MMW is away on work for two months. I cannot, for the life of me, stay home bound the entire time. So, i decided to include Aanya in my escapades.
We started with basic grocery shopping. There have been times in the past when i have completely regretted taking her to the supermarket, but now i have no option. And, to be honest, it's not so bad anymore. She likes to sit in the trolley, not in the child seat, but IN the trolley, and play stacking games with the groceries. She has her own demands for fruits and veggies which somehow i have to forbid her from eating before billing!
After the ordeal, i like to treat her. On most days its the Mc Donalds happy meal. One evening we even ventured to the local food court or 'kopitiam' as its called. I had a cup of coffee while the little lady had french toast and milk...
Those are our general outings.
Last weekend, i thought it was time for some serious fun. And our wardrobes also needed revamping! So after a scrumptious and highly calorific lunch at IKEA, we went to the mall.
Here, I must describe the scene. Stroller with aanya's bag hanging on it, on one shoulder. My handbag on the other shoulder, holding aanya with one hand, we climbed up and down a few stairs to reach the mall. There was a money operated car staring at us as soon as we entered. After a bawling session and major tantrums, i let her ride it. Within two minutes she was bored. And here i was sincerely hoping she would sleep off so that i could try out some clothes! After half an hour of aimless walking around, my wish was granted.
Another day, another mall, this one especially good for kids, coz it has an open play area. With a cup of coffee in one hand and a muffin in the other, i was chasing an energetic two year old running in every possible direction. I was hopeful when i thought she would take a breather in her stroller after almost an hour of playing. Then again, i was being very hopeful. She walked all the way to the train, ran around the handrails and finally said the most awaited words, "mumma, i want to sleep"!
One particular day, there was no sign of her sleeping off, and i really had to try on a pair of trousers. So with her in her stroller (don't ask me how she sat through...) i was contemplating the look when suddenly my lil one went, "Wow mumma, you look beautiful". Of course, the pants came home!
Shopping WITH Aanya is a big challenge. But shopping FOR Aanya is therapeutic. Within the frustration and anger, we find our moments of joy. We bond. Hopefully this joy will last a lifetime and the bond grow stronger.
The side-effects will only show on MMW's pocket!
We started with basic grocery shopping. There have been times in the past when i have completely regretted taking her to the supermarket, but now i have no option. And, to be honest, it's not so bad anymore. She likes to sit in the trolley, not in the child seat, but IN the trolley, and play stacking games with the groceries. She has her own demands for fruits and veggies which somehow i have to forbid her from eating before billing!
After the ordeal, i like to treat her. On most days its the Mc Donalds happy meal. One evening we even ventured to the local food court or 'kopitiam' as its called. I had a cup of coffee while the little lady had french toast and milk...
Those are our general outings.
Last weekend, i thought it was time for some serious fun. And our wardrobes also needed revamping! So after a scrumptious and highly calorific lunch at IKEA, we went to the mall.
Here, I must describe the scene. Stroller with aanya's bag hanging on it, on one shoulder. My handbag on the other shoulder, holding aanya with one hand, we climbed up and down a few stairs to reach the mall. There was a money operated car staring at us as soon as we entered. After a bawling session and major tantrums, i let her ride it. Within two minutes she was bored. And here i was sincerely hoping she would sleep off so that i could try out some clothes! After half an hour of aimless walking around, my wish was granted.
Another day, another mall, this one especially good for kids, coz it has an open play area. With a cup of coffee in one hand and a muffin in the other, i was chasing an energetic two year old running in every possible direction. I was hopeful when i thought she would take a breather in her stroller after almost an hour of playing. Then again, i was being very hopeful. She walked all the way to the train, ran around the handrails and finally said the most awaited words, "mumma, i want to sleep"!
One particular day, there was no sign of her sleeping off, and i really had to try on a pair of trousers. So with her in her stroller (don't ask me how she sat through...) i was contemplating the look when suddenly my lil one went, "Wow mumma, you look beautiful". Of course, the pants came home!
Shopping WITH Aanya is a big challenge. But shopping FOR Aanya is therapeutic. Within the frustration and anger, we find our moments of joy. We bond. Hopefully this joy will last a lifetime and the bond grow stronger.
The side-effects will only show on MMW's pocket!
