The Mommy Files, Chapter 1

Time is an interesting concept, especially as a new mother. None of it is free; it is always filled with chores, errands and appointments and there never seems to be enough in the day. I have often wanted to do one of those time records that I had to do for work, where you track, every hour, how you fill your time at work. Of course, I don’t have time to do this as a mother but it would be an interesting conversation piece I gather.

My husband and I recently took our first vacation to Florida since having our 6 month old son, Jack. Preparing for vacation is always a time consuming, up to the last minute task for us. Adding a baby to this equation was an undertaking to say the least. Gone were the days of throwing some clothes and toiletries in a carry-on bag and heading to the airport.  I had to carefully plan every detail for Jack’s bag; the list just kept growing and getting longer. There was also the realization that there was no hope of carrying on our bags, not with the amount of diapers, wipes and toys that were necessary. Hello checked bag fees!

As time was not on my side, I needed to find somewhere, a one stop shop, to gather all of the things I needed to prepare for this trip; both for Jack and for my husband and me.  I wasn’t afforded the luxury of leisurely going into different stores to find what I needed like I used to do. I needed to get everything in one shot but was that even a possibility? Does such a place exist?

I stopped into Target on Kingsland Road in Clifton to get a bathing suit for Jack and since Jack was napping in his stroller, I decided to roam the aisles. I began to realize how much it has to offer for so many different facets of life. I frequented this mommy mecca before becoming a mom but I never paid attention to the fact that I didn’t have to bounce from store to store to complete my never ending lists; I could get all of my needs in one place. Sunscreen– check, bathing suits for all three of us – check, granola bars for the plane – check, diapers, wipes, plane toys, toiletries for my husband and me – check.

The best part of this realization was that not only did I find all of my necessities (and not so necessities); I was able to purchase them at an affordable price. Starting a family is cost prohibitive so finding a place where I can shop affordably with great quality items is a gem. Living in Belleville allows me to use this neighborhood Target for a variety of needs.  I suggest, if you haven’t already shopped there, that you drop the laundry, cleaning and food shopping and go there immediately. I will probably there too, roaming the aisles and checking items off my list!