I thought I was doing good today as I walked out of the commissary.
It was my first trip to the grocery store with both boys, by myself. I know, pathetic, considering that Merritt is two months old. But, the reality is that John’s had an unbelievable amount of time off the past two months (but, hey, I’m certainly not complaining) and I just haven’t had to go on my own yet.
But today I did. And I’d have to say we did pretty well, what with two under two and all. Despite the fact that our infant carrier seems to be the only one in the world that doesn’t sit nicely and securely in the seat area of the cart and must instead sit IN the cart (why did I forget my sling? I have no clue), Troy reached for every food item he saw and screamed its name with glee at the TOP OF HIS LUNGS about fifty times after we passed each one that caught his eye, Merritt woke up half way through the trip and decided to add to the chorus–but not with just the happy and excited holler of his older brother, and I received several looks of… whatever it is… judgement? disgust? disdain? horror?… from the young, childless Marine wives, and a multitude of sweet looks and compassionate and understanding comments from the older ones who undoubtedly have children, Troy messed up my transaction at the cashier’s counter by pushing buttons on the debit machine, and I completely forgot what the “loaner car” (from the shop where our truck was having maintenance done) looked like upon my exit from the store–although Troy soon fixed that, in that he was now screaming “DRIVE! RED! DRIVE! MCQUEEN!! DRIVE!!”, a la the Cars movie, which reminded me that we’d been driving a small red car… all in all, I thought it a pretty great trip for the first time out as a regular ol‘ mom of two. I was feeling mighty fine about my mommy-ness right then.
Then I found the RED! DRIVE! MCQUEEN! we’d arrived in, and noticed the big SUV beside it. In one corner of the back window was a common sight around here–a sticker that read, “Half my heart is in Iraq.”
But in the other corner–a big black rectangle that said, “Got Triplets?” in nice white letters.
I laughed.
Yeah.
Triplets.
HAHAHAHA!
I think a little less of my hold-it-together abilities now and think a WHOLE lot of the mama who was in that grocery store right then with not just two children of two differing ages and harried-moment-making-abilities, but three. Of the same exact age. Maybe even Troy’s age. Trying to “help” put things in the cart, squealing at every exciting thing along the way, wanting to eat the crackers in the aisle displays, and pressing buttons on the debit machine. Or maybe Merritt’s age. Three infant seats? Yikerdoodles. But even if they were older and all in school somewhere–they used to be little.
Marine Corps Mama of Triplets, I applaud you.
And need a nap just thinking about you.
oh my. I don’t think I could even do twins!
But good for you! My first few trips alone with more than one child were…interesting…as well :D
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Oh how I needed this post!! You are such a breath of fresh air…I was lauging so hard about the little chorus and the “Drive, Red, McQueen…” , and the little fingers pushing debit buttons. Then….I read the “Half my heart is in Iraq” sticker part, oh yeah, smile gone, pain in my heart. I love you girl, and I am praying for you. Congrats on a great first Commissary Field Trip :)
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I sure do remember those days of doing everything and going everywhere with my little bitty girls while I my husband was sent here and there across everywhere.
Come to think of it, I think I was better organized then and I seem to get a lot more done.
Go figure that one!
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“yikerdoodles” is the cute-ist thing ever! lol yah, i put-off those grocery trips WAY too long, for that very reason! and i’ll admit to an occasional vons.com order too. congrats on your trip! you made it out w/ groceries and your sanity, thats a success!
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Holy molly triplets. God bless her! We will keep her in our prayers! Im so proud of you for not getting too overwhelmed and knowing that you could do it! I bet the guys are happy your back in the store. Just kidding its a joke. I love you so much!!!
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Triplets! I get nervous just thinking about twins… wow.
And I applaud you for shopping with two under two… I know it can’t be easy. ;-)
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Whew, now that would be something! As I read through what you wrote
about going shopping with your two little ones I am fully reminded of the many stories my mom has told us of shopping with Sam and I at young ages or then when our 1st brother was added to our family. Making 3 young ones under the age of 2 (we are only 17 mos. apart). And I want to have twins when I do have children someday? What am I thinking? lol
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When I go shopping it is with all four of my Children, and even though they are well behaved I still get “the looks”.
Then I go to check out and my boys do the heavy lifting and fill the cart with the bags. And EVERY TIME the lady ask if they can stay and help, and say things like “I never seen such boys like you have”
What I’m saying is,,, they only see the things they want to see, and never stop and think about what a blessing your sons are to you. Next time just give them a BIG ol’ smile.
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My mother-in-love (aka Nanny) visits the base (where you are) one time a month to pick up her perscriptions and to ooh and aah over the babies, although she claims she’s checking grocery prices.
A couple years ago we went on base with her..Clark drove her car which has a fancy dancy sticker on it so he was getting saluted left and right which was a real thrill since he hasn’t been in the military for eons and his rank wouldn’t necessarily have solicited salutes left and right – but a few, yes. (Nanny’s late hubby did though – something about a “G”).
Back to my story… Nannie was in her element walking up and down the aisles pretending to look at grocery items but really just there to talk with the young marine wives and talk ‘baby’. Sooo cute. I had a very nice chat with a burly looking marine (south pacific’s *there’s nothin like a dame* came to mind) on how to pick the best marbling in meat. He talked. I listened.
Nanny pointed out the young mamas she had spoken to and told what she knew about their babies & where their hubbies were in the world. Nanny’s own hubby (1st late hubby – Clark’s father) was a Marine at Midway during WW2. 2nd late hubby was in Europe (Army) during WW2.
All that to say, next time you’re on base and an 82 year old lady comes up ooh’in and aah’in over Troy and Merrit, don’t be alarmed. It’s Nanny. She’s harmless.
((hug))
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oh dear … that was an epic post. sorry!
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Wow…I’m with you hats off to that mama of triplets!
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Did I ever tell you of the time, when I only had James (age of 1) that we had to leave a full cart of food in the store for he started a fit and would not stop? I got tons of looks both of sorrow and discuss but I survived and I don’t know any mom who doesn’t have a stressful grocery store story. ;) So good job, mommy
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Ashleigh, I saw your comment on my post tonight–Chris’ brother is in the Army and served a year in Iraq in 2006. His wife was left with a baby and a little boy, and it was a hard year. But she made it, just like my mother-in-law did several times during Vietnam, and just like you will, too. I stand in awe of military wives.
Please thank your husband for his service and sacrifice. And I want you to know that your service and sacrifice as his wife doesn’t go unnoticed, either!
I hope the year flies by, and that soon you will be looking back on it, thankful for what God did, and thankful that it’s over! You are in my thoughts tonight :)
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Yikerdoodles is right!! lol Gives me high blood pressure just thinking about triplets! But seriously, I’m glad the trip was a success… keep up the good work. :-)
Saluting all mothers of triplets
~Nicole
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