THAT Mom

I am that mom that other mom's look at and say, "Oh, that poor girl has her hands full today." I am that mom that makes childless people say, "She needs to spank his butt." And I am that mom who the store clerks are VERY relieved to see leaving the building. I took Tyler and Piper shopping today so Tyler could pick out something to give Mark and Piper for Christmas. Even though he's only 2, I think it's important for him to experience the "giving" side of Christmas.

So we went to the mall this morning. First he picked out (with some direction from me!) a sweet little baby doll for Piper. He gladly took the money out of my wallet and gave it to the sales associate. Perfect. "We're learning to give," I thought. This is greatness.

Then we head to another store to pick out something simple for Mark. I know that when I go shopping with Tyler, not only do I have to have a bag of tricks to keep him happy (i.e., cookies, crackers, juice, a toy or two, and some candy only meant for dire emergencies.), but I also have very limited time. He's only good for about 45 minutes, and then the monster starts to emerge.

Well, the monster came earlier than expected and my bag of tricks was futile. He wanted to RUN. "Run, Mama!" I ended up holding his little screaming self while I quickly suggested a few items for Daddy and we were off to the register. I was not ready to go, but Tyler was, and I was about to lose my patience. Apparently, the sweet girl behind the counter felt my pain. She asked the other associate to get me some water. That is so sad. You offer water to people who have just run a marathon or just got finished with a major work-out. Seriously, she offered me water! And you know what, I took it and drank it. I drank it all. She gave Tyler a sticker and let him play with the credit card swiping machine while I checked out.

All the way out the mall, people were parting ways and opening doors for me, most of them with sympathetic smiles on their faces. After carrying a screaming Tyler (no idea why he was screaming...I don't think he knew either) all the way to car, I buckled everyone in including myself and took a deep breath. My hands were shaking. My body was fatigued, like I had just run a marathon. I guess I really did need that water.

Christmas shopping. I think I'll go Tyler-less next time. He can learn to give next year. ; -)
Later, when we got home and all was calm, I called the store where we were shopping for Mark and thanked them for being so kind and patient and for not making me feel like they were secretly wishing I would just leave.

Is it bedtime yet?