The Things We Do For Our Kids...

Hatchimals - many parents worst nightmare, unless you found one. 

This furry, egg-incubating interactive critter has been the talk of our house for months. Harper has named it her #1 item on both her birthday and Christmas list - only problem is, they're sold out everywhere. No seriously, EVERYWHERE!

We first saw Hatchimals at Target earlier this year and Harper immediately tried convincing Mitch and myself that she "needed" one of these toys for either her birthday or Christmas. It was barely Fall, so I disregarded her interest in what Target had already labeled a "hot toy." I assumed it was her "December birthday blues" talking since we've been counting down the months, days, hours, minutes and seconds to her birthday since August. She stood in the aisle, holding this egg hatching creature explaining to me, "it's seriously so cool, Mom." I uttered the words I must have said a million times so far this year, "that would be a great thing to add to your list." She agreed, placed it back on the shelf and we were on our way. 

Weeks later I noticed they were on sale at Target, but happened to be sold out. I didn't think too much of it but mentioned to Mitch that we should probably buy one of these weird Tamagotchi/Furby like toys for Harper since she's regularly brings it up. Later that night I decided I'd just order it online since they were sold out at the Maple Grove store, boy was I in for a rude awakening. 

I feverishly searched the web, but nothing. Target - out of stock. Toys R' Us - out of stock. Walmart - out of stock. Amazon - in stock, but at least double the price. At that moment I went from slightly interested in this silly toy to obsessed with finding one. Mitch told me I was crazy, but I promised him "I will get one of these." (BTW, I blame this crazy, obsessive behavior on my Grandma Josie and my Aunts. It's clear I get it honest.) 

Over the last couple months I've checked Target's app regularly for the availability of Hatchimals, only to see the dreaded grey words "out of stock" under the 9 stores closest to our home. I've asked relatives in Illinois, Missouri and even Alaska to regularly scan the toy aisle on their trips to Target or Wal-Mart - but nothing. I had mentally prepared myself to be that Mom who stood outside in a monstrous line on Black Friday (or even Thanksgiving) to ensure I could get one of these toys. Otherwise I'd be writing a letter from St. Nick with a Target gift card explaining that "the elves got a little backed up on making Hatchimals this year, but here is a gift card to buy one when you see them on the shelves again." 

Last night while Harper was at dance class I overhead another Mom talking about her excessive search for a Hatchimal. I quickly invited myself into the conversation and see how her experience has been and if she had any advice - which she did. She was way more dedicated than me. She called three stores every morning, everyday to see if they had any in stock. That was advice I wasn't going to take, but she also mentioned to check the Target app for availability around 5am-6am. The thought was if they restocked overnight, it would show in the inventory on the app. That seemed do-able to me, and I decided to keep that trick in my back pocket. A couple taps on my phone and I could tell if the grey "out of stock" had the glorious green "available" under the store location - easy peasy. 

This morning as I got ready for work, I remembered that woman's advice. I quickly tapped my Target app icon, searched "Hatchimals" and clicked on the image of the eggy toy. I froze. Under "Maple Grove North" I noticed green text, not grey. Available. AVAILABLE! I quickly took a screenshot and sent it my Mom. I followed that text up with a call to warn her I may be making a pre-work Target trip and I'd be dropping the kids off a little later than usual. She didn't answer, but I continued concocting my plan. Mitch was already gone, so I realized Harper and Emmett had to come with me. I debated if I wanted to bring Harper, since she was going to be the recipient of said toy. After a quick internal discussion I decide I didn't care - if I could get one of these Hatchimals I was going to, with or without Harper in tow. 

Our kiddos are not fast movers in the morning. We have to wake them up daily and practically drag them out of bed each morning. I knew I was racing against the clock. I also knew I likely needed to get there right at 7am when the doors opened if I wanted a shot to buy this "must have" toy. I shared my plan with Harper, but tried to preface it by saying "If we don't get one, that's okay. We'll just keep looking." She hopped out of bed, ran downstairs and put on her shoes. Within minutes she was in the car, ready to go. 

I pulled into the Target parking lot to see a handful of people waiting outside the door in a quasi-line. I lugged the kids out of the car (E still in jammies, don't judge) and joined the group. I thought it was strange that it was me, one other woman and about 7 grown men huddled outside the Target glass doors. I quickly found out all the men were there for the Cities 97 Sampler, not Hatchimals. The other woman and I were on the same page and got the inside scoop from an employee waiting outside. He shared they were releasing 4 today. He provided the exact aisle number and wished us good luck. 

The doors opened, we scooted back to the toys and immediately went to the aisle as directly. Three Hatchimals stared us in the face. Harper quickly grabbed one and shrieked "WE GOT A HATCHIMAL!!!" 

I felt victorious and she was literally beaming. Emmett wasn't as excited as us girls for our find, but he did try to coax me into buying him Sour Patch Kids while standing in the checkout line, at 7am. (no, he did not get them). I told her she'd have to wait until her birthday to open it, she didn't argue. Since we were able to find the Hatchimal on our own, she's coming up with a new idea for Santa. 

I arrived 30 minutes later than usual to work, but it was totally worth it. Harper told me before I left, "I am going to be a great Mom to my little Hatchy." I have no doubt that she will! 

Tired, cold but OH SO HAPPY!

Since it's been a while since I last posted, I realized I didn't share any Halloween photos. Below are snippets of our pumpkin carving and Halloween celebrations. It was E's first year trick-or-treating and he was in absolute heaven. In case you're wondering, M&M's are his favorite. Mario and Princess Peach stole our hearts - as always.

Until next time...

The Helleen's