Love means never having to say you're sorry

So, yesterday, I took a walk on my lunch break to enjoy the final days of spring before winter comes back at the end of this week, slapping us in the face and saying "Thought you could get rid of me that easily, bitches?!" Fucking winter. 

Anyway, I was minding my own business when I was nearly run down by the Baby Buggy Brigade.

Look, I have children, too. I'm way more aware of the people around me when my children are with me. When my 2-year-old throws a golf ball at a stranger's head? I apologize. That's the nice thing to do. I am constantly apologizing for my children, even though they are pretty well behaved in public (private is a whole 'nother story).

But, because children are unruly by nature, it is my job as the parent to a) teach my children how to behave and b) apologize for them when they don't listen (and c) beat them later). Do I receive the same consideration? Nay, I do not. I didn't even receive the helpless shrug some mothers use when their child kicks you in the shin for no good reason.

I get that it's spring break and the weather's nice and these children need fresh air. But for goodness' sakes, women, keep your kids in line. And out of my way. Just because you have a stroller does not mean you always have the right of way.

But then, my in-laws invited us over last night to show off their new Siamese kittens. My in-laws, while they love our children dearly, are not children people. We know this and limit our visits to their house.

Secretly, I have this image of us as a tornado when we visit them. Their house is calm, clean, composed.  Then we come in, destroy everything in our path (while I'm constantly apologizing and telling the boys to stop touching… well, anything of theirs, really), and then we leave. They're left to pick up the pieces of their shattered existence (and possessions) and I’m crying from sheer exhaustion and guilt.

But, hey, at least I apologize! I should really send them a note.

"Thanks for the visit (sorry we broke your stuff). But the kittens are cute (sorry we almost killed them). Next time, come to our house. Love, us."