Unless you're a very new parent, you probably have a memory that you will always keep close. It may be a tender memory, or something laughable. It may make you grimace, or even shudder with fear and (hopefully) relief that it has passed. But we all probably know the day we realized we were parents.  I mean, we were all parents when our children were born.  But those first few months - or even years - can be a painful growing time for everyone. Not all of us wake up the morning after and feel like SuperNanny! (Man, I really hope that the majority of us don't feel that way - I don't want to be alone!)

For me, it was about a year ago. Maybe 9 months. We were at a Bugaboo Steakhouse; my mother, sister, Hubby, Boopie and I had all piled into the car to have a nice dinner out. This is relatively unusual for us; Hubby, Boop & I go out with some frequency, but my mother and sister hardly join us. It's memorable just for that.

Boopie loved the talking moose head (have you ever been to a Bugaboo? A little trippy, if you ask me (you didn't ask me, but it's my blog, damnit!)) and the possum swinging from the lantern. She was fascinated by all the things on the table that she wasn't supposed to touch, and she desperately wanted a taste of Mommy's margarita. Or Auntie's smoothie. No interest in chocolate milk, of course.  (I would be thankful for that later)

We all indulged on bread, and I felt nice and happy with my family there at the table. The diaper bag was beside me, and I'd managed to bring the things we needed - diapers, wipes, more wipes, toys, more wipes, extra bottle, formula, extra extra secret wipes, $20 just in case, extra socks, you name it. Boopie would want for nothing this meal! I didn't forget Dora & Boots! We had enough diapers! We had a spare outfit!

We ordered her some chicken fingers and french fries. I got a side of veggies just in case I could coerce her into eating some. My meal arrived, but I have no idea what I ordered. I focused on feeding Boop. Her food was cut up into little bitty pieces, and once she was all set, I turned to my meal.

Dinner continued, and a few moments later, I heard a gagging sound beside me. Before my brain even registered what had happened, my hands shot out (where did my fork go? I just dropped it) and caught a big 'ole pile of vomit. Delicious.

Even better was the fact that this happened just as the waitress walked over to ask how everything was. Hands full of half-chewed, half-digested chicken, french fries and broccoli, I turned and politely asked for a few extra napkins.

To her credit, she didn't run screaming from the restaurant.

What was your moment?  I vote that you post in your blog and let me know here in the comments that you've posted :-) I'd love to read about it!