Updated: Dec. 18, 2023
Originally Published: June 24, 2015
It was my birthday weekend, and my husband was in a surprisingly good mood. He offered to take one child, while I could take the other. “Have fun! Go explore! Treat yourself!” Now, shopping conversations rarely go this way for us!
I took the little one in her stroller and stepped into a store I hadn’t visited in ages. Once upon a time, this place was my go-to for stylish shoes. It was where I found the perfect pair of heels for a night out, trendy boots, and elegant office footwear. As I walked in, a smile stretched across my face—I was ready to embrace the shopping experience!
Almost immediately, a young, polished salesperson approached me, asking if I needed assistance. “No, thanks. Just browsing,” I replied. My eyes began to scan the displays, and I felt the allure of all those shoes calling out to me!
I picked up a pair and slipped one on. Not quite right. I moved on. After a few moments, my little one started to get fussy, and before I knew it, she was attempting to escape her stroller like a mini Houdini.
At that moment, another salesperson politely inquired if I needed help. “Nope, I’m good,” I think I mumbled, although the look on her face suggested she wasn’t quite convinced. I pressed on, determined to find something fabulous before my daughter completely melted down.
Suddenly, I became aware that the sales staff were still watching me. As I walked by a mirror, I caught a glimpse of my reflection: my hair was a messy beach wave from our day at the coast, the diaper bag was spilling its contents, and I was sporting a version of mom jeans that had somehow morphed into capris.
Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic, but it was close. Trying to appear nonchalant, I pretended to browse some more as I made my way toward the exit. By now, I was sure my daughter was giving me a lecture in her own toddler language. The salespeople were openly staring, and in my head, I couldn’t help but wish for them to experience a day like mine—it might just teach them a thing or two about empathy.
I left the store with my head held high, dreaming of the day I could return sans children, feeling like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. But first, I’d need to swap kids with my husband and get a pair of normal capris.
If you’re interested in more relatable stories like this one, check out our other blog posts. And if you’re considering starting a family, you can find a reputable selection of at-home insemination syringe kits at Make A Mom. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit the CDC’s infertility FAQ.
In summary, navigating motherhood and personal desires can be a challenging yet humorous endeavor. Sometimes, it’s the little moments that remind us of our identity outside of parenting while still embracing the chaos along the way.
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