Do you Zhu Zhu?

OK, I have officially crossed the line as a parent. Until yesterday morning I had never even heard of a "Zhu Zhu" pet. I ran over to drop off some stuff for my mom yesterday morning, and when I got there, my mom gave me a credit card and said "You have to go get Zhu Zhu pets and accessories for Matthew and Molly." Um, what? What are Zhu Zhu pets?? Then began my research. I learned all about the little stuffed gerbils that "learn" and act like real pets. They have lots of accessories, like a house, running ball, a car that it can learn to drive, blankets, carriers, even clothes. And, they are the "must have" gift this year. Think cabbage patch kids, furbees, etc. I have always thought those crazy people who stalked toy stores, waiting in line, running to the aisle, fighting over the "it" toy were complete and total nut bags. Until it was me.

That's right. I waited in line for two mornings at Toys R Us with the other crazies. We fervently shared our stories of our children and our quests for the Zhu Zhus. We waited excitedly for the clerk to open the door at exactly 10:00 this morning (not 10:01, as there would have been an angry mob by that point). We tried to retain some dignity, as we only race-walked through the store--we did not actually break into a run. But by 10:02, the shelves were clean as we had completely and thoroughly wiped them out of all things Zhu Zhu.

Please forgive me. Please don't judge. This is my admission. I have turned a parent corner--I have become that parent--the one that throws dignity and decorum out the window all to see the giant smiles on the faces of her little darlings. And I'm proud.