SUPERMOM, OR LACK THEREOF

Yesterday I had to take my fifth child to her doctor appointment for a quick shot. With Stella in tow we went in and were called back to the room right away. Now Santa brought Minnie a new collar for Christmas which was a little too big-Bad Santa! Well as soon as we were called back another family walked in with dog and Minnie was fighting not to go in THE ROOM and slipped out of her collar and ran right over to the other dog. I had the feeling of a disaster coming on. Luckily, the receptionist helped the other dog back to his room while we (the vet tech) put Minnie's collar back on. All was well again until we got back to THE ROOM and we were waiting and waiting and waiting and then Stella begins to cry. I have Minnie's leash in one hand - she is cowering under the chair, shaking, and I look for Stella's pacifier. Forgot the pacifier. So I proceed to take Stella out of her carseat and still have shaking dog in other hand. After about five minutes of crying baby and shaking dog, the receptionist came in and offered to help by taking the baby. Reluctantly, I gave her over, not thinking of a better choice. Still waiting, I could hear people coming in and out delighted at this baby behind the counter playing receptionist, talking to the people, content as could be. "How old is she? Oh, she is so cute! Is she yours?" I thought about jumping out from behind the door screaming, "That's my baby!" But I refained because they would have looked at me as if I were insane. Finally the vet came in and ten minutes and a muzzle later we were ready to go. I graciously thanked the receptionist and the vet asked to hold Stella. Then I took happy baby and happy dog home.