We mommies know what it means to sacrifice. For our children, there is nothing we won't give up. Our bodies, our beds, our coffee dates with friends, our time alone in the toilet, anything and everything. I gave up my full-time job and the freedom that comes with it to be available 24/7 to breastfeed my baby. And I don't regret a single thing.
But there comes a time where eventually, we have to venture out. For fear of cabin fever, or to remind our friends of our existence, or just to buy a face mask or two, we brave ourselves to go out to the mall with our babies. When I'm feeling particularly adventurous, I'll even do it alone.
Here are 7 thoughts while shopping with baby:
#1 "I did it!"
This is the thought that appears at the first flush of success. Baby is showered, changed, fed, strapped properly into the car seat, and we survived the drive, the traffic jam and the search for a car park calmly and quietly and are now safely in the mall, ready to begin our adventure! Yay!
#2 "Where is the nursing room?"
If you have an easily distracted baby like me, a nursing room is a must. As much as I'd like to try it, I simply don't have the guts to breastfeed in public. My baby simply does not breastfeed when there is even a slightest hint of distraction so my greatest fear is flashing complete strangers while struggling to latch. So knowing where the nursing room is ahead of time is a lifesaver.
#3 "I hope baby saves #2 for home..."
Babies are notoriously unpredictable with the timing of their bowel movements, and while the diaper bag is always packed and ready, I'm always hoping that she saves the big mess for when we get home!
#4 "Why didn't I bring _____!"
No matter how ready we try to be, inevitably there will be something we regret not packing. I'm always trying to get my baby used to her stroller, so I always end up regretting not bringing her carrier. Especially when nap time is near because the carrier is basically magic for putting her to sleep.
#5 "It's time for a nap!"
While babies are always excited to be out and about and seem extremely extra awake, its generally not a good idea to skip their usual naps because that's when you end up with an overstimulated, over-tired baby melting down at the most inconvenient times. Like when you're in a crowded elevator, or in line at the supermarket.
#6 "Don't touch my baby!"
I've written before on how unnerving it is when strangers touch my baby, but this is a reality that mums risk every time they bring baby out. Babies are not public property, and while I truly appreciate that people find my baby adorable, I really would rather they keep their hands to themselves.
#7 "It's time to go home!"
All said and done, it's fun to bring the little one out. It's nice to see how excited she is by things adults take for granted. But at the end of the day, it's a great relief when all the errands are run and its time to go home! Just after we brave the traffic on the way home of course...