Obama inauguration to Mommas: Leave your tots at home!
Maybe this is one that first Momma Michelle Obama should discuss with her husband: For security reasons, no strollers will be allowed at next week's inauguration of president-elect Barack Obama.
We understand the need for security during this historic time. But it wasn't so long ago that Obama was courting Mommas and those women decided that he was definitely their man. But I wonder if they are as happy with their candidate now?
Said one commenter on the New York Times story on the issue: "The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, comprised mainly (if not exclusively) of Democrats, certainly looks even more security-crazed than the Bushies. Not a good start for Obama."
But some Mommas acknowledge that maybe taking babies into such a crowded spot might not be a good idea since an estimated 2-million people -- or more! -- are expected to flood into Washington, D.C., next week for all the festivities. "Would you really want to risk the safety and well-being of your infant in such a crowd? Anything can happen," said another NYT ccommenter. To further dissuade parents from bringing their young ones, no baby carriers are allowed and there will be no place to change a diaper.
Such a dilemma. It seems that all those young people who cast votes for Obama -- many of them parents of tots -- should get some concession. Maybe they could take a cue from Disney World, and have special secure areas set aside for strolling parking. That way, you can enjoy the inauguration and bring your baby to the history making event -- and not have to find a babysitter for the day.
-- Sherry Robinson
Sharon Kennedy Wynne has sunscreen in her blood. She may have been born in Buffalo but she got here as fast as she could, in time for kindergarten. She grew up in St. Petersburg, graduated from the University of Florida journalism school, and even got married at Sunken Gardens. She's one of the few adults we know who actually loves taking her kids to the beach. She has two sons and with 10 years of parenting under her belt, she's starting to feel a little less out of her league. She comes from a large family and loves to debate, so brace yourself when the hot topics come up.
Amy Hollyfield is a workaholic mother of two young
daughters, blessed to have a work-at-home husband who makes their life possible. She was born in Detroit and moved around a lot as a kid (read: Air Force brat). She has lived in Florida since the month after she
graduated from Northwestern University. She lives for the yelps, hugs and kisses that greet her on nights that she makes it home before bedtime.
Sherry Robinson was born in the Sunshine State but she feels more comfortable inside a mall than outside at the beach -- thank goodness her husband is the outdoorsy type. He takes their two sons on night hikes, beach runs and bug hunts while Sherry does her best to take care of the homestead -- and find out what is new on the store shelves. A graduate of the University of South Florida in 19noneofyourbusiness, Sherry has been at the Times for nearly 20 years. And with nearly 10 years of parenting experience, Sherry is eager to offer up some great dish on raising kids and keeping your sanity.
Guest blogger Tracey Henry, a.k.a. Suburban Diva, is a frantic, slightly frazzled mother of four. She is a freelance humor writer and author which is the only thing that parenting four children ages 12-1 trains you for, except perhaps court jester and professional bull rider. She and her husband have lived all over the country, but settled in Florida eight years ago because the beachcombing is so much better here than on the banks of the Mississippi. Their family time includes a lot of sport -- both watching and playing -- and fun in the sun and surf. Catch her in Whoa, Momma! and on her site, 
Sherri Day and her husband welcomed their daughter into the world in early 2008. So far, she describes parenthood as exciting, exhausting and exhilarating. A self-described Southern belle with small-town values and big-city idealism, Sherri was born in rural Georgia. She received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Clark Atlanta University and her master's of journalism from the University of California at Berkeley. She is the Brandon bureau chief for the Times. Sherri moved to Tampa from Brooklyn four years ago.
If you can't find a babysitter, don't go!...I totally get no strollers, good! They are annoying to get around. Not to mention screaming babies are not pleasant to stand near either, and I'm sure such a large crowd would cause some of them much discomfort!
Posted by: Terri | January 21, 2009 at 12:52 PM
The pro breast feeding crowd could have a big protest there. They like to be watched so much and have other people watch - what a perfect opportunity for them.
Posted by: Teena | January 12, 2009 at 08:44 PM
I say tote your tot, and leave those dirty diapers scattered throughout the area as a message to the Washington Politicians... they're both full of shet.
Posted by: Maggie | January 12, 2009 at 05:38 PM