Crying at Payless

I took Annabell and Liam to Payless to find sneakers yesterday. Liam was easy, being a boy with zero preference for one style over another. Annabell was a bit more excited about the venture, and wanted to try on every pretty pair she could find, regardless of price or practicality.

Thanks to some bargaining and a handy coupon, we found what we needed for a great deal, but as we were getting ready to leave, I hesitated while walking past the infant/toddler section. Annabell stopped next to me, and somehow sensing my thoughts, grabbed the most adorable pair of baby girl's shoes.

"Mommy, can we get these for our baby?" she asked.

Believe it or not, I didn't immediately say no. After spending over thirty minutes trying the squeeze every possible nickel out of our purchase, I was standing there actually considering shelling out another $20 on a pair of shoes for a child we don't even have. A child who might very well turn out to be a boy.

Of course, my rational mind stepped in and sadly told her no, not yet. But I had to reign in my emotions before continuing to checkout. I doubt the sales clerk has seen many people brought to tears by the Payless inventory. And since she was already giving me a break on Liam's pair, I didn't want to abuse her good graces.

So I left the store holding two boxes of sneakers, two children's hands, and one more dream to add to the ever-growing list - shoes for my Rwandan baby.

Unfortunately for the poor sales clerk, I doubt I'll be able to buy them for real without blubbering at least a little bit.