I intended to get all of the groceries after work. I pictured myself, boys in tow, picking out healthy foods and placing them in the cart with efficiency, practically skating down the aisles with two smiling, well-behaved children.

Here’s what really happened.

We arrive at the store, pick out a cart and buckle the baby in, allowing the preschooler the freedom to walk beside mommy like a big boy. He decides to climb under my arms and hang on like a monkey.
Then he hops off, runs ahead, and begins grabbing doughnuts and candy. I yell at him.

The baby begins yowling to hold and chew on something. I offer him a package or two. He throws them.

We round the aisles. I realize I forgot milk. We double back. Preschooler now is ready to go home; begins whining for a snack. I promise him we are almost done.

Baby realizes he is hungry too, and begins crying, refusing to be comforted. My ideal shopping trip ruined, I throw in a frozen pizza and head for the checkout.

Next time I’m going alone!