The weekend before the sickness struck down my house like the plague, the Pumpkin and I had a special weekend together with my parents.
My parents just bought a house at the beach about 2.5 hours away. That weekend was my first chance to see it since they got it in November. January in Maryland is too cold to go to the actual beach, but I wanted to see the house and spend a weekend with my girl. So the Pumpkin and I took a little road trip!
We had a great weekend together and with my parents. The house is beautiful and very comfortable. It's a 5-10 minute drive from the beach. There are three guest rooms, each with two twin beds, plus a pull-out couch in the living room. They are making it kid friendly, with a big room they are calling The Rumpus Room.
Best of all? They have agreed that it will be a peanut-free house! As soon as I brought up the issue with my mom, she quickly assured me that it would have to be a peanut-free house so that we could relax there and bring the Pumpkin without worrying constantly for her safety. What a relief!
I am planning many many MANY trips out there this spring and summer! I'm planning to go as a family, bring one or both kids myself, go by myself, and spend a lot of time with my parents, sister's family and brother's family. Plus whichever friends of our families can go. I think the only person more excited about the beach house is my parents!
But this means a lot of 2.5-3.5 hour car trips coming up. That's not too long, but just long enough to start needing some entertaining car games. My favorite car game from growing up, which I still play with Londo or even by myself, is The Alphabet Game. That's when you look out the window of the car and get each letter from A to Z. The first one to find them all wins.
The Question of the Week is:
What car games do you and your kids like to play?
My daughter is too young for the alphabet game, so I started making up some others on our way back from the beach. We looked for colors outside, calling out where we see the color (green sign!), and we looked for shapes. We also guessed the animal by the animal noise we made.
But my favorite to play with her, and I'm pretty sure he favorite also, was Name That Song! I would whistle a song, and she would call out what it was. Then she would hum one, and I would call out the name. It turns out that my girl is REALLY good at guessing the songs! We've been playing this on other car rides since then, or at other times during the day.
What about you and your family? What did you play in the car growing up? What do you play with your kids on car trips now? What games are you waiting on until they are old enough to play with you? Or do you just sing along with the radio?
Showing posts with label car trip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car trip. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Friday, October 1, 2010
My Solo Parenting Journey
I previously wrote that I was doing the solo parenting thing a bit lately. I knew I'd be doing it more and could handle it. But in the second week of being the sole parent, I realized I was going to be taking both kids down to visit my inlaws BY MYSELF! We would meet Londo down there, but the 7 hour trip (5.5 without-kids trip) would be me, a 3 year old and a 1 year old. That was when I really started to feel overwhelmed, both by the solo parenting and by the idea of taking the car trip with the kids on my own.
So I did what any parenting blogger in my position would do: I reached out to another blogger who would have some good advice. In this case, I knew that Kristen wrote a column called The Sometimes Single Mom, so I tweeted her and asked if she had any posts she'd recommend in particular for what I was going through already and any for taking a solo trip with kids.
Not only did Kristen give me links to a few posts to help me in the solo parenting in general, but she even wrote up a post just to answer my question about taking a solo parenting trip! Isn't she awesome? And have I mentioned that I love the internet, especially this online community of parenting bloggers and commenters?
And now, I will share with you all how I did the 7 hour car trip on a holiday weekend with two kids by myself. Feel free to pat me on the back any time you'd like. ;-)
Because we were going down for Labor Day weekend, a major travel holiday at least in my area, I took off Friday and planned to leave early in the morning. Really early. So early that I packed up almost everything the night before and staged it all by the front door so I could load it all in the car first thing in the morning.
