Shopper is emerging

"Excuse me, excuse me," the tiny voice called to the bakery worker. Niranjana was peeking around the counter at the grocery store, trying to get the baker's attention. "We need Jasmine cupcakes for my school."

Yes, we ordered turquoise-frosted cupcakes for next week's birthday snack day at preschool. The poor bakery worker, who had a hearing aid, wasn't sure which one was Jasmine. She disappeared for a few minutes and emerged with a bag full of Disney princess cupcake toppers. Yay! Jasmine was among those available. Niranjana was rewarded with a free cookie by the baker. Extra points for cuteness.

Then Niranjana helped me count out how many "cow over the moon" milks we should get. They're on sale in the nutrition center for $1.00 — a steal compared to the $1.60 at Starbucks. And she'll drink it! I am willing spend a little more on Horizon organic milk for her, since we finally figured out that she likes it.

And she successfully ran my Rewards card through the card-reader at the checkout, on the first try.

While it sounds like I'm on the verge of having a true apprentice, keep in mind this grocery trip resulted in $14 spent today, about $20 preordered, a trip to the restroom, hopping in circles on the alphabet tiles, scooting the basket along the floor, nearly knocking over a display of Chateau Ste Michelle merlot, etc. So it took an energetic 45 minutes to do 15 minutes worth of shopping.