Friday.
It started out as a normal day.
I sorted Eva's clothes.
Long sleeves away and made a "needs for summer list."
Then we took a trip to Target.
We picked out some pink sandals...
and some new shorts.
Then our cart's wheel was broke.
I pushed-shoved the cart back up front and started making the switch.
All the goodies in first and then I went to put Eva in the new cart.
The seat was stuck on the little sandals box.
So I sat her down on the floor and went to work on unsticking the seat.
A second later I hear that infamous giggle...
the "I am doing something rotton" giggle.
It was coming from the other side of the carts, in the One-Spot Area.
Around I went with the cart calling her name.
Then I hear it again... from further away.
I get around the isle and I see her across the store...
all the way in the back of jewelry.
Giggles and she starts running.
I ditched the cart and started racing towards her.
Shouting Freeze, Stop, Don't Run!!!
Gone.
I am calling her name and racing around.
No more giggles and no more Eva.
I am trying not to freak.
I start calling her name and saying I am going to get her.
Hoping, praying to hear my naughty giggly monster.
Nope.
Another lady sees me and starts helping.
Then some Target employees.
I am freaking out.
Sweating and trying hard not to be hysterical.
Racing around, calling her name.
Describing her over and over and then handing over my phone with a picture.
They are checking people at the doors...
and there is a cop now.
Don't worry, they say, this happens all the time.
We will find her any second...
the little ones always start crying for their mommy.
20 agonizing minutes, felt like hours later...
We find her.
Men's Department...
hiding in pants rack.
Hi mommy.
I found a grumbly cave.
Big, huge smile.
I cried.
Everyone else laughed...
even the cop.
I thought about strangling her...
but couldn't stop hugging her to do it.
29 comments:
oh, I am NOT laughing. My worst was when I was on a pic-nic with a large group of college kids, in the middle of a HUGE Paris park. One of the kids decided to take Melissa on a walk without telling me...It was the same thing - like 15 or 20 minutes. AWFUL. I'm so glad she's ok. I hope you are too....
OMG, I would have been totally freaking out, too! So glad she was okay!
Oh dear, they can be fast and quiet when they want to be!
Glad all turned out alright.
Oh Nessa, I am tearing up because I can feel your absolute panic. C has gotten away from me before and it is ridiculous how quickly your mind assumes the worst. I am so glad she was safe and sound. We need to get these kids leashes...
OH MY GOSH. TWENTY MINUTES??!! I would have died. And you, in your delicate condition and all! That little stinker!
I'm so sorry you had to experience that! I know first hand my son hid in a store in the mall. I ran out the store not able to find him and yelled his name. Time stood still and it was like everythig was in slow motion. He was under the table right next to my stroller right where I was standing and just didn't say anything until he came out thinking he was playing. I think I held him that whole day!
Oh sweet Jesus! T-W-E-N-T-Y minutes, bless your heart. OH I would have lost it! SO glad that lil monster is ok! Phewwww.
LOVE that little monster grin though. Adorable shot as always! Thanks for linking up my friend!
I'm so sorry this happend. This made me tear up just thinking about how it must of felt. My heart skips a beat even when my son is out of my sight for a nano second when we are at a store. I so glad everthing turned out ok.
God Nessa, this made me woozy. I need to go lie down. You and I will have a stiff drink once Deedle is here. Love to you, friend.
Also, I f*cking hate clothes racks for just this reason.
I once lost sight of Hannah for about ten seconds. I can't imagine twenty minutes. So sorry you had to go through that!
But I have to admit I laughed at the 'grumbly cave' part. Isn't it crazy how they give us heart attacks and then make us laugh ourselves silly right after?
O my gosh, I would have freaked out. Glad it turned out okay!
Oh, I would SO have freaked out too - but I´m glad she was in a great mood when you found her! :-)
Huh, I'm so happy that you found her!!! <3
OMG, I had a heart attack just reading the post never mind if it actually happened to me. I'm so glad you found her. Seriously, the children are always the death of the parent! Great pic, btw. She is so adorable!
What a terrible experience, a mother's worst nightmare. I'm so glad you found her ok in a grumbly cave, bless her she has no idea the horror she has put you through x x x
What a nightmare! I couldn't imagine that..and having to deal with that WHILE pregnant! Glad she was okay.
OH my goodness....
First off - she is going to be a heartbreaker...that photo...
...and then I actually read the story -- oh my goodness. 20 minutes!? That must have felt like a lifetime...and then the quiet "Hi Mommy" at the end -- oh my heavens mama --- oh my heavens ---
Oh good Heavens!!!!!!!!!! This has never happend to me- however, it certainly tops my list of things I worry about every time I enter a store (& my kids are big now) :) Glad everything turned out okay.
OH MY GOSH Nessa! This had me in tears, seriously. Twenty minutes is a LONG time!! I can only imagine what you must have been feeling!
That's so scary! I've seen my mom be like that with my younger siblings. I'm so glad you found her.
Oh dear me, I was sweating with you when I read that. So glad she's okay. Good thing she is so adorable, huh? No more heart attacks for mommy!
Lovely picture. Hope your little cutie stays put!
Oooooh my, you poor thing! I am so glad that ordeal is over with for you and she is safe and sound. What a beautiful photo of a beautiful girl - I held my breath reading your whole story!
Oh my, she's gorgeous and Oh my, I would've about died as well! I about cried reading it (I'm a little emotional right now I guess lol). I just can't imagine!
Ah man that sound tortuous. 20 minutes you poor thing. It's happened to me and I felt like my world stopped. They are so quick and small and can hide anywhere. Hugs and kisses.
Oh my goodness!!! What a nightmare!!! Poor baby and poor mama!! I am so glad that everything worked out and she was okay! That photo of her is beyond gorgeous!
I have been there, done that, felt the racing heart, the sweating, the fear. SO happy this turned out well, now for the good part.
Your photo of her is precious. the light in her eyes, is magnificent! Joining you from finagle a foto
That i my worst nightmare - wow! I know if I am out with my almost 2 yr old daughter, and I turn around and can't see her for one second, my heart stops and I freak out inside. I can't imagine 20 minutes. I would need to be put in the looney bin! Wow! :( Glad it all worked out! Super Cute picture by the way!!
How terrifying this must have been! When I lose sight of my little guy for 2 seconds I totally panic, never mind 20 minutes!! Good for you for holding it together.
One of THE SCARIEST fears I have.
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