please don't touch the baby

Since Elias seemed to be feeling much better today, I decided I'd take him along for my weekly grocery run (as if he has a choice as to whether or not to accompany me). Between all three of us having some version of this bug (oh yeah, I forgot to mention that in my last post) and another eight or so inches of snow dumped on us between Sunday evening and Monday afternoon, I was eager to get out of the apartment. And I figured a short outing to go grocery shopping would fix my cabin fever without overdoing it as far as Elias's energy and general temperament go.

Now, Elias is a pretty friendly baby, even, apparently, when he's still recovering from the worst illness of his young life. And I'm grateful for that, but I think people interpret his downright coquetteishness as an invitation to get a little too up close and personal, especially for his mother, whose personal bubble is significantly larger. It's become a major pet peeve of mine when people touch his hands. That's usually what they go for. And at least in that case, I can wipe them off or rub in a dab of Purell (yes, I've turned into one of those Moms who keeps a small bottle of Purell in every nook and cranny). But this older man today, as innocent as I'm sure his motives were, went for Elias's nose! And not even in a gingerly way, basically putting his entire hand over Elias's mouth and nose for a couple seconds. Good grief, give the kid a fighting chance, at least. You might as well inject him with your germs! I was really annoyed but it all happened so fast; he literally did this as he walked by us in the cereal aisle. I almost said something when I passed the same man later in the store. It was too late for Elias, but perhaps I could save another vulnerable young child from having their button nose fondled like so. I mean, honestly, people, what are you thinking, especially in the midst of a New England winter and all the related germs and bugs floating around?! I would never touch a stranger's hands or nose, so why do complete strangers think they can touch my baby?

I didn't say anything, of course. I never know how to handle those situations without coming off as a total paranoid jerk, but it really irked me. In fact, it bothered me so much, I've gone and opened a CafePress shop with a few infant/toddler items designed with the image above and the request: "Please don't touch the baby." I plan to order the bib and buttons and maybe the onesie or t-shirt for Elias and of course, the designs are for sale if you feel the need or know of a little one who could use some protection from well-meaning but ultimately unwelcome stranger affection.

And please, whatever you do, don't touch the baby!