<p>Yesterday at the grocery store, The Boy was a pure angel.  Happy and flirtatious, he sought out attention from pretty much any shopper who had the fortune to share an aisle with him.</p>

<p>I’ve never been bothered when people stop to chat and comment on the baby; on the contrary I find it quite a refreshing change from the typical cold shoulder strangers give each other in this town.  They act like they are alone, and pretend you are not there.  But of course, you are.  And they did just rudely cut in front of you at the deli line.  Unfortunately, the death of common courtesy is NOT greatly exaggerated.</p>

<p>One of the people who stopped to chat with us yesterday made me uncomfortable.  She made cutesy faces and waved at the baby, which is typical adult behavior when faced with the cuteness of a thriving 9 month old.  Yes, you too would be powerless to resist a snaggle-toothed grin if it is aimed directly at you.  So I let the woman coo at The Baby and I bent over to pick out more baby food jars out of the bottom shelf.  </p>

<p>Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw her sneak a look at me and touch him.  To me it almost looked like she was fumbling with the belt on the shopping cart.  I look her straight in the eye, and she immediately puts her hand away, looking guilty.  At least she did to my hypersensitive eyes.</p>

<p>The she just stood there, like if she was waiting for me to be distracted again.  I cut between her and the baby and said in a firm voice “playtime is over, we’re leaving.”  She said “I hope to run into him again soon,” smiled and left.  </p>

<p>Now, I know this was probably completely innocent.  That she waited until I wasn&#39;t looking because she probably thought, correctly, that most people don’t want strangers touching their children.  She probably didn’t even sneak a feel.  I was starting to wonder if I had been rude.  But I don’t care.  Call me paranoid if you want.  Probably is not good enough for MY child.</p>

<p>Then I caught the eye of another woman who I assume had witnessed the whole scene.  She smiled at me, and I knew she understood.</p>