Here's what I packed:
my bag of clothes
my bag of toiletries (last minute items packed in the morning)
the kids' bag of clothes
the kids' bag of toiletries (toothbrushes, medicines, etc.)
a box of diapers and wipes
the kiddie potty (for emergencies on the car trip)
bag with crib sheets and blankets for the Pookie
bag of toys and books for the Pumpkin (she helped me pick them out and pack them)
bag of toys and books for the Pookie
car bag of quiet toys for the Pumpkin (I packed this as a surprise, and it included a doodle pad, a sticker book and a couple action figures) (the Pookie already has some car toys in the car)
my diaper bag
a bag with clothes for the day and the kids' toiletries bag (for our breakfast stop)
a bag of food for our destination (foods we are sure are peanut-free and made in peanut-free facilities)
a bag of food for the car (snack foods for the kids and me)
a cooler with cups of milk and baby yogurt
the double stroller
It was a lot of stuff. There was a point in my life when I traveled light (like when I backpacked around Europe). That point is over. I know travel with kids and need to be prepared.
You may not realize what is missing from that list. The DVD player. That is because it was in Londo's car at our destination. So I had to make the trip without the DVD player to help me through. Luckily, I do have a bunch of kids CDs in my car.
So almost all the bags are packed and by the front door. I stayed up until 11:30 getting it all packed. I woke up with my alarm at 4:30, quickly got myself ready for the day, fed and let out the dog, packed all the last minute items (my toiletries and the cooler) and then I packed up the car. I finished packing the car, put the dog in her crate (my mom was picking her up later that morning to stay at her house while we were gone), and went up to get the kids by 5:00.
I had prepped the Pumpkin the day before. She knew it was going to be a "super silly morning!" and what was going to happen, and in what order. First, I got up the very sleepy Pumpkin, put her on the potty with only the nightlight as our light, washed her hands, and carried her out to the car. I strapped her into her car seat, made sure she was safe and sound, and went back in the house. Then, I got the very sleepy Pookie out of his crib, changed his diaper, got the dolphin he sleeps with (or rather, I keep in his crib while he is sleeping), and carried him out to the car, locking the front door as I went. I strapped him into his car seat (still rear-facing, so they can look at each other), made sure he was comfy, got in the drivers seat, and off we went! We were on the road by 5:30!
My hope was that they would fall back asleep, all snug in their pajamas in the moving car while it was still dark out. That didn't happen. It was too unusual of a situation, I think. There was newness, excitement and general awakeness. BUT they WERE sleepy, so they both just hung out in their carseats for about an hour.
So they didn't sleep for the first hour. I figured I should stop for gas then just in case they actually did fall asleep after that. We went in for a bathroom break also, and I gave the kids milk and snacks in the car. We got back on the road.
At about 7:30, they still weren't sleeping, and the snacks weren't enough. It was time to stop for breakfast. We went into a McD's, since I feel comfortable with them being peanut-free. I washed and dressed the kids in the bathroom, and we sat down for breakfast. Me and the two kids. Having breakfast on our road trip. It was actually a lot of fun.
When we got back in the car, I put on the kids music. The Pumpkin loves music--heck so does the Pookie! So we enjoyed that for a while. Not too long after, the Pookie fell asleep. I pulled out the sticker book and action figures for the Pumpkin to play with quietly while the Pookie slept. I was able to keep her quiet and let the baby sleep for about 45 minutes. But then she was getting frustrated about something and wouldn't stay quiet, and that was it for any sleeping in the car the rest of the trip.
We did one more bathroom stop, but the rest of the trip was really uneventful. The kids played with car toys, looked out the window, listened to music. The Pumpkin and I also sang, which entertained the Pookie.
They were really well-behaved in the car. I will never forget the 1.5-2 years of difficult car trips when the Pumpkin was a baby and couldn't stand the carseat. It was so hard to visit relatives or friends or go on vacation, because she was so miserable. But now? She is a champ in the car! And luckily, the Pookie hasn't had a problem with the car.
When we were driving in the mountains, getting very close to my inlaws' town, I started pointing out the forests, mountains, rocks and valleys. I would call out what I saw and point to it. So then the Pumpkin started doing that for her brother. And then the Pookie starting vocalizing and pointing out his window. I just thought it was so cute!
