First Time Out?

I think we just had our first time out. On Sunday, Jack had a complete meltdown like I had never seen before. I wasn't sure what it was about but I think it was an accumulation of things that just became too much for him.

We started out going to the grocery store after his nap. He liked it at first but wanted to come out of the cart after awhile. Fortunately, the ample balloons and mirrors kept his interest. When I was bagging some apples, I saw him look up and smile big. At first I thought he was smiling in recognition of the apples and pears but I looked up and noticed a mirror above the produce shelves and he was checking himself out. I wonder if he'll be like one of those guys at the gym who pump iron and admire themselves in the mirror as they curl. God, I hope not.

Anyway, upon our arrival home, I put him into the playpen so I could bring the groceries in and not worry about where my little runner who puts the toddle in toddler was headed next. He did not find this to be fun and whined everytime I walked away from him. I gave him some milk which appeased him for only a little while. Then he whined some more. I finally finished putting all the frozen foods away and left everything out to attend to him. I pulled him out of the playpen and put him on the ground, thinking he wanted to run. Nope. He whined for me to pick him up. I suggested water, which he liked but then stupidly took the cup away to fill it with more water and, guess what--he whined. Actually, he started to cry. I asked him if he was hungry and he seemed to perk up. Aftet trying many different foods, he decided that he liked NutraGrain bars and was NOT happy when he ate it and there was no NutraGrain bar left. I told him he couldn't have more and, you guessed it, whining ensued. Finally, I said, "All done," and he started to really cry. I wiped his face and hands and thought that all these signs (including his rubbing of his eyes) were adding up to one solution--naptime. Unfortunately, I said it allowed and he started to howl. I got him upstairs (each step increased the volume and displeasure.) I set him in his crib and tried to comfort him by stroking his hair and face, which he usually loves, he pushed my hand away and threw his stuffed monkey. I took this as my cue to leave.

Jack cried hard for a good 3 minutes and then the tears and cries gave way to babbles and playing. I let him play for about 30 minutes (he never did nap) and went in to retrieve my smiling son. He was a brand new man. I guess we all have our moments--even babies!