Ah Spring! That wonderful time of the year when everything starts growing, including my garden!
Well, that's the general idea, anyway.
I got a bit of a late start. I haven't started my warm-weather crops yet, and I have two 9-packs of Broccoli waiting to be buried, but I've got other seeds in the ground. I'm hoping I have a decent garden this year, since I signed up to have a booth at the Farmer's Market.
Of course I am not relying on just my crops. I will be selling crafts again, only this time instead of having them all at once, I'll rotate crafts for something different each Saturday.
I hope I have better luck this year than last. I made diddly last year. Oh well, maybe second time's the charm.
The girls are getting so big! And so active. They want to be outside all the time, which is hard, because they are both fair-skinned, and we all fry at the drop of a hat. Forty-five minutes at the park, and Taea and I were both pink. Dunno how Esther escaped! I can't wait for the trees at the park to get their leaves so we can play in the shade!
Anyway, life is moving along. We got a new dishwasher, and it is doing a better job than the last one. I'm hoping we can continue to work on the house and make things better.
Gotta go break up a baby fight. Ah, the joys of motherhood!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Vacationing With Babies 101
Okay, yeah, I just went on vacation, and yes, I'm still recovering!
Driving 800+ miles with two babies ain't for the faint of heart. Especially in winter. We ended up trapped in Pocatello and had to stay overnight because the roads turned into a giant ice rink.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. For the uninformed, we drove up to Oregon for my brother's wedding. We went up a week early so we could see some of the sights up there. We took the girls to the zoo, and went to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, Seaside, and Lloyd Center. That last one was a bit scary, the clientele there isn't exactly the salt of the Earth. We heard there was a shooting there the evening after we shopped there. I certainly won't be going back any time soon!
Anyway, we got to the actual wedding day, which was hectic. And that is putting it mildly. Due to an overly long to-do list, our trailer didn't get loaded until the morning of the wedding, so I ended up at the church two hours late to decorate for the reception. All things considered, I think we pulled it off fairly well. We had a decent turnout, including some people I literally haven't seen in a decade! Ryan and Lisa made such an adorable couple, and except for some wardrobe issues (Lisa's dress was too long and we had no time to hem it!), everything went pretty smoothly. Oh, and word to the wise...when using a chocolate fountain, make sure you have a food grade mini-strainer to pull out crumbs.
Some survival tips for parents traveling with young children--these are things we used on this trip, and for the most part, it worked!
1. Do not try to bottle break a baby right before a trip. I don't care what Great Aunt Dorothy says about your kid being too old, if Baby Timmy doesn't have his ba-ba for a long trip, and he's only been off it a week, both of you will suffer for it!
2. GET A DVD PLAYER! Yes, they can be expensive, but man is it worth it! We took a trip for Thanksgiving and, unfortunately, we did the first half of the drive without the player. Two hours straight of screaming. I kid you not. We ended up stopping a little earlier than we thought for our overnight stay because the babies refused to go to sleep.
Oh, and make sure you spend a little extra on a good brand, and don't forget the warranty. We've gone through three players in the last four months, one of which only lasted one day before the screen went bad. And get one of those carriers that suspends it between the front seats, it will save it from being kicked to death by little feet. If you can afford it, get a permanently mounted player.
3. New Toys-When you're taking a vacation and spending a bundle already, you probably don't need another expense. But when traveling with children under five, get a few new toys. Yes, even if they are noisy, it is worth it. The best ones are ones with lots of buttons to push, interactive board books, that kind of things. These toys would be "car toys", or toys only to be used in the car. The novelty will help to keep Little Janey from screaming for at least a short time, which may be all you need to get to Grandma's house without ending up in a strait jacket.
4. Snacks--Yes, I know I am going to be lynched by dentists everywhere for this one, but again, it is worth it to maintain peace. If you are going on a trip, take a variety of snacks. Some good healthy ones, like apple slices, carrots, celery, and anything else that's fun to munch. Also take a few snacks that your kids may not ordinarily be allowed to have. Sometimes you can get good behavior just with the enticement of those frosted animal crackers, when usually they can only have plain ones.
That is eating between meals, of course, which isn't good for teeth or their weight, but if you moderate the sugary stuff, and maybe pack a toothbrush in your purse for rest stops, you can save yourself a lot of aggravation. If you time the snacks right, you won't ruin their appetite for meals.
