Day 49 - Black Friday Shopping with Allie

This year, I thought for some odd reason, it would be a great idea to go shopping on Black Friday...for the first time ever. I hate crowds, I really don't like shopping that much, but thought I could do it. And do it with Allie in tow. I texted my girlfriend, Kelly, and told her I would go with them - Kayla and Stefani..."What time are you guys going? I'll meet you out." "Stefani wants to be at Wal-mart at 3:00 and Old Navy by 5:00," Kelly said. "Uh - I'll meet you around 7:00!" There was no way I was going to be able to start shopping at 3:00 am!!! What troopers though! Stefani even brought 6 month old Nathaniel along for the shopping. I decided to meet up with them at Kohl's and while I was waiting for them to arrive, I went ahead and broke out the Baby Bjourn. I figured, since I'm waiting, might as well start shopping. It was about 8:00 am and the wind was blowing a little...it was cold. As I took Allie out of her carseat and packed her into the Baby Bjourn, I thought to myself, "I'm a bad mother. I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't bring a 7 week old baby out shopping on Black Friday. Who does this?" Nonetheless, I headed into Kohl's with my head down and arms wrapped around baby.

I had a cup of Starbucks in my hand and realized fairly quickly that it wasn't a good idea to have a baby and a cup of coffee, so I ditched the coffee and kept the baby. I felt super guilty walking around the store, until I spotted another lady, with a Baby Bjourn and roughly the same size baby as Allie. We nodded at each other as we walked by and I felt better about being out with her. Soon after, Stefanie, Nathaniel, Kelly and Kayla arrived and I felt so much better! We shopped and about the time Allie started to get hungry, we just went next door to Babies R Us (or Babysaurus as Brad and I like to refer to it) and headed to their Mother's Room. I had no clue this room existed, but you can feed and diaper your baby with privacy. Stefani and I both took advantage of this room and were able to swap baby stories while we did our business. Then we headed next door to Target for more shopping.

We then went on to lunch and I was so proud of Allie because she was the best baby in the world! I was also lucky enough to have Kelly around because she could hold Allie all day long and never get tired. So - when Allie did start some minor fussing at the restaurant - Kelly was there pronto to soothe her!

We headed to the mall, but once I saw the parking lot, I decided not to push my luck and call it a day. Allie and I headed home and I was pleased with the happenings and purchases of the day.

When I got back home, Allie and I both decided to rest...later that night, I was able to get a photo of Brad and Allie. It was a good day!

Happy 7 week birthday!!!