Adjustments

Everyone knows that having a baby will change your life. But there is a big difference between knowing something and experiencing it. One of the most difficult adjustments thus far has been running errands. Before TC (or BTC historical chronology) if I had to run an errand or wanted an ice cream, I would just go. As simple as that, just go. After TC (ATC), going out is like planning an invasion of Afghanistan. It is a logistical nightmare. For example, I took Tommy to the mall yesterday. I had to stragically, pack my diaper bag will all necessary gear and gear for any possible scenario. What if terrorists hijack the mall, do I have enough formula to last a hostage situation? Where will I park? How much time do I have before he wakes up? What I was not prepared for was stroller maneuvering and stroller etiquette. I mean really, they just let anyone buy and drive a stroller. I think there should be a defensive driving stroller course at Babies R Us, that everyone should pass before buying a stroller. Or maybe I was just too much of a distracted driver. I was in the Gap, saw a shirt I liked, breifly looked at it while walking and proceeded to ram my stroller into a clothing rack. Whoops. Then while at the food court, I parked my stroller by the table and we got t-boned by another stroller whose driver was checking out the free sample lady in front of Sbarros. It is mayhem in the malls with all these strollers. Not to mention the evasive elevators. No longer can I just use the escalator or jog up some stairs. Now I have to find the elevators, which is no easy task. They appear to be housed in the farthest corners of the mall, down winding corridors, past the sketchy teens. To find an elevator was like entering the movie the Labyrinth and I feared David Bowie was going to jump out at me in tights, steal my baby and start singing, "Dance magic dance." In the end we survived the mall and I might have become one of those annoying stroller moms who in past I wanted to yell at and tell them to stay at home.