Wednesday, August 13, 2008

I went to the grocery store.

Yes. With all three children! (And lived to tell about it, which I think is most noteworthy.)

Seriously, this outing was one of my biggest fears about having 3 kids...which sounds sort of silly...but truly -- I really was worried about it. So, yesterday when I discovered we were in dire need of a few things...I got brave.

It really wasn't bad. My hope was that one of those dumb car carts was available so that Big M and Miss G could drive themselves silly and Little M could ride in the seat part by me. Yeah. Two of them left -- neither of them had steering wheels. (WHY are they still out then??) So, they were walking.

I must admit, I am NOT above bribery in times like these. No siree, Bob. We headed straight to that cereal aisle and I told them they could each pick whatever box they wanted. You should have SEEN their eyes...they were huge and dancing with excitement! (I guess that's what happens when Mommy decides to let something else in the house besides oatmeal, honey nut cheerios and kix.) One box of Fruit Loops and one box of Cocoa Puffs later, we were making our way through the store...and I'm happy to report that it was a successful trip. They took turns grabbing things off of the shelves for me and putting them in the basket, and were equally helpful when I was putting the stuff up on the belt to get checked out! It was -- almost -- fun.

It's funny what becomes a big deal to you as a mom in times like these. I mean, really. It is somewhat sad to me that a simple trip to the grocery store was the highlight of my week. Well, it's a toss up between that and Georgia pooping on the potty for the first time, if that tells you anything.

I'm taking each moment as it comes and trying not to lose sight of the blessings I have under this roof. And the more that I think about it, I'm GLAD that the grocery store outing was such a big deal. It means that I'm right where I want to be doing what I know I was meant to do right now, and that's enough for me.

12 comments:

Short Stop said...

YOU GO, Girl!!!

I remember the fear that rushed over me when I even thought about taking all three out somewhere. But that first successful trip is so freeing, so wonderful, and SUCH a BIG, BIG deal!!!

SO glad it went so well, my friend! Welcome to Mommy of Threeville. It only gets better! :)

Kristin said...

Girl. You rock. I still dread taking my 3 anyplace and it has been 6 months. Really I hope that I wasn't the one making the grocery store a fear for you. Those early new mommy days were rough and I was venting. Glad that your trip went so well. Saw your pics on PG.org. Loved them.

Janelle said...

Amazing!!! I still haven't taken all mine and my baby is 8 weeks. You rock!

Glad to hear that things are going well! One day at a time, sweet sister.

Terri said...

You have a right to be happy. Anything with a new little one in the house can be a little scary. You did great. So glad the kids are enjoying their new little brother.

Shelley said...

BRIBERY IS YOUR FRIEND!!!

You may not read that in any parenting books, but sometimes it is TRUE! :)

I am SO proud of you! And SO happy for you that everything went so well! I love your last sentences. Your perspective is just awesome!

Kristen said...

Way to go!

I remember the first time I took all three to the store, it was a bit nervous but it went well. I agree with Sarah, it was so freeing and builds confidence to do it again.

Enjoy!

Lynn said...

Woo Hoo! Glad it went so well. I can only imagine the "what if's" that go through your head before attempting a trip like that for the first time. Great job!

The Boulais' said...

Wow, you are so brave! I'm glad it went well. I know what you mean about making stuff bigger than it is. I get all stressed out about something as simple as "he won't nap on time" and it always ends up okay. I stressed for nothing. But, maybe that's why it always does end up being okay.....because we prepare it in our minds (i.e. you letting them pick out cereals before the bad behavior starts). Good job momma!

Alana said...

I'm catching up...so happy for you and your family. Love that sweet baby...he's a cutie! And so proud of you for going to the grocery store already by yourself - with three kids. Wow. Seriously, I rarely go with my two ;-)

Sadie said...

WTG Tara! I am afraid of doing it with two let alone 3! You are such a funny person!

Earen said...

Hey friend! Good for you in getting out. I remember when I did that not too long after my 3rd & it was better than I thought...but, honestly I don't do it too often unless they can all be strapped in! :-)

Hope you're doing well friend!

Denise said...

this is a great post!
i have always conquered everywhere with my 3, most times successfully (a few times it has resulted in all of us in tears). and i too really like to be with them, i like feeling that knowing "this is where i am suppose to be."

and what darling photos in the other post.

hope you are well.