Just didn't seem to register...

(Note: This picture was taken on her 4th bday, last August, when she first received the doll sling.... playing double duty here: M the 'family practice doctor' and the Mama)

Today we had some errands to run and M decided to bring her favorite dolly and a sling to carry her in (oh, yes, makes a baby-wearing Mama proud to see the subtle influences in her children!). She is truly a little Mama at heart- we got in the car and she insisted on buckling her 'baby' in with her "in case we get in an accident, so she's safe"; then we got to the store and she insisted that her baby "doesn't need a nap right now, and I want her to be right with me, so she doesn't get sad from being alone in the car." I told her it would be fine to wear her baby in the sling when we went inside the store, but under one condition: she must hold her dolly the whole time, and never ask me to carry the doll. "Oh yes, of course, Mama, of course. I'm a good mama, and I'll take really good care of her." (demonstrating her compassion with a dramatic closed-eye hug)
In we went, and within seconds L had to go potty. So, we skedaddled (oh yes, I've learned the urgency of these moments the hard way!) to the restroom and made a 'potty party' out of the bathroom trip (i.e. everyone went potty so we only had to make one trip and everyone was taken care of! Another survival trick this Mama of three learned quickly long ago!)
As M finished going potty (with her baby still on her in the mini sling) she remarked,

M: Gosh, this is hard work!
Mama: What is?
M: Doing everything and going everywhere with my baby!
(I knew what she was doing...though I wondered how long before she'd get to the point)
Mama: Yes, Sweetie, it is. Just think of Mama- I do it every single day!
M: Do what?
Mama: Nevermind, Babe. (So much for teachable moments, eh?!)
Pause...
M: Um, Mama?
Mama: Yes?
M: My baby's getting kind of heavy..... would you... maybe... (sheepishly fluttering her eyes at me) hold her for a minute?

Let's just say not only did that 'teachable moment' not happen, but little Dolly spent the rest of our shopping trip inside the shopping cart, under 2 pounds of almonds, probably wondering why she couldn't have been left 'all alone' in the quiet and comfort of the car!