Today I went Christmas Shopping with Chloe in an attempt to finish the last of my shopping. Unfortunately, I was not successful. There is a huge difference in Christmas shopping last year (by myself) and this year (with an infant).
Last year, I took a day and went to as many stores/malls as I needed to. I took all day if necessary. I did a little shopping of my own as well. When I just ran into a store quick, I carried only my purse. Getting in and out of the car took 5 seconds. I only needed to find a parking spot for a small Cavalier.
This year, I can go to maybe one mall, or one or two stores that are not in a mall. If I “run in quick” I have to either get out the stroller or carry a very heavy (18 lbs) baby. I go to only the stores that are necessary, so there is no “me” shopping (which Brian probably likes because it is cheaper this way). I have maybe two hours to shop by the time I get into the city, so shopping takes more days, and more gas. I have to find parking for a big ol’ minivan and getting into and out of the car takes closer to five minutes because I have to strap Chloe into her carseat and unload and fold up the stroller.
Despite the greater difficulty of shopping with Chloe, I still enjoyed myself and am pretty close to done. I have 2 more presents to get and I am pretty sure I know what I am getting. I just have to go find it. Hopefully, I can be done before December, so I can spend December focusing on Christmas Baking. Yumm! I am sure this is also more difficult with a very mobile baby, but I am going to give it a go. At least this year, she won’t be eating the cookie dough, which is more than I can say for myself.
