I think I’m on a home improvement roller coaster. Prior to three years ago, I pretty much loathed the idea of walking around a big box home improvement store. I didn’t understand them, and I had no desire to. I couldn’t equate Menard’s or Lowe’s with a glorious place like Target, despite the similarities in variety and magnitude. And then, we bought a house.
Wake. Up. Call. For the first time in my life, Menard’s suddenly became a destination. Jason and I spent weekend upon weekend running back and forth from our new address to the mecca of home improvement stores, and every time, we were suddenly able to solve problems–big and little, all around the house. Come Spring, we made trips for dirt (weird, because the house came with dirt…and grass…), and we bought flowers and plants and more grass. And we made home feel like home, one car load after another, and have been doing so ever since. I’ve really grown to appreciate the phenomenon.
So this weekend, we made our way to Lowe’s for a few items to finish off the nursery, and I was looking forward to the trip. That is, until we got there. Nothing else in the world will make a home improvement store more harrowing than being 36 weeks pregnant. Unless of course you’re more pregnant than that. Do you know how BIG that store is? Or how hard it is to memorize which aisles contain electrical, or organizational or lighting-type items? Every row is like running a mini-marathon, and then, you have to go back (because you’ve forgotten something, of course) and do it all over again. Inevitably, time stands still when you’re in a place like Lowe’s or Menards. And when you exit the double doors and enter the real world again, hours have passed by like minutes, and you’ve quite possibly whittled away your life savings on a collection of switch plate covers, random hardware and duct tape.
When you’re 36 weeks pregnant, the icing on the cake is that you’ve developed a waddle and need to lower yourself into the car to go home.
So I’m back on the roller coaster again. I can’t honestly say that I don’t appreciate the one destination where you can pick up any and every item you’d need for your home, but I came within inches of employing one of those buzzy little carts with the basket and awkward handles this weekend–and that’s just a bit too close for comfort. I’m pregnant. I’d like not to consider it a condition…Alright, maybe. Just this once, I’ll make an exception. But only once. After all, anyone who gains more than a quarter of their bodyweight in less than nine months is entitled to a little break, right? Good grief. I guess we’ll see how I feel about it all once our weekend shopping trips involve a newborn. My love/hate relationship here might not come to a halt for a few more months. Or years.
In summary, if there is one, I’m thankful (on most days) for home improvement stores. Still, I’m far more thankful for what happens at home after the decisions and purchases and workouts are all complete.
implementing our latest procurements tonight…
mm
I remember one time when I was pregnant with Abbi and Dave wanted to go look at grills after work. It was Sept. and I was definitely waddling. And this was after I had worked for 9 hours and all I wanted to do was go home. But he insisted I had to help him. I HATED Lowes that day.
I did Costco yesterday… slowly, very slowly.
I honestly contemplated riding one of those when we were at Menards last time. But like you, I didn’t want to feel like an old lady or an invalid. But it sure was tempting!
You didn’t mention my favorite part. No matter where you are, you are the farthest possible distance from the bathroom, with miles of shiny concrete floor between you and “there”. And don’t take a break by sitting on one of those wheely step dudes. Not allowed. Safety first. After all that, self-checkout? I don’t think so.
There is nothing wrong with using the electric carts late in pregnancy! I have always had symapthy for (very) pregnant women using them…and then I became a mama, too. I was miserable and puffy at the end of my pregnancy with Sofia and it was a blessing and relief to have assistance in huge stores like that. I felt embarrassed at first but realized quickly I was seeing many looks of compassion! With my sweet boy, I was generally more active and felt better so I didn’t feel the need to use them until I sprained my ankle at 38 weeks. And once again they were a huge and very necessary relief! If you find yourself at Lowes again this weekend and feel like your back and feet are aching, please remember: there’s a reason they ask people to give up seats for the elderly & pregnant on the subway–and it’s not because of conditions so much as mercy.
NOT trying to judge or scold, but rather offer reassurance and mercy to a beautiful mama who is great with child!! 🙂