The mark of the curious

I FINALLY got a new phone after Isla dropped mine in the toilet earlier this month, and our home is baby-proofed a little more in a bid to avoid future mishaps. But I have to exercise caution when I take Isla anywhere. Take last weekend for example.
My husband Michael and I went to an engagement party, which was held at our friends’ farm. When we arrived at the party, Isla waved hello to everyone, cuddled up to a couple of strangers, found the lolly jars and discovered new moves on the dance floor. Her freakishly fast little legs dashed to the front gate a couple times in an (unsuccessful) bid to leave the party, and she tried to find gold (or perhaps another phone) in a stranger’s handbag.
We have been to this farm several times before, and Isla absolutely loves the animals. She waves at the cows, pesters the cats, hisses at the pigs and is in love with the chickens.
So, after trying to keep her curious mind entertained, I walked with her to the back of the house, where the animals were locked up. She did her usual stint of pulling the cat’s tail and waving at the puppies, before approaching the chicken coop.
She walked to the gate, pulled the latch, and I freaked out and pushed it back down. My friend, the homeowner, laughed and said not to worry – she didn’t think Isla could actually open the chicken coop gate and if she did, it wouldn’t be a problem.
Well, Isla proved her wrong. She sat at the gate, pulled the latch, slowly opened it, and the chickens came barrelling out. She couldn’t believe her eyes as more than two dozen chickens nearly mowed her down. Birds of all sorts terrify me, so I stood at a distance and crossed my fingers that they didn’t attack (for her sake and mine – as I would have to put on a brave face and rescue her from the little devils).
Isla picked herself up and laughed hysterically, before trying to catch one. I would pity the poor chook that got caught. Luckily, she never got her hands on them and they didn’t try to peck anyone to death. They also stayed away from the party-goers who were in a paddock in the front of the house, oblivious to the mass chicken frenzy out back.
The rest of the evening went relatively well. It turned out better than the last engagement party we took her to, which turned into a surprise wedding. Isla was only a few months old and I was holding her as the ceremony started. But when her stomach started gurgling, I passed her off to my unsuspecting hubby. By the time he realised what was going on – it was almost too late. He quickly made it to the back of the crowd, right before she let go of all her dignity. Some of the guests quickly shot my husband some dirty looks and he, embarrassed, shook his head and mouthed “it wasn’t me”. It would hardly be believable, but the mess she left all over her beautiful little outfit told the truth.
The fact is, wherever we go, Isla leaves her mark. Luckily, this time, it was only chicken poo on her dress, and everyone’s dignity was still intact.
– Lia Spencer