ligyrophobia.

Ligyrophobia - fear of loud noises.

That was the closest I could find to "fear of sirens."

Why was I looking up "fear of sirens?"

Bennet is terrified of sirens. Terrified.

I first noticed this when we were driving by Baltimore Washington Medical Center one day, and an ambulance passed us at the red light. He completely freaked out - cried more than I have ever seen him cry. It was very sad. Holding his breath, face bright red, wailing.

Then, there was a day that we were out walking and an ambulance barreled past us, sirens ablaze. Again, complete meltdown. It happened again when crossing Fort Avenue one day when another ambulance passed us.

Today, we were out walking again and a police car came by, lights flashing and sirens going. Most little boys are fascinated by police cars. Maybe he's still too young. Maybe all South Baltimore kids hate police officers from the beginning because they're destined to become hoodlums and have many run-ins with the cops. Whatever the reason, he was again completely horrified and threw a gigantic fit.

A little, old lady walking by said, "Oh now if that isn't the saddest thing I've ever seen in my life. Big, bad, loud cars scaring that sweet baby."

I wish my powers as a mommy would enable me to silence sirens with a wave of my hand. Since that's impossible, though, I guess my sweet, little man will have to toughen up!