5. Comfortable Clothing-You're driving cross-country to go to Disneyland, and you just stopped for the night. You wake up the next morning in your hotel room, and realize that Little Susy's suitcase is at the bottom of the pile in the trunk.
What do you do?
Well, if Little Suzy is in PJs, maybe it would be better to just leave it that way! She will be less likely to wiggle and squirm in her seat if you save that pretty chiffon number for your actual destination. Anything that might make a child uncomfortable, like tight elastic waistbands, or even making them wear their shoes in the car, should be avoided. In fact, taking those shoes off may save the aforementioned DVD player from an untimely destruction.
6. Stick to routine if possible, but be flexible-when traveling, it is nearly impossible to stick to the child's normal routine, such as bedtime. Don't be surprised if, when you arrive at your destination two hours after Little Johnny's bedtime, he is bouncing wildly on the queen size motel bed instead of nodding off. Children can get sudden bursts of energy when their body thinks they have to stay up longer, so it might take longer to get them to sleep.
If they have a regular bedtime routine, don't sacrifice it just because you are in a strange place. Bring along their regular lovey and blanket, this can make them feel more comfortable. If they usually have a bath right before bed, stick to it. You might even bring along a few bath toys. Maintaining a bedtime routine will help calm them, since their body equates these routines with sleep.
Morning routines should also be observed as much as possible. Naptime in the car isn't easy, but it can be done. Quiet the car, tuck them in with their lovey and blanket as usual, and make sure they are in a seat that gives sufficient head and neck support. If not, you might want to invest in, or make, one of those horseshoe shaped neck pillows. Nothing is worse than a toddler with a headache, that can't TELL you they have one. If you are driving at an angle that puts sun in their face, get a window shade. Yes, they make them for minivans too, you can find the right shade for your car at just about any Wal-mart or Target.
7. Sticking to rules-just because Grandma thinks it's okay to turn her living room into a jungle gym, doesn't mean it is okay. Whatever rules you have at home, stick to them on the road. If you are a flexible parent, and don't have a lot of rules for guest decorum, you might want to rehearse such rules a few weeks before going so there are no surprises for the kids upon arrival.
Even so, if your kid gets a little overly excited, and does something they would normally NEVER do at home, try not to go postal. Being in a strange place and off schedule is likely to do strange things to their memory. Remind them gently how they are expected to behave, and if they are bored, try to find something to keep them occupied. Your hosts may not have toys and activities for kids, so either make arrangements beforehand, or bring stuff with you. Remember those new toys we discussed...? If you are comfortable doing so, ask where the neighborhood park is, and let them wear out a little energy. Your hosts might enjoy a walk and sit outside as well, rather than staying in a stuffy house.
8. These tips apply to parents too! If you are on a diet, try not to be too hard on yourself when you nibble on one of those forbidden frosted animal crackers. You are on vacation, and it is supposed to be fun. If the rest of the family is having a great time munching on cotton candy and fried Twinkies, how are you going to feel watching them? No, that is not license to totally blow off your diet, but have a little fun. Make sure your regular meals are balanced. And hey, when you consider the calories you are burning off carrying a 50 pound diaper bag, a 25 pound purse, and a 14 pound baby plus carrier, you'll probably come out better than your normal routine!
Make sure you follow the clothing rules for yourself. Invest in a nice jogging outfit or two that fits loosely, and maybe some sandals you can kick off in the car. If you plan to go to Disneyland or somewhere that requires a lot of walking, skip the fashionable platforms that could make you twist your ankle and settle for some comfortable sneakers. Preferably some that have good insoles, or even airsoles. Remember the mantra "If Mama ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy!" If you get in a bad mood, it's likely to rub off on the rest of the family. Babies are especially good at sensing tension, so try to keep things cool.
9. Remember that breadwinners may be a little stressed from all this togetherness with the kids. Whichever one spends the most time at work, whether Dad or Mom, may not be as familiar with the kids' quirks, and so they may be easily stressed when a kid is fussy or whiny. The primary caregiver should be understanding of this stress, and explain things calmly when possible. Moms, remember that even if this is your vacation, he may not be entirely capable if picking up your slack when you just don't feel like taking care of things. Dads, TRY ANYWAY! Your whole family will be much happier if you are both enjoying yourselves, instead of feeling like a pack mule/maid/nanny.
