Yesterday we went and had popsicles in the park. I joined a parents’ group on Facebook when we got here and they have monthly events like this to get all the kids and families together.

There are SO many kids and families here in Streeterville. I love it.

Anyway, Ishu and I left the apartment a little early to pick up a box of popsicles from Target. The great thing (and also not-so-great thing) about a Target in the city is that there are limited options. So, not a lot of choices. But it also makes making a decision pretty darn easy.

So we left with a box of strawberry popsicles and met up with everyone on the grass.

Almost immediately, I felt insecure. Some parents were laying down picnic blankets (I had none). Others were pulling out chilled bags that were keeping their popsicles cool (and I was straight up just holding onto a box that was very quickly becoming soggy).

I saw some parents pull out popsicles that looked like Otter Pops. Other parents pulled out a simple thin popsicle so it was easier for their toddlers to eat.

I looked around and half-jokingly said to another mom there, “Looks like some of these other moms are way more prepared. Those all look easier to eat than this massive one,” pointing to Ishu as he had strawberry goo dripping down his face.

She shrugged, took a bite of her (also massive) popsicle and smiled at me. “Kids are supposed to be sticky,” she said.

And, with that one comment, I relaxed.

It’s already intimidating to meet new people. But, in situations like this, when your “mommying” is on full display, it feels all the more intimidating. I was really grateful for that mama yesterday who made that comment. With just a few words, she put me at ease and reminded me that nobody is judging.

Anyway, it was a very casual thing. The older kids running around everywhere. The little kids staying with their mamas on the grass. Ishu was somewhat in the middle so he toddled around, but wasn’t fast enough to keep up with the older kids.

He didn’t seem to mind though. He had fun trying popsicles for the first time! And loved being so close to the dog park. (Apparently he was more interested in dogs than people last night. Turning into his papa, that’s for sure).

We both came home with sticky hands and a happy, happy heart.