In visiting the grocery market, I've become THE MOST socially awkward person in existence. I am terrified of long lines because if I don't immediately "cut the que", I'm met with the gasps of frustrated locals who sigh and angrily gesture at my lack of parenting skills. Initially when motioning that I didn't mind waiting in line, strangers barked at me in obvious protection of Finn, and looked as if they were min away from calling the PORTUGUESE social services. "YOU HAVE BABY, COME ON LADY"!
This glorious postpartum- pampering applies to each activity. Parking handicap is encouraged and major shopping malls have a marked "express checkout" lane for new moms. Joining my landlady at Pilates class, Finn blows loud raspberries each time the instructor picks him up and swings him around. Other locals sometimes bring their babies (and pet chihuahuas???), and when the babies cry, I've yet to see one single glare (EVEN FROM THE MEN TAKING THE CLASS)!!!!!! .