I feel like there should be more to this tale, but it went pretty smooth and we had a lot of fun. Our stops went well, and the kids seemed to be entertained and had fun. When we got to my inlaws' house, Londo was there to greet us and help get us and all our stuff into the house. We ate lunch, and then I took a nap.
So, it turns out: being the the solo parent on a car trip with two kids can go pretty smoothly. I think the keys things are:
Plan the timing that will work best for you and your kids. Usually, Londo and I do the trips at least partially at night so the kids will fall asleep in the car (we did this on the way back). But I knew that I'd be too tired to drive at night, so I decided on a morning trip.
Pack almost everything in advance. That way you are less likely to forget anything important. And it makes leaving the house more smooth at any time.
Pack toys or other entertainment items for the car ride. My girl loved having a special "car bag" next to her.
Keep the things you need for yourself and the kids REALLY handy. I was so glad I had the following handy: the snack foods in little bowls with lids, the sippy cups of milk, the car toys, the CDs with kids music and snacks for me.
Prepare the kids for the journey. I told my girl ahead of time to make sure she knew what to expect, what may happen, what wasn't going to happen, and the general timing of everything, especially that the trip was going to be LONG. That really helped things to smoothly.
Now that I've done this once, I find the idea a lot less intimidating. Now I know that just because Londo might not be able to go somewhere, that doesn't have to stop me from going with the kids. I'm already planning lots of beach trips for next summer!
So I did what any parenting blogger in my position would do: I reached out to another blogger who would have some good advice. In this case, I knew that Kristen wrote a column called The Sometimes Single Mom, so I tweeted her and asked if she had any posts she'd recommend in particular for what I was going through already and any for taking a solo trip with kids.
Not only did Kristen give me links to a few posts to help me in the solo parenting in general, but she even wrote up a post just to answer my question about taking a solo parenting trip! Isn't she awesome? And have I mentioned that I love the internet, especially this online community of parenting bloggers and commenters?
And now, I will share with you all how I did the 7 hour car trip on a holiday weekend with two kids by myself. Feel free to pat me on the back any time you'd like. ;-)
Because we were going down for Labor Day weekend, a major travel holiday at least in my area, I took off Friday and planned to leave early in the morning. Really early. So early that I packed up almost everything the night before and staged it all by the front door so I could load it all in the car first thing in the morning.
Here's what I packed:
It was a lot of stuff. There was a point in my life when I traveled light (like when I backpacked around Europe). That point is over. I know travel with kids and need to be prepared.
You may not realize what is missing from that list. The DVD player. That is because it was in Londo's car at our destination. So I had to make the trip without the DVD player to help me through. Luckily, I do have a bunch of kids CDs in my car.
So almost all the bags are packed and by the front door. I stayed up until 11:30 getting it all packed. I woke up with my alarm at 4:30, quickly got myself ready for the day, fed and let out the dog, packed all the last minute items (my toiletries and the cooler) and then I packed up the car. I finished packing the car, put the dog in her crate (my mom was picking her up later that morning to stay at her house while we were gone), and went up to get the kids by 5:00.
I had prepped the Pumpkin the day before. She knew it was going to be a "super silly morning!" and what was going to happen, and in what order. First, I got up the very sleepy Pumpkin, put her on the potty with only the nightlight as our light, washed her hands, and carried her out to the car. I strapped her into her car seat, made sure she was safe and sound, and went back in the house. Then, I got the very sleepy Pookie out of his crib, changed his diaper, got the dolphin he sleeps with (or rather, I keep in his crib while he is sleeping), and carried him out to the car, locking the front door as I went. I strapped him into his car seat (still rear-facing, so they can look at each other), made sure he was comfy, got in the drivers seat, and off we went! We were on the road by 5:30!
My hope was that they would fall back asleep, all snug in their pajamas in the moving car while it was still dark out. That didn't happen. It was too unusual of a situation, I think. There was newness, excitement and general awakeness. BUT they WERE sleepy, so they both just hung out in their carseats for about an hour.
