sHoP uNtIL wE dRoP

     Until the accident, we have always done everything together, even shop.  Anyone who knows me, even my first graders, know that I love to shop even if it's just looking. It is nice to drag Aaron along again, even though he has almost always gone willingly! 

    I am glad to be rid of the wheelchair (we do still use it for BIG trips), that proved to be a challenge in itself. His extra big wheelchair could usually fit through the main isle but between the clothing racks were a bit of a challenge. The crowds can be tricky, Aaron refuses to let me run into or over anyone! And the displays in the middle of the aisles, we still run into those no matter how we travel around the store. We trade the walker for a shopping cart at some stores unless I know we will be there for a long period of time where Aaron will need to sit and rest. We also test out Aaron's driving skills from time to time using the battery powered carts...remember those displays, we get one every time or at least a corner of a shelf!

Aaron "driving" for the first time 8/09!

    The dressing room always proves to be interesting and/or entertaining since I can't leave Aaron unsupervised (for his safety). I can either take him in with me or find a seat right outside the dressing room where I can talk through the door so that I can hear him the entire time! The picture below was taken in a dressing room where there was not seat for him to sit outside and wait, needless to say he had to go in the dressing room with me. I told him to close his eyes and this is what I turned around to...need I say more?!

Peek a boo!

   Now that I know the specifics about all of the public restrooms at most of my favorite stores that part is not so bad. In the beginning I used to only take Aaron to places where I knew there was either a single restroom or a special "family" restroom because the thought that Aaron might need to use the bathroom just stressed me out. I am not ashamed to take him in the women's but we do try to respect that other women may want their privacy so we do avoid that if at all possible! We did the men's once, that was enough. Oh yeah and I forgot to add that if I have to go, he has to go with me...now if that is not "for better or worse" then I don't know what is!