I’m way ahead of my game this year. Normally, I am one of those shoppers running frantically around after December 20th, just hoping there are some good toys left. I regret it every year.
Not this year. I started December with a bang. In mid-November, I stocked up on wrapping paper, tape, bows, boxes and everything else we need for presents. I also got a month’s supply of diapers and wipes, just to avoid the stores this month. I figure I can order almost everything online, and what I can’t get online, I will buy at a small, local toy store.
I ventured to that store today while M is at school. I figured I could get her shopping out of the way. With my 2 year old. Bad move.
I should have known it would start badly when I got to the store and realized my stroller was not in my car (Joe – any ideas where it went?) So, I let her walk. This a small store. There are lots of toys out to occupy any child, so I was still optimistic.
We went in, started looking around, and Abs was fine. Then, she went nuts when she saw the train table and Thomas train that they have set out for kids to play with. You know, the same one we have at home that she hasn’t looked at in months? I couldn’t walk away from her without her screaming, “MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA!! Ah oo?” (That’s ‘Mama, where are you’ if you don’t speak Maniacal Toddler.) So I played for a few minutes with the trains, and then dared to walk over to the next aisle.
“MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA!!!”
I heard the ladies at the counter laughing. “Oh, she is just so cute.” They probably did think it was funny and cute.
“Ok, Abs, walk with me to look at the coloring books.”
“Noooooooo. Thomas!! Choo-choo!!! Waaaaaaaaa!”
Then they said, “So funny! What a set of lungs on her!” Which, we all know, means, “Shut that obnoxious kid up. Teach her an indoor voice while you’re at it.”
So I picked her up and walked to another part of the store. All the while, she was wiggling and wriggling and screaming and trying to get back to that train. “Walk, Mama.” “No, Abs, just a minute.” “WAAAAAAAAA!!”
Again, “I can’t believe that little girl can make a noise that big!”
Ok, I get it. Time to go. I grabbed my crazy, sobbing child and my big bag of gifts and hit the road.
I managed to get a few presents purchased. I managed to piss Abs off in the process. I also managed to find a gift for M that almost makes me want to tell her it didn’t come from Santa, but that, in fact, I bought it. Not Daddy, not anyone else. Just me. It’s that good. She will be so happy, that I’m going to have a very hard time giving up the credit. But, for all of the times she has stopped misbehaving at the threat of Santa watching, I feel that I can let him have this one. Just this one.
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This sounds eerily like my trip yesterday shopping. Except mine didn’t have an ending where I actually bought anything. I guess this means I’m going to have to go out again with my LOUD toddler.
No carts in this store, or Abs definitely would have been contained somehow.
I was actually surprised by my thick skin. I was on a mission to buy something and she could scream and cry all she wanted. My determination was truly astounding.
What did you get her??? Please tell. I’m trying to think of something that wonderful for Hannah this year.
And oh, yeah, I’ve been there with the kid in the toystore. I made the mistake of thinking that H at almost 5 years old would be the easy one. I learned my lesson the hard way.
becca´s last blog ..Word Worry
It will sound very anti-climactic. She is obsessed with dogs and cats. She had this little kit called “Diva Puppies’ and you paint and accessorize these small dogs. I found the same thing, but with cats. She is truly going to flip. I also got walkie-talkies, Puppy in my Pocket toys and a few puzzles. Not sure what else.
My personal hell is taking Nate to any clothing store. He looses his patience within 5 min and, even in a stroller, manages to drive me nuts with his screming!
Yeah ,you know…i was just talking about that tonight…it’s not fair Santa gets all the credit for the good stuff. I think I should start letting Santa bring the books and clothes and let the good stuff come from Mommy this year!
I went to Walmart today and after about 45 minutes, my little guy had enough. I wasn’t happy that i had to end my trip early, but I guess I will take what I can get!
Man people who don’t like children shouldn’t work in toy stores.
And yes, I think that people who can’t deal with a loud crying child don’t actually like children. Not that you should like that they are loud and crying. But you know. You should be able to deal with it in a way that doesn’t involve annoying quips to parents.
I sometimes REALLY hate that Santa gets to claim the “good” gifts!! we need credit too!!
Ann´s last blog ..Mail Mistake
Oh I know what you mean about letting Santa get all the kudos for everything! It stings a wee bit!
Unfortunately I so know what it’s like shopping with a toddler. Which is why now I’d rather face eating liver than taking my kids shopping.
zeemaid´s last blog ..Getting a Little Nervous
This sounds like when I take Jason anywhere. I feel your pain.
Tami @ HeartsMakeFamilies´s last blog ..Walmart.com – I am Furious
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