Fish tanks

Yesterday, we went to see Janie's doctor for a check-up. It's a good thing they have an awesome fish tank in that waiting room, because we were waiting for one or maybe five hours.

Oh, and did I mention that our appointment was at 11:45?

A toddler in a waiting room for an hour during lunch time. Heaven on earth.

She did remarkably well, considering. The previously mentioned fish tank proved to be this mama's best friend. Janie stood at the end of tank, keeping me appraised of everything she saw. "WOW! FISH! WOW! BUBBLES! WOW! FISH! WOW! WOW!"

Somewhere in the middle of our eternal wait, another little boy came over to the fish tank to see what all the fuss was about. He ended up at the other end of the tank. Janie kept peeking around from her side of the tank to see what he was up to, and they were soon involved in a very giggly game of peek-a-boo.

Words cannot express how adorable it was. And I admit, I was thinking very proud thoughts... "Oh, look at my girl! She's using actual words with someone that's not me or Rob. She's interacting with another child - a stranger. This is huge! I'm so proud of her!"

And then... the little boy decided (as little boys often do) to take it up a notch. Rather than peeking out with a smile and a laugh, he added in a loud lion's ROOOAARRR!

I'm sure his intentions were good. But oh the tears that little boy caused.

The game was over, effective immediately. We spend the rest of our seemingly never-ending waiting time snuggled up in a very uncomfortable plastic chair.

(To his credit, the little boy did come over to apologize for scaring Janie. I'm not sure that Janie appreciated it, but I did.)

Eventually, we saw the doctor, grabbed a quick lunch and had a nap. The trauma of the morning was forgotten and all was well in Janie's world.

That is, until Rob came home. He and I were chatting about our days, and I launched into a very enthusiastic re-telling of our waiting room highs and lows. Complete with a ROOAARRR!

Oh the tears this mama caused.

Thankfully, Rob was there to snuggle our tearful girl on the sofa, offering kind words and lots of marshmallows. And it wasn't long before all was well in Janie's world once again.