10. Have fun, but don't overdo it! Nothing is more boring to a kid than enforced hours in a car. If you have young children, try to plan for a vacation that centers in one area. If you are planning a driving vacation to see many sights across the country, try to wait until the kids are old enough to entertain themselves, and appreciate what you are showing them. A three-year-old won't care how many men it took to carve Mount Rushmore, all he cares about is that you won't let him pick up all the neat rocks. Try to go for age-appropriate activities, keep naps and bedtimes in mind when planning, and if your kid is about to have a meltdown, don't be afraid to take things off the to-do list. Trust me, those fun little side trips are no fun at all with a screaming kid in tow. And if they have had too much time in the car, and are wiggling like they've got fire ants in their pants, try having dinner at a McDonalds with a playland, or a Chuck E Cheese, instead of the sit-down at Olive Garden. Your dinner will be much more enjoyable if your children are happy too.
11. Safety first! Practically anywhere you go, there are strangers that might, just might, have ill intentions toward your family. If you are planning to go somewhere with young children that has lots of people crowding around you, make sure you can reach out and touch your child at all times. I hate to make anyone paranoid, but let's face it, there are sick people out there. If your child is the type that likes to see how far they can get away from you, invest in a double stroller, or buy one of those cute animal backpacks with a leash. Again, these can be purchased at nearly any store that carries baby products. Physical contact is the best preventative of kidnapping.
Just as scary as kidnapping is the safety of the places you are going. If you have all children under five, taking them to the biggest roller coaster in the park is probably a bad idea. If you want to ride the thrill rides, and your kids can't handle it, trade off with your spouse/partner. One of your rides while the other babysits, preferably in a place where the kids can be easily restrained. Make sure the kids get in on age-appropriate action as well. The Dumbo cars can usually hold most grown adults, so take your kids for rides. The carousel is usually okay for kids of all ages so long as a parent is with them. I have taken my babies on the carousel horses with me, and if you are properly strapped in, and have a good grip, they usually don't go fast enough to be dangerous. There are many rides and activities for young kids if you know where to look.
Another scary little caveat is theft. Leave your Gucci bag at home, and I don't care how stupid it looks, try for a fanny pack, neck wallet, or backpack instead. You can usually bring those on most rides, and if you have a fancy stroller that you are worried about being stolen, rent one from the park. Try to leave as many personal belongings in a safe place in the car or hotel as you can. If you have stuff you just have to have with you in the park, like medications, but you don't want to carry it, look for lockers. Many parks have lockers inside the gates that can be rented for a nominal fee. It saves you a trip out to the parking lot, but keeps your stuff safe from sticky fingers.
12. Now that I've scared you, get out there and have fun! Vacations with little children ARE possible if you plan it right, and avoid overloading them. They may not have many clear memories of what you did, but if the vacation is done right, the good feelings of fun and family time can last for a lifetime, and make them all the more eager for the next family trip.
Happy Traveling!
Driving 800+ miles with two babies ain't for the faint of heart. Especially in winter. We ended up trapped in Pocatello and had to stay overnight because the roads turned into a giant ice rink.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. For the uninformed, we drove up to Oregon for my brother's wedding. We went up a week early so we could see some of the sights up there. We took the girls to the zoo, and went to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, Seaside, and Lloyd Center. That last one was a bit scary, the clientele there isn't exactly the salt of the Earth. We heard there was a shooting there the evening after we shopped there. I certainly won't be going back any time soon!
Anyway, we got to the actual wedding day, which was hectic. And that is putting it mildly. Due to an overly long to-do list, our trailer didn't get loaded until the morning of the wedding, so I ended up at the church two hours late to decorate for the reception. All things considered, I think we pulled it off fairly well. We had a decent turnout, including some people I literally haven't seen in a decade! Ryan and Lisa made such an adorable couple, and except for some wardrobe issues (Lisa's dress was too long and we had no time to hem it!), everything went pretty smoothly. Oh, and word to the wise...when using a chocolate fountain, make sure you have a food grade mini-strainer to pull out crumbs.
Some survival tips for parents traveling with young children--these are things we used on this trip, and for the most part, it worked!
1. Do not try to bottle break a baby right before a trip. I don't care what Great Aunt Dorothy says about your kid being too old, if Baby Timmy doesn't have his ba-ba for a long trip, and he's only been off it a week, both of you will suffer for it!
