed at her words and said thank you.

I’d had other opinions and comments before in public that were critical and condescending so this encounter was a pleasant surprise. She chatted with my toddlers and was sweet with my squirmy, teething baby looking up at her.

At that time I remember thinking, yes, my hands are so very full with four kids, 5 and under. We get stares from strangers. Outings are exhausting. Having every child in diapers and pull-ups is crazy. Installing car seats is a nightmare. Sometimes, I wonder if I can carry the load.

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