We've been attending a few churches lately, trying to find one that feels like home, one where Bub can grow up as part of a community. Each week we've put him in the nursery without incident. BD has a hard time leaving, but Bub doesn't even seem to notice we're gone. He's smiling when we return to pick him up and it's nice for BD and I to enjoy an hour in church without worrying that Bub is feeling abandoned.Last weekend we went to the third of the churches we had on our unofficial list. We had attended this church before and liked it, but it's the farthest away of the three and we were thought that maybe we would love someplace else that was closer.
This church is by far the largest of the three we've tried and naturally their nursery was more crowded, even on a Saturday night. When we left, they asked if we wanted to be paged immediately if he cried and we said "Yes, please," and then "He'll be fine."
We were issued a number that would be displayed on a screen in church if we were needed. I couldn't keep my eyes off that little screen. Lo and behold, ten minutes into the service Bub's number popped up.
BD followed me back to the nursery and we found our very upset little boy. Granted it was close to bedtime, and there were 16 other toddlers in the room, BUT. Of course this would happen at the church we like best. Of course this would happen the night we're most relaxed about leaving him. Of course this would be the night I'm so sure that everything will be fine I haven't packed my usual bag of distractions.
As we take Bub into the parents room (which by the way, I would like to sit in there EVERY week, with its row of comfy rocking chairs, please) I dig through my bag for things to keep Bub occupied. I come up with a my keys, my wallet, an old Ziploc of animal crackers (oh yes, I did) and one matchbox car. I rotated these items in quick succession to keep him from getting bored and throwing a fit.
Next time I'll be prepared with snacks, toys, crayons, stickers.
Then, of course, I won't need them.
Head on over to Musings of a Housewife to see what others have learned this week.
I am not a churchgoes (we're Jewish) BUT, that sounds like a nice church! Parent's room? Babysitting? Much nicer than any temple we've ever been to where there are a gazillion people talking, no one paying attention and a hundred and fifty kids running wild like their parents are in another country. Back on track - I often forget to bring stuff for my kids. Just today I took my daughter to storytime and was most definitely the ONLY mom without any snacks. :(
ReplyDeleteA parent's room sounds fantastic! I think I WOULD sit in there every week! lol I hope things are much smoother next time!
ReplyDeleteOh it's always the way. But I do so want a Parents Room at my church! What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI've always heard it called a "crying room". "Parents room" sounds so much nicer! I bet alot of parents do the crying in the "crying room" though!
ReplyDeleteIt is tough looking for a new church with small kids - I find it so hard not to be distracted during the service.
ReplyDeletePraying you find your new "home" soon, and that you will be blessed there.