2. GET A DVD PLAYER! Yes, they can be expensive, but man is it worth it! We took a trip for Thanksgiving and, unfortunately, we did the first half of the drive without the player. Two hours straight of screaming. I kid you not. We ended up stopping a little earlier than we thought for our overnight stay because the babies refused to go to sleep.
Oh, and make sure you spend a little extra on a good brand, and don't forget the warranty. We've gone through three players in the last four months, one of which only lasted one day before the screen went bad. And get one of those carriers that suspends it between the front seats, it will save it from being kicked to death by little feet. If you can afford it, get a permanently mounted player.
3. New Toys-When you're taking a vacation and spending a bundle already, you probably don't need another expense. But when traveling with children under five, get a few new toys. Yes, even if they are noisy, it is worth it. The best ones are ones with lots of buttons to push, interactive board books, that kind of things. These toys would be "car toys", or toys only to be used in the car. The novelty will help to keep Little Janey from screaming for at least a short time, which may be all you need to get to Grandma's house without ending up in a strait jacket.
4. Snacks--Yes, I know I am going to be lynched by dentists everywhere for this one, but again, it is worth it to maintain peace. If you are going on a trip, take a variety of snacks. Some good healthy ones, like apple slices, carrots, celery, and anything else that's fun to munch. Also take a few snacks that your kids may not ordinarily be allowed to have. Sometimes you can get good behavior just with the enticement of those frosted animal crackers, when usually they can only have plain ones.
That is eating between meals, of course, which isn't good for teeth or their weight, but if you moderate the sugary stuff, and maybe pack a toothbrush in your purse for rest stops, you can save yourself a lot of aggravation. If you time the snacks right, you won't ruin their appetite for meals.
5. Comfortable Clothing-You're driving cross-country to go to Disneyland, and you just stopped for the night. You wake up the next morning in your hotel room, and realize that Little Susy's suitcase is at the bottom of the pile in the trunk.
What do you do?
Well, if Little Suzy is in PJs, maybe it would be better to just leave it that way! She will be less likely to wiggle and squirm in her seat if you save that pretty chiffon number for your actual destination. Anything that might make a child uncomfortable, like tight elastic waistbands, or even making them wear their shoes in the car, should be avoided. In fact, taking those shoes off may save the aforementioned DVD player from an untimely destruction.
6. Stick to routine if possible, but be flexible-when traveling, it is nearly impossible to stick to the child's normal routine, such as bedtime. Don't be surprised if, when you arrive at your destination two hours after Little Johnny's bedtime, he is bouncing wildly on the queen size motel bed instead of nodding off. Children can get sudden bursts of energy when their body thinks they have to stay up longer, so it might take longer to get them to sleep.
If they have a regular bedtime routine, don't sacrifice it just because you are in a strange place. Bring along their regular lovey and blanket, this can make them feel more comfortable. If they usually have a bath right before bed, stick to it. You might even bring along a few bath toys. Maintaining a bedtime routine will help calm them, since their body equates these routines with sleep.
Morning routines should also be observed as much as possible. Naptime in the car isn't easy, but it can be done. Quiet the car, tuck them in with their lovey and blanket as usual, and make sure they are in a seat that gives sufficient head and neck support. If not, you might want to invest in, or make, one of those horseshoe shaped neck pillows. Nothing is worse than a toddler with a headache, that can't TELL you they have one. If you are driving at an angle that puts sun in their face, get a window shade. Yes, they make them for minivans too, you can find the right shade for your car at just about any Wal-mart or Target.
7. Sticking to rules-just because Grandma thinks it's okay to turn her living room into a jungle gym, doesn't mean it is okay. Whatever rules you have at home, stick to them on the road. If you are a flexible parent, and don't have a lot of rules for guest decorum, you might want to rehearse such rules a few weeks before going so there are no surprises for the kids upon arrival.
Even so, if your kid gets a little overly excited, and does something they would normally NEVER do at home, try not to go postal. Being in a strange place and off schedule is likely to do strange things to their memory. Remind them gently how they are expected to behave, and if they are bored, try to find something to keep them occupied. Your hosts may not have toys and activities for kids, so either make arrangements beforehand, or bring stuff with you. Remember those new toys we discussed...? If you are comfortable doing so, ask where the neighborhood park is, and let them wear out a little energy. Your hosts might enjoy a walk and sit outside as well, rather than staying in a stuffy house.
