One of the things I love about my church is the many opportunities to volunteer. Even as a busy new mom, I’ve found ways to continue to volunteer. The Outreach committee needed a volunteer today to man the Crop Walk sign up station at the after service social hour. After confirming that I could do so with William with me (as the nursery was closed at that time), I signed up. I’d joked that depending on his needs I might have to use only one hand for part of the time and that’s what happened.
Sometimes William sleeps right through church service in the nursery. Other times he’s very alert and engaged in playing with the staff. When he’s like this Matt and I sometimes refer to him by the nickname Wide Awake Bear.
I had thought perhaps he would sleep this time, yet he didn’t even take a small nap. Instead he happily played with his ball and engaged with the teachers and other boy there.
So the nursery was staffed today by the B set of teachers, ladies who are unable to stay later after service, I had to sneak out of church before the last hymn and pick up William and his things. I was glad I had practiced with the Baby Bjorn at the baby shower the day before. He happily was close to me while we talked to people about signing up for the walk or making an open donation to the charity.
William enjoyed being approached by many people. Since he’s in nursery for most services from beginning to end, he got to hang out with people he has rarely seen, or in some cases hadn’t met.
Even with him there, I was still able to take in three donation checks and get one walker signed up. It would have been easier had I been alone, yet, it was definitely more fun for me and him for him to be there.
~ Danielle
Over 40 First Time Mom 