Twev1701.net

Sep
14
2009

Getting Close

We’re in the final countdown until Jackson arrives. My lovely wife has been carrying around the little guy for almost 36 1/2 weeks now, so that means he can literally make an appearance at any time. In fact, we’ve been getting all of the last minute running around accomplished over the past 2 weeks; we’ve done little else.

For example, we went to Sam’s Club this past Friday and stocked up on enough fresh food (meats) frozen food (instant meals) and non-perishables (paper goods, canned goods), that we have a fully stocked pantry and freezer for the next 2 months.

Both his baby bag and an over night back is packed and ready. This includes 2 outfits for Jackson, and a change of clothes for my wife and myself.

All of his wee clothes are washed, folded, and put away. Also, his room is 100% done and ready to be lived in. His crib is ready, already pre-stocked with stuffed animals, there are literally several hundred diapers stowed and ready, and most importantly, there is proper tech in the room.

On a slightly different note, Jess and I ended up having a most wonderful night last night. Feeling bad for her since she has been cooped up in the house for over a week, and needing a change of scenery myself, I picked her up after work and we went out. I was kind enough not to tell her where we were going until we were more than half way there to build some excitement. Our destination: The Crossing outlet store in Tannersville. While Jackson has plenty of clothes to enter this world with, he was needing some more socks and I was curious what good end of season deals we could find.

We made out like bandits!

Our first stop was Carter’s, which usually has great sales on kids clothes. We ended up leaving there with a cute turkey bib, an adorable dinosaur winter fleece outfit, and a few other items. After that, we walked around for a bit, had a nice little snack in the food court, and ended up at The Children’s Place Outlet Store. Jess we hesitant to go in since she loves their clothes, but that are usually quite pricey. Upon entering, we saw plenty of clearance signs. Being a ~~cheap bastard~~ frugal shopper, I looked around at the price signs before the clothes.

$12.99 — too much.

$7.99 — still too much.

$5.99 — closer, but they can do better.

That’s when I hit the motherload. Off the in back corner there were several circular racks with that Holiest of Holy signs perched above each rack — $1.99 & Under. BING! I shuffled my way over there and started looking. These were all summer clothes. Not good for the coming season, but then again, we are pretty stocked up in the winter clothes department. So, I start looking at 6-9 months clothing and am thinking spring/summer. A few minutes later my very exited wife calls me over to a rack where she is holding up a cute shirt. She exclaims, “Look honey, these are only $1.99!” I hold up the bushel of clothing in my arms and say, “I know!” We both laugh and start to go through what I have already picked out. In the end, we scored 5 pairs of shorts and 13 tops for under $35. Our son now has quite a respectable spring/summer wardrobe. Go us for thinking ahead!

After our adventure in shopping, we head home but take a detour on 380 to Scranton, where we have a most excellent meal at Texas Roadhouse. After that, it’s home to sort through all of his new clothing, watch the new episode of Mad Men, and then some Stargate Atlantis in bed. All in all, a most excellent night.

On one last thing before we head off to our weekly obstetrician appointment. We have finally decided on a middle name for our son. His officially name is: Jackson Gabriel Shafer.