It's Getting Easier!!!

After Bobby outgrew a stroller and shopping cart, taking him with me was.....well, exhausting.  In no way whatsoever was taking Bobby to any store fun.  At the beginning of last summer, working on Bobby's shopping skills was one of my main goals.  His behavioral therapist even came out with us to the mall to help develop some shopping strategies.

I'm so excited to say that each time that we have gone out it has been just a little easier.  In fact, the past 3 times that we have gone into a store, I have not had to hold on to Bobby in any way.  I never, ever, never, ever dreamed that this would be the case.

Because today is a snow day and the roads cleared off early, I decided to take Bobby to the grocery store to work on one of his waiver goals (Title XIX Waiver are the services that Bobby receives through the state).  Today's goal, Bobby is to locate 3 items from a list to purchase.  I didn't have picture cards with me, I wasn't really planning on this little trip today, I was planning on him being in school.  Instead, I verbally told him what to find.

First up "bananas," he went right over to the bananas, picked up a bunch and placed them in the basket that I was carrying.  Next "apples," again he went right over and found them.  I got a bag that I knew that he would actually eat.  He doesn't realize that Mommy squeezes all of the apples to find the most firm because Bobby won't touch an apple that is the least bit soft.  Next on our list, "pretzels." These are in the health food section of the store because they are a gluten free variety, he went right over and found the hole where they belong.  Someone bought all of the Snyders Gluten Free Honey Mustard pretzels, of all the nerve!!!!  He picked up the Hot Buffalo Wing flavored instead.  He hasn't tried them yet, but my guess is that he will like them, if he doesn't I'm sure Daddy will.

He already made his goal of finding 3 items!!  Whoo Hoo!!  Since he was doing so well, Mommy pressed on.  I also realized that there weren't many people in the store, so I got out my phone and started snapping some pictures.

Next on our list, "bacon."

Hey, wait a minute, that's not bacon!!!  He studied this shelf for a while.

No, you can't have the family sized Cheetos.  Try again!!!

Yes, you may have a regular sized bag of plain.  He gently placed it in the basket like it was a new born baby!!  OK Bobby, now find the bacon!

He walked right over to the bacon section and picked up a package of center cut Oscar Myer bacon, the only kind that Bobby will eat.  However, he picked up thick cut and I swapped it out for regular sliced because he won't eat the thick.  Oh Bobby, you are such a complicated eater!!!

Next on the list, "french fries."

I didn't even have to tell him which aisle, he went straight to the correct case.  I just stood back to see what he would do.

 He opened the door and pulled out the one that he wanted....waffle fries.

He walked over and put into into the basket.

He then walked to the cashier with me and stood nicely until he realized that the crackers were right behind us.  He ran over and picked up a box of Cheeze Its, I put them back and told him he already had a treat, potato chips.  He was fine and came to the cash register with me.  Waited while I paid and he carried the bag of apples to the car and I carried the other two bags.  He opened his car door, got in and we went home.

I honestly didn't foresee a future where Bobby could walk independently through a store.  Ahhhhh, it's getting easier.