Mommy Firsts

Parenting, as I have discovered is full of "firsts" for you as a parent; some great, and some not so great. Our family had a few this past week:

1. We got reservations for a nice dinner and proceeded to have a fussing child signing "All done" right before the waiter arrived. That is, just 15 seconds after sitting down. Hmmm, bad idea! Our understanding waiter was probably joyful when I told him we just weren't going to make it that night and we left before even ordering.
2. I got a wild idea and put Colin in the Suburban-sized grocery cart at Albertson's (the one with the little tykes style car attached to the front of the grocery cart.) The first 15 minutes he yelled throughout the store with pure glee (while honking the car's horn at passers-by who thought I was nuts; they may have been right!), and the last 15 minutes he threw a fit because he was all done (see a theme here?) We needed groceries, however, so I practically ran down everything in sight in the store driving that thing to complete my list. And yes, I did have a list.
3. When I took him out of the car cart he screamed and lay prostrate on the ground (but I thought you were all done?) Charming, absolutely charming. A moment that makes every mom proud. I managed to coax him into the Rite Aid next door so I could pick up some photos. He was so deliriously spent that I stuck the closest toy I saw in his hand...and then bought it! Fortunately it was a 4 inch long car toy that is a mini Audi TT and has doors that open and close. Kind of a cool toy for a split second decision. My first impulse buy to tame an unhappy child. Charming, just charming (?!*!)
4. We had out first outing to the big local zoo -- pretty cool! He's definitely not ready yet for the exhibits with the harder to see or low activity animals (like the reptiles.)
5. We checked out the indoor Toddler Play Time at 2 local community centers. What a great way to burn off some toddler energy! The community centers set aside the gym area, filled with toys, trikes, balls, etc., and the toddlers get to run wild and terrorize the gym rather than your living room. fabulous play date set-up!