Mama Drama

Mama drama...part 8: Total and complete meltdown.
Really that's all there is to say. However the details must be gushed.
There Cathy and I are standing in Target. Not even five steps inside the store and Adeline begins what will become her worst temper tantrum ever to date. It starts with "no" to everything.
"Would you like to ride in the cart?" - no
"Would you like grandma to hold you?" - no
"Would you like momma to hold you?" - no
"Would you like to push the cart?" - no
We distract her with a bright red umbrella and move along into the store. After picking up a few things in the baby department she starts to cry again. Big crocodile tears are streaming down her precious cheeks. I talk to her in a quiet soothing tone, I hold her close, I even try a stern voice and lecture her about good behavior and being a big girl.
She throws herself on the floor and full meltdown mode, screaming and crying. I am out of options and beginning to feel her emotional distress....
"The look on your face was of total dismay," my mom-in-law later told me.
Somehow, while on my knees in the paper product aisle, I calmed Addie down. We were able to make it out of the store with only a few more whimpers.
Sadly our shopping trip was cut short, no more perusing the fun things in Target and forget the other tings on the list. This toddler was ready to go home. And home we went. With Addie falling asleep in her car seat.
I am so grateful Cathy was with me, somehow it made the situation less embarrassing. I know some of you other parents out there can relate -- meltdowns in public are awkward.
I'm sure there will be another in my future. But now I'm ready and I know it's okay to abandon the rest of my shopping list and take my sweet kiddo home.