Stopping Traffic

Saks Fifth Avenue. A rainy Saturday afternoon. We take refuge from the weather outside in the hope of finding a dry, warm and baby-friendly cafe for lunch. When we enter into the cosmetics floor no-one takes much notice of the two drowned rats pushing the wet stroller. Even the concierge is too busy with two "muttons dressed as lamb" to tell me if there is a cafe in the store. Noah is looking disappointed that he can't catch anyone's attention from inside the "bubble" that is his stroller and rain cover. We find 3 options for lunch and head up to the 8th floor cafe - inside the infamous Shoes 10022.

After a great lunch, with much more attention being paid to Noah who sat up in a high chair and ate Mac 'n' Cheese, we head back downstairs. As we exit the lift back onto the cosmetics floor Nathan places Noah on his shoulders - Noah's favourite spot. I am walking in front of them with the stroller.

Suddenly, a commotion breaks out behind me. A couple of the staff in front of me call out, "Oh look! How cute!" I turn around to see Noah beaming and squealing and waving at everyone who is looking at him. And there are about 10 Saks employees stopped in their tracks waving and pointing at Noah. Noah is overwhelmed and doesn't know where to direct his attention - he turns franticly from side to side, alternating which hand is grasping onto Nathan's hair for stability, waving with the other hand. Eventually he decides he just needs to wave with both hands and has to abandon all hope of stability on Daddy's shoulders.

After briefly pausing so Noah can greet and charm those around us, we continue through the maze of cosmetic counters and perfume atomisers. More and more gasps erupt from the staff and customers as we pass by them:

"Hi there cutie-patootie!"

"Oh how adorable!"

"Do you have your camera? Your son is so cute! You need to take a photo of this!"

"Oh! Look at the baby!"

"Hi sweetie!"

"Adorable!"

By the time we reach the other side of the floor and get ready to exit, we have left a trail of destruction. Customers have been ignored. Staff are left staring after us in the hope that Noah may turn around one final time with a squeal and a wave. He did not disappoint.