8. These tips apply to parents too! If you are on a diet, try not to be too hard on yourself when you nibble on one of those forbidden frosted animal crackers. You are on vacation, and it is supposed to be fun. If the rest of the family is having a great time munching on cotton candy and fried Twinkies, how are you going to feel watching them? No, that is not license to totally blow off your diet, but have a little fun. Make sure your regular meals are balanced. And hey, when you consider the calories you are burning off carrying a 50 pound diaper bag, a 25 pound purse, and a 14 pound baby plus carrier, you'll probably come out better than your normal routine!
Make sure you follow the clothing rules for yourself. Invest in a nice jogging outfit or two that fits loosely, and maybe some sandals you can kick off in the car. If you plan to go to Disneyland or somewhere that requires a lot of walking, skip the fashionable platforms that could make you twist your ankle and settle for some comfortable sneakers. Preferably some that have good insoles, or even airsoles. Remember the mantra "If Mama ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy!" If you get in a bad mood, it's likely to rub off on the rest of the family. Babies are especially good at sensing tension, so try to keep things cool.
9. Remember that breadwinners may be a little stressed from all this togetherness with the kids. Whichever one spends the most time at work, whether Dad or Mom, may not be as familiar with the kids' quirks, and so they may be easily stressed when a kid is fussy or whiny. The primary caregiver should be understanding of this stress, and explain things calmly when possible. Moms, remember that even if this is your vacation, he may not be entirely capable if picking up your slack when you just don't feel like taking care of things. Dads, TRY ANYWAY! Your whole family will be much happier if you are both enjoying yourselves, instead of feeling like a pack mule/maid/nanny.
10. Have fun, but don't overdo it! Nothing is more boring to a kid than enforced hours in a car. If you have young children, try to plan for a vacation that centers in one area. If you are planning a driving vacation to see many sights across the country, try to wait until the kids are old enough to entertain themselves, and appreciate what you are showing them. A three-year-old won't care how many men it took to carve Mount Rushmore, all he cares about is that you won't let him pick up all the neat rocks. Try to go for age-appropriate activities, keep naps and bedtimes in mind when planning, and if your kid is about to have a meltdown, don't be afraid to take things off the to-do list. Trust me, those fun little side trips are no fun at all with a screaming kid in tow. And if they have had too much time in the car, and are wiggling like they've got fire ants in their pants, try having dinner at a McDonalds with a playland, or a Chuck E Cheese, instead of the sit-down at Olive Garden. Your dinner will be much more enjoyable if your children are happy too.
11. Safety first! Practically anywhere you go, there are strangers that might, just might, have ill intentions toward your family. If you are planning to go somewhere with young children that has lots of people crowding around you, make sure you can reach out and touch your child at all times. I hate to make anyone paranoid, but let's face it, there are sick people out there. If your child is the type that likes to see how far they can get away from you, invest in a double stroller, or buy one of those cute animal backpacks with a leash. Again, these can be purchased at nearly any store that carries baby products. Physical contact is the best preventative of kidnapping.
Just as scary as kidnapping is the safety of the places you are going. If you have all children under five, taking them to the biggest roller coaster in the park is probably a bad idea. If you want to ride the thrill rides, and your kids can't handle it, trade off with your spouse/partner. One of your rides while the other babysits, preferably in a place where the kids can be easily restrained. Make sure the kids get in on age-appropriate action as well. The Dumbo cars can usually hold most grown adults, so take your kids for rides. The carousel is usually okay for kids of all ages so long as a parent is with them. I have taken my babies on the carousel horses with me, and if you are properly strapped in, and have a good grip, they usually don't go fast enough to be dangerous. There are many rides and activities for young kids if you know where to look.
Another scary little caveat is theft. Leave your Gucci bag at home, and I don't care how stupid it looks, try for a fanny pack, neck wallet, or backpack instead. You can usually bring those on most rides, and if you have a fancy stroller that you are worried about being stolen, rent one from the park. Try to leave as many personal belongings in a safe place in the car or hotel as you can. If you have stuff you just have to have with you in the park, like medications, but you don't want to carry it, look for lockers. Many parks have lockers inside the gates that can be rented for a nominal fee. It saves you a trip out to the parking lot, but keeps your stuff safe from sticky fingers.
12. Now that I've scared you, get out there and have fun! Vacations with little children ARE possible if you plan it right, and avoid overloading them. They may not have many clear memories of what you did, but if the vacation is done right, the good feelings of fun and family time can last for a lifetime, and make them all the more eager for the next family trip.
Happy Traveling!
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