Internet Consumer Blitz

I look enviously back on my pregnancy as a time of consumer bliss.  I went into each baby gear store with excitement and wonder, examining the clothes//prams/baskets/toys, and making careful considerations.  I researched everything, and, not wanting to be "one of those mothers" who end up with lots of things they don't need, decided to select only the most important items. I compared prices and brands, asked advice, made electronic wish lists for those friendly gift-givers who sought them out. Each purchase was a joy, each thing carefully stowed away for when it was needed. Friends gave me heaps of things, and I treated them with the same careful consideration, sorting by age and purpose.

Now, things have changed.  I find myself conducting a sort of consumer blitz on the things I need, somewhat like the television show "Supermarket  Sweep."  I tend to buy as much as I can, as fast as I can.

Example: Today, in James' music class, I saw how much he loved the rattles and drums.  And this afternoon, when home again with him, I found that he is now, at age 7 months, getting more easily bored.  He needs more entertainment.  So today I decided to commit complete attention to amusing him, rather than letting him play on his own, or just steering him towards the soft hanging toys with one hand and typing on my computer with the other.  (no judgement - you know you've done it too!) So, determined to pay attention to only him, I sang to him, clapped with him, created voices for his stuffed animals, lifted him in the air, walked with him, pointed things out in the room.  I checked my watch:  only 5 minutes had passed.  Gasp.

These two factors contributed to my rash decision, once James was in bed, to go to a toy website and buy a bunch of things that could help me musically entertain him.  But I didn't do price comparisons, or research. And of course I didn't consult my husband, as I would have done in the past.  I just chose a website that I thought might offer good educational toys, selected a few, and checked out.

I may have spent too much, or not got the best things, or (worse) bought a bunch of things that will serve only to clutter our apartment.  But it feels good knowing that in a few days time, a box will arrive with all kinds of colourful goodies (don't ask me which ones) for James to amuse himself with.

Ah, consumerism at its finest.