Week 20: Shake it off

I’m usually pretty laid back when it comes to shopping, even when I decide to bring my 2-year-old. A few days ago we decided to embrace the crazy world of holiday shopping. We had pretty much all of our shopping done. Our families live a couple of hours away from us, so we do our Christmas with them the weekend before. So I had gotten all of our gifts except for my husband’s. Let’s be honest, when you have kids your husband usually comes last right? (Sorry, babe!)
On this particular day, Addie Rivers had not had a nap. I’m not exactly sure what I was thinking. Some days she can skip a nap and still be pretty happy. I was hoping it was one of those days, but who was I kidding. I wasn’t feeling too great either. My growing belly is getting bigger every day, which I love, but the heartburn is driving me insane. I had woken up earlier than usual, and I could have probably used a nap just as much as Addie Rivers.
We had been out of the house about 30 minutes and had only been to one store. So far so good! As soon as we made our way to the next store, her mood changed from sweet happy baby to screaming unhappy toddler. She refused to ride in the buggy. I was trying everything I could to keep her calm, but she was not having it. One, two, three, four. In a matter of two minutes, I got four rude looks from different people.
I remember in the past (before I had kids) I would see this exact same thing. I told myself I would never let my children act like that in public. I knew what these people were thinking. “Look at that woman. She has a toddler screaming her head off, and she’s pregnant again.” I could feel my face getting red. All these thoughts started going through my head. OK, Ryann, just leave the store. Just go find some M&M’s. That will make her happy. Seriously, find the bathroom.
All of the sudden the sweetest little lady approached me and said, “You are doing a great job. All us moms have been there.” She then starts talking to Addie Rivers and making her giggle. This lady came at the perfect moment. She knew exactly what I needed to hear. I somehow managed to get Addie Rivers completely calm and to ride in the buggy.
The rest of the time in the store Addie Rivers rode in the buggy, ate her M&M’s, and my phone was playing Taylor Swift’s “Shake it off” as we finished our shopping. I didn’t care who was looking at us or what they were thinking. The further I get in this pregnancy I realize it’s going to be harder to do certain things. Last time I didn’t have a 30-pound 2-year-old to hold when she got upset along with my baby bump—but I wouldn’t have it any other way!