3 Places. Part 1

It has been a little over a year and there are 3 places, well almost, that I have not returned to since Karissa has been gone. Each place was part of our weekly routine. Sometimes we would visit 2-3 times a week if needed.

Number one: Target

Karissa and I went to Target (I know, who doesn't go there) on a weekly basis. Sometimes we would go even twice a week. I LOVED going to Target. I loved going with Karissa. We would always go in the morning to avoid the crowds. It was part of our little routine. I made my list and we were off. Karissa was my little shopping buddy. She was always so good when we shopped. Never made a fuss. Just liked to hang out with me. Content and happy. I was so blessed.

Mark and I went to Target right after Karissa was born. I think she was 3 days old. I remember how proud I was to carry my new baby in the sling/peanut shell. I never bothered with carrying her in the car seat or putting it in the shopping cart. I think I did that once. I hated having her in the car seat when we shopped. I was always 'wearing' her. I wouldn't have it any other way!! That day we bought 'The Boppy.' I wanted it to make nursing more comfortable.

A week before Karissa was to start in her special day class, my sister, her Aunt Chelsea, took her shopping for some clothes. Karissa had just turned 3 years old. My sister spoiled her that day. So special. Shortly after that, my mom-in-law and I went back to buy Karissa a few (ok, more than a few) more clothes. I wanted to stock up for the summer!

The very last time we went to Target with Karissa was when we were on our vacation in La Quinta. It was 8 days before she died. It was a Monday. We were with Mark's parents. I still have the receipt from our last outing.

A year later, I still have not set foot in Target. I have such good memories but yet I cannot bring myself to go back.