So, I’m new to this SAHM (stay at home mom) thing, obvs. Some may have it down pat come 3.5 months, but I’ve been pretty wary still. I’ve been tossing around the idea of grocery shopping with E (just the two of us) for a while but I haven’t been able to get past the ” I’m supposed to do what?? Alone?? HA!” thoughts until now.

It’s funny because I’m the type of person who always wants to be around people. I don’t really thrive with “me” time & actually tend to get bored with it. With that being said, I was nervous I would be stir crazy being alone all day with E. Who was I kidding? Obvs, I’m not actually alone for starters…  He’s a full time job! & that’s not even counting all the other things you’re supposed to accomplish day in & day out as the homemaker. But that’s another post!

I attempted to tackle a Sam’s Club visit yesterday, just the two of us. I planned it out to the minute. Nursed E after he had been up 1.5 hours & strapped him in for a walk. Logically, he falls asleep during the walk & has been asleep long enough by the time we’re driving to the store that he doesn’t wake up between REM cycles (he STRUGGLES with this during the day). I’m feeling pretty confident as I pull in, until I hear it–he’s chewing on his fingers. Deep down I know hope is lost, but I don’t give up yet. I drive around the parking lot for a good 15 minutes, all while trying to make sure he keeps his paci. Surprisingly enough, he drifts back to sleep.

WHAT?!

Awesome. So I’m ready freddie now, not wasting any time. Until we’re down the first aisle & I hear the dreaded finger chewing again…this time with whimpers to boot. It took me about 3 minutes & one item in my cart to abort mission. #momfail maybe, but I just couldn’t bear the idea of him fussing the whole time I was trying to ensure I got everything we needed…no thank you!

Well today, I decided to shake it off & takle it from the opposite direction. Shopping while he’s awake! Now this could be an even bigger gamble because he hell hates his car seat, so he very well could just scream the entire way to the store. BUT a battle I was willing to fight (man, am I feeling feisty today or what!)

Well, guess what?!

HE KILLED IT!

I gave him some toys in his car seat & he entertained himself quietly (for the most part) the entire way there. Then I strapped him in his carrier & we were off!

& boy did we get some attention! Thursday afternoons must be a good shopping time for the retired, baby loving community of Robeson County but I am a-okay with that! We got “oo’s & aa’s” about how handsome he is and “my (great) grand baby this or that” about how old he is & “that’s the best way to shop” about him chilling in his carrier. AND I LOVED IT! I don’t get much adult interaction so it was nice to be out & about and have some small talk (something I usually hate) especially since E was as happy as a clam taking in all the sights.

The best part was at check out, though. I was grabbing boxes to help pack the car & out of the blue our cashier said, “You deserve a gold medal!”.  Wow. Talk about hitting me right in the feels. I felt so proud. He was right! I was scared by the potential outcomes of a solo shopping trip, but I hit the ground running & we had made it through without out even one grunt, whine or tear! He continued to say “anyone that can handle a baby & load groceries deserves a medal”.

PREACH, BOY!

It was so nice for him to recognize the feat & to acknowledge it.  What some may consider a simple task, was a major accomplishment for me, giving me the reassurance that a successful outing with E was a realistic possibility!

The trip home was a little more difficult, E was fussy but still manageable (as long as we wer moving lol). Luckily we live fairly close, or it could’ve gotten ugly.  But we made it home & he entertained himself with his ribbon box as I unloaded & put everything away, just in the knick of time for his afternoon nap!

Man, do I feel empowered (#yougoglencoco)! Who knew grocery shopping could have such an effect on me. But I’m glad it did. It was the much needed reminder that I can do normal day to day activities with an infant. & while they may not always go this good, they can and that’s what I need to hold on to! So, next time you’re struggling & uncertain if you are ready for the challenge, throw up your hair, put on your yoga pants, grab your coffee & tackle it!! #momlife is no joke.  Days can be hard, but the accomplishment you feel after knocking a big item off your list is so rewarding!  Here’s to a dose of encouragement from the Sam’s Club cashier. WE CAN DO IT!!