Edith and Strangers

New York isn't exactly known for its hospitality, so the friendly comments we've received from strangers since Edith's birth have been a pleasant surprise.

I've received a "God bless you" or two as I've carried Edith through restaurants -- which gives me hope that other patrons don't find kids as much of a nuisance as I often fear. In church, complete strangers have approached us before and after mass asking her name and age, and commenting on what a good baby she is. After Edith kept her eyes shut through a service a few weeks ago, one lady joked that it must have been father's sermon that put her to sleep!

By far the cutest run-in with strangers, however, occurred in January. As I pushed Edith along Fifth Avenue, a little girl who looked about 6 years old came running up to her stroller. She inquired if she could look at the baby and asked her name. A second girl -- her twin? -- was quieter, but took a look, too. Both were very polite -- they didn't even try to touch Edith (although she was bundled up so warmly there wasn't much to touch anyway!).

The girls' mother indulged them for a few seconds and then hurried them away after shooting me a vague look of apology. She probably thought they were bothering me. But it made my day.