What started out to be your average run to the grocery store turn into a moment that if caught on video may have won $100,000. Why didn't I grab my camera!?!
I'm sure all of you mothers out there can relate, or has actually experienced, the chaos of shopping with a toddler. With Memorial Day BBQ's on the agenda a run to the store for the normal fixin's was in order. All was going smoothly {which I should have noticed as a sign of impending doom} until the shuffle of getting Savanna and all the bags into the car. I must admit I've been a bit prideful of my ability to make these tasks seem effortless. You see, my normal routine is to unload Savanna into the backseat, while I put my belongings into the drivers seat {purse, diet coke, snacks, etc}. Then I proceed to unload the contents of my cart {carriage} into my trunk. After today this procedure has been eradicated.
My pride was in all its glory as I realised this trip would break records for it's efficiency. As I was putting the cart into the "carriage corral" I had a little pep in my step. It was only when I returned to the car and found Savanna NOT in her car seat awaiting assistance, but in the driver seat pushing all the buttons...including the LOCK button! What!?! Are you serious?!? My TWO year old just locked me out of my car. Not only that, but found it funny that I couldn't get in. I was coaxing her to "push the button" and she did. Just not the right one! Of course all the windows were cracked, but not enough to allow for an adult arm to pass through. To make the problem worse, an elderly man & his wife felt inclined to offer assistance, not knowing that their toothless grins and boasting voices would scare Savanna enough that she would start crying and bury her head in the seat. Trying to soothe my child while others stood around stumped on what to do next. I started laughing. Here I was calm and collected, while mere strangers where worried sick. I knew that within time Savanna would hit the correct button and all would be well. Or I would just summon the police officers assistance, whose car was parked across the aisle from mine. Luckily, myself, my "Amanda from Survivor" look-a-like who has been through this experience before, were able to find someone willing to enter the store and ask for a BBQ tool or like item. That's all it took. One garden planter hook and Viola! I was able enter my vehicle and get a hold of the little monster who started it all! She of course gave an enthusiastic "HI!" when she emerged for a quick hug before being buckled into HER seat. phew! What an adventure!
3 comments:
Been there done that not once, not twice but three times with three differnt kids. When Maria came around, I just left all doors open. Always have the camera with you!
Way to keep a smile on your face! Thanks for the story!
Scary! I went through a similar situation while babysitting a family of five children. When I had four out of the car at the park, the 3-year-old toddler jumped into the front seat of the suburban (where I had left the keys) and gleefully locked the doors. This was before cellphones had really taken off and I was scared beyond belief. With some quick thinking, though, I handled the situation beautifully (which basically means I called my mom from a payphone while crying hysterically and she sent a locksmith over to the park to unlock the car).
Kudos to you for getting your car opened and laughing through the experience. Even twelve years later (gosh I'm old), I would probably still be shedding a few tears. Of course, now I know who to call should I ever end up in the same situation. :)
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