For the Love of Shopping

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

I started staying home when Dimples was about 7 months old. I remember that it was a huge adjustment. I felt like I had nothing but time, and yet I still had so much to accomplish each and everyday. After a few months at home, Dimples and I ventured out and visited my old job. Everyone was excited to see us, except for a few jealous mothers who wanted to stay home. I could never quite get them to understand that my decision to stay home was not without sacrifice (mostly financial). One said mother asked me if I kept up with the soaps and ate bon bons all day. REALLY. She really did say that! And, with a straight face and very serious tone of voice! I was at a complete loss for words.

Why, yes! That is exactly what I do with my time. I know about all of the love triangles on daytime T.V. and I can really pack away the chocolate treats. And, when I am coming down from my sugar high, I like to take a three hour nap. What about Dimples, you ask? Well, he is pretty independent at 9 months of age. He can take care of the laundry, meal planning, grocery shopping, dishes and meal preparation. Me? I like to sit on my rump all day and watch the great talent that is Susan Lucci.

Oh, I know she doesn't represent the majority of working moms out there. It is just a memory I can't shake.

Anyway, fast forward about eight years. I now have the two boys in school full time and am staying home with Sweet Pea. Honestly, it has been glorious. I feel so guilty even typing that out loud. I am down to one child. I honestly think it is time to break out the bon bons and start watching the soaps. Only kidding, of course. I have been dreaming of girly things Emma and I can do. The only problem? She is two. I want to get our hair and nails done and enjoy a relaxing day at the spa, but she is still trying (mostly not trying) to pee and poop in the potty. Who wants to be at the spa with a stinky diaper? Not this mama! Oh, and did I mention that the spa would have to be FREE, ya know, that whole financial sacrifice thing.

So, last week we went to a Mr. Stinky Feet concert and went shopping. I actually enjoyed shopping with Sweet Pea. We weren't gone for too long. As we were walking back to the car, I couldn't find my keys right away. No big deal. I am carrying a huge purse, since Sweet Pea insists on pooping in her pants and I must be prepared for her to turn into Stink Pea at any given moment. I get to the car and unload the contents of my purse onto the parking lot. I am pretty sure this is a great way to get mugged, but a girl has to get home. (And, who wants to mug a lady with only 76 cents in her purse?) The whole time I am talking to Sweet Pea about my keys. I get to the bottom of my purse and not a key in sight. I fill my purse back up and tell Sweet Pea that we have to go find mommy's keys. At that moment, she hands me MY KEYS! Apparently, I am raising a Houdini!

Maybe she wasn't finished shopping.

A girl after my own heart!