I have a new understanding for the mothers in the malls. You know the one: sitting on a bench, a glazed look in her eyes and a screaming baby or fussing toddler on her lap.

The days I most feel the need to get out of the house are the days when Angelie is least up to it. I'm forced to choose between her happiness or my own sanity. Sometimes a mom has to do what a mom has to do.