My dear friend Jennifer and I had our babies mere days apart. We met at a prenatal swim class and swam lap after lap in the pool together while gossiping, complaining, commiserating, and sympathizing. Among other things, we share an obsessive need to protect our daughters from the germs and whathaveyous that come from strangers touching them.
Just to offer some perspective on my neurosis:
I am not one of those moms who hand their kid over to any happily smiling stranger who wants to hold her. I cringe when someone grabs her hands or feet while they state their sing-song oohs and aahs. I have been known to yank the stroller out of reach of some oblivious stranger while loudly stating, "No!" I have pointed out to cashiers who reach across to tickle her feet that they are touching MONEY FROM HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE AND WHY ON EARTH WOULD THEY WANT TO EXPOSE MY DAUGHTER TO ALL THE CRAP UNDER THEIR FINGERNAILS?
I carry a bottle of alcohol and thoroughly clean off the shopping cart (or restaurant high chair) BEFORE putting the cover on, just in case she reaches underneath it to touch the cart. I carry paper towels with me everywhere I go to be used for opening doors, pushing elevator buttons, keying in my debit pin, etc. I carry my own pen so I don't have to use the one in the store when I make a credit card purchase. After every shopping trip we both clean our hands with a WetOne, then a baby wipe, and then a rinse with water. I sit Annabelle on the edge of the kitchen sink and clean her hands and feet at least four times a day. Every person who enters my home is expected to wash their hands immediately.
Anyone who spends any time with me knows to expect the questions, "Have you washed your hands?" At least once a day, if not more.
And so my friend Jennifer recommended that I buy this little sign to stick on Annabelle's stroller in hopes of deterring all the touchy feelies out there. It was only six bucks so I bought the red one because I thought it looked like a stop sign. In two day's time I can honestly say it's working! We road tested the sign at the mall and only ONE illiterate guy reaching in and made contact. Everyone else waved and happily complied. I was so pleased. Thanks Jenn!
