Mama on the run!

So, today marks a full month since my water broke (actually, Sunday morning at 9am). I have only been outside three times since then, and once in three weeks. My mom called me this a.m. and said "Erin, you need to get outside today!". I agreed. Joe had said the same thing earlier this a.m., and I woke up ready to take the next step. Once Amelia had a good feeding this afternoon, I handed her to Joe and told him to call my cell phone if he needs me. Then, I set out to Central Square on foot to buy the last of my Christmas gifts.
I felt like a teenager sneaking out at night (let's hope that Amelia does not take after me as a teen). I felt a nervous thrill as I huffed it, singlemindedly, to the Gap. I noticed the holiday decorations and lights, since I had last been out the day after Thanksgiving when decorations were just being set. I passed anyone who was walking even mildly fast, walked into the Gap, grabbed a gift within two minutes of being in the store, and made my way to the counter. The retail clerk asked me "how are you today?" To which I replied (in one breath), "Good, my newborn is at home, need to get back before she needs another feeding..." The clerk replied "Ah. Congratulations. Don't worry, she'll be fine." So, I asked her, "oh, do you have kids??" To which she replied, "No." Oh. Somehow, though, it reassured me momentarily that all was well.
I quickly left the store and began my speed walk back home... until I passed a Starbucks. I was feeling adventurous now, but didn't want to press my luck. I called Joe to see if Amelia was ok, and he told me she was awake and content. So, I stopped off to treat myself to a Starbucks! Oh, the luxury! Then, I huffed it back home with a smile on my face as if I'd just summitted a mountain.
This whole adventure took about 20 minutes, and Amelia was happily swaddled and resting on Daddy's chest when I returned. I was so chatty when I arrived home, after so many days of being inside. Freedom never tasted so good!
(As a last note, I saw a woman with a toddler (girl) on my way and felt so excited at the thought of Amelia and I out in the world!)