So they didn't sleep for the first hour. I figured I should stop for gas then just in case they actually did fall asleep after that. We went in for a bathroom break also, and I gave the kids milk and snacks in the car. We got back on the road.
At about 7:30, they still weren't sleeping, and the snacks weren't enough. It was time to stop for breakfast. We went into a McD's, since I feel comfortable with them being peanut-free. I washed and dressed the kids in the bathroom, and we sat down for breakfast. Me and the two kids. Having breakfast on our road trip. It was actually a lot of fun.
When we got back in the car, I put on the kids music. The Pumpkin loves music--heck so does the Pookie! So we enjoyed that for a while. Not too long after, the Pookie fell asleep. I pulled out the sticker book and action figures for the Pumpkin to play with quietly while the Pookie slept. I was able to keep her quiet and let the baby sleep for about 45 minutes. But then she was getting frustrated about something and wouldn't stay quiet, and that was it for any sleeping in the car the rest of the trip.
We did one more bathroom stop, but the rest of the trip was really uneventful. The kids played with car toys, looked out the window, listened to music. The Pumpkin and I also sang, which entertained the Pookie.
They were really well-behaved in the car. I will never forget the 1.5-2 years of difficult car trips when the Pumpkin was a baby and couldn't stand the carseat. It was so hard to visit relatives or friends or go on vacation, because she was so miserable. But now? She is a champ in the car! And luckily, the Pookie hasn't had a problem with the car.
When we were driving in the mountains, getting very close to my inlaws' town, I started pointing out the forests, mountains, rocks and valleys. I would call out what I saw and point to it. So then the Pumpkin started doing that for her brother. And then the Pookie starting vocalizing and pointing out his window. I just thought it was so cute!
I feel like there should be more to this tale, but it went pretty smooth and we had a lot of fun. Our stops went well, and the kids seemed to be entertained and had fun. When we got to my inlaws' house, Londo was there to greet us and help get us and all our stuff into the house. We ate lunch, and then I took a nap.
So, it turns out: being the the solo parent on a car trip with two kids can go pretty smoothly. I think the keys things are:
Now that I've done this once, I find the idea a lot less intimidating. Now I know that just because Londo might not be able to go somewhere, that doesn't have to stop me from going with the kids. I'm already planning lots of beach trips for next summer!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Baby Announcement! And One-on-One Time with the Kids
I want to announce to everyone that my good friend, MommyEm, had her baby on July 4th! Welcome to the world, little baby girl! I am certain that you will be well loved by your mom, dad and big sister (and two cats)! I can't wait to meet you!
While last weekend was a busy weekend for my friend, I actually had a pretty easy, low-key July 4th weekend.
Londo took the Pumpkin down to visit his family for the weekend. They have a big July 4th BBQ party, and he thought they'd have fun. Although I considered going to the fun party and lovely inlaws, I was in greater need of a break from at least half of my parenting responsibilities. Plus, Londo and I thought this would be a great opportunity for us to give the kids some devoted one-on-one time. So I stayed home with the Pookie.
Londo and the Pumpkin left on Friday morning, arriving at the inlaws in the afternoon--in time to pick berries and help garden in my MIL's fantastic, organic garden. Meanwhile, I dropped the Pookie off at daycare and went to work.
The Pookie and I had an easy evening, with his normal (early) dinner time and an early bedtime. He is very exhausted from being at daycare, where they have only one nap a day. So he went to sleep quickly and easily, giving a whole evening BY MYSELF! It was like a piece of heaven.
On Saturday, the Pookie and I went to the pool between his naps, stopping by the neighborhood 4th of July party and eating lunch at the pool. I struck up a conversation with a woman who lives a few houses away and has two kids, ages 2 and 3. I'm really making an effort to make friends with my neighbors, especially those with kids around my kids' ages. And this new friend and her husband invited me over for a BBQ on Sunday! I stopped by for a little while, until it was the Pookie's bedtime. I hope to do more with them soon.
What else did I do on Saturday--or heck, the rest of the weekend? I'm not even sure! Oh, I know I took a nap that afternoon while the Pookie took his second nap. In fact, I napped every day while the Pookie took one of his naps. During his other nap, I was fixing up our front room, into which we've moved the shelves and books to be the library, and the guest room, which has my desk and is going to be my slash-office! This was all set up the previous weekend, with help from Londo, his dad and my dad.
The Pookie apparently needed to catch up on his sleep all weekend. Not only was he taking two naps a day each of the three days we were home together, but the morning naps were 2 - 2.5 hours! He also went to bed early-ish each night. Even though he woke up for 1.5 hours in the middle of one of those nights (let's hear it for the 55 week fussy period/sleep regression!), he still slept a lot overall.
That gave me so much time to clean and organize the house, as well as relax and enjoy time to myself.
But more importantly, I got to spend so much quality, one-on-one time with my baby boy. Being the second child, he really doesn't get much one-on-one time from us parents. Usually, the only time I have alone with him is putting him down for a nap or for bed. That doesn't give me a chance to sit with him and see how he is developing and playing, or let me focus my attention on him while we are out doing things.
For the last two weeks (before he started at daycare, but even more since), he has been especially clingy to me. As he gets better and better at walking away from me, he comes back to me and clings tighter and tighter. That's hard to deal with while juggling a 3 year old who needs large amounts of attention in different ways. By the end of our weekend together, he really wasn't clingy much at all. Until he went back to daycare. Sigh...
It was also such a great weekend for father-daughter bonding down at my inlaws. Londo and the Pumpkin had so much fun down there and in the car trips to and from. (Anyone remember how miserable my daughter used to be in the car? It's a whole new world now, baby!) They had a lot of quality time together. Not all of it was perfect, and the Pumpkin woke up sick on Monday before heading home (and she also got sick in the car on the way home), but we don't look for perfect in the caramama family (or else I'd be in trouble!).
For those of you with two or more kids, I highly recommend splitting them up for a weekend if possible and when they are old enough. It's great to have that one-on-one time, plus it's really fun to be reunited! And after I completely wean the baby, I plan to take the Pumpkin on a trip somewhere with just me, leaving Londo and the Pookie at home.
And someday, Londo and I hope to take a weekend or even a night away together, without the kids! Can you imagine?
While last weekend was a busy weekend for my friend, I actually had a pretty easy, low-key July 4th weekend.
Londo took the Pumpkin down to visit his family for the weekend. They have a big July 4th BBQ party, and he thought they'd have fun. Although I considered going to the fun party and lovely inlaws, I was in greater need of a break from at least half of my parenting responsibilities. Plus, Londo and I thought this would be a great opportunity for us to give the kids some devoted one-on-one time. So I stayed home with the Pookie.
Londo and the Pumpkin left on Friday morning, arriving at the inlaws in the afternoon--in time to pick berries and help garden in my MIL's fantastic, organic garden. Meanwhile, I dropped the Pookie off at daycare and went to work.
The Pookie and I had an easy evening, with his normal (early) dinner time and an early bedtime. He is very exhausted from being at daycare, where they have only one nap a day. So he went to sleep quickly and easily, giving a whole evening BY MYSELF! It was like a piece of heaven.
On Saturday, the Pookie and I went to the pool between his naps, stopping by the neighborhood 4th of July party and eating lunch at the pool. I struck up a conversation with a woman who lives a few houses away and has two kids, ages 2 and 3. I'm really making an effort to make friends with my neighbors, especially those with kids around my kids' ages. And this new friend and her husband invited me over for a BBQ on Sunday! I stopped by for a little while, until it was the Pookie's bedtime. I hope to do more with them soon.
What else did I do on Saturday--or heck, the rest of the weekend? I'm not even sure! Oh, I know I took