KOHL'S

Today me and Danny went to Kohl's just to get out of the house for a while. Danny seemed to enjoy it (of course he was bribed with snacks). We were there about 2 hours just browsing.

Right now they have a series of stuffed animals based on books by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle. All of the proceeds go to programs aimed at keeping kids healthy. Danny saw the stuffed animals and wanted one. In an effort to keep him content while I was looking around I figured giving him one wouldn't hurt. Usually, he'll hold something, get bored with it, or forget about it, and I can put it back without him really caring. I figured if worse came to worse and he liked them, I had a coupon and the proceeds went to charity so it wouldn't be so bad. He chose the leopard and the bear. (On a side note, lately, I've been trying really hard to be more frugal and aware of my spending so I was really looking forward to using the coupon I had.)

To my surprise he hugged them.........and hugged them..............and hugged them. He had really taken a liking to them so I figured I'd just get them for him. As we headed toward the register, however, I noticed I had left the coupon in the car. This is where I knew things might get really ugly because going to get the coupon would mean taking the stuffed animals away from Danny but, I had to. I was determined to make better financial choices. I asked the cashier if she could hold our stuff while I went to the car. Usually, when I ask Danny for something he'll give it me. So, he gave me the bear, but as soon as he realized what was happening..................oh my goodness, you should of seen us! Me AND the cashier were trying to take away the leopard while Danny held on for dear life. The more we pulled, the tighter he'd hold it. It was the cutest thing. There was a split second where I wondered if it was worth it, but I had to be strong.

Finally, I was able to take it away and of course, he started to cry. It broke my heart because it wasn't a tantrum cry, he was genuinely hurt (not physically). And even though I was tempted not to go back to the store, I knew how important this was for him so I decided to go back. It was the most precious moment, once he was reunited with his friends, he was so happy and content! When we got to the car I had to weave his seat belt through his little arms and the stuffed animals because he refused to let them go. Now, did I make a good choice by giving into his cries, I'm not sure, only the next shopping trip will tell. All I know is that he was trying to tell me something and I chose to listen. That's not to say that he's going to get everything that he wants everytime we go to the store but seeing him cry like that and then seeing how content and happy he was once he got the stuffed animals was priceless.