I had to take L with me to the local supermarket today, which means we are once again the proud owners of a giant Mylar balloon. When the baby is involved, you see, supermarket trip = balloon.

Yes, I’m that much of a pushover.

The routine started a few months ago. We were entertaining and I needed to bring the baby with me on a quick trip to stock up on ice. As soon as we waltzed into the Safeway, she noticed these giant Mylars and went crazy until I grabbed her one. We played with that first balloon for our entire visit. When we got to the check-out, I simply didn’t have the heart to put it back.

Our last few visits have played out in exactly the same fashion. We walk in, she spots the balloons, she identifies one she likes, and she points and squeals and performs other adorable tricks until I grab it, affix it to the cart and make it ours.

Every visit, we come home with a new friend. Every visit, the bill is $6.99 more than it should be.

Today’s trip was no exception. Our new balloon friend: A giant smiley face (it evokes that scary balloon from the local “Young People’s Day Camp” commercials of the 1980s) with ten purple “rays” protruding from it.

Mr. Balloon currently sits in our living room. If he continues to float through Thursday, it will be a miracle. But he makes L happy, and that is all that matters to this pushover of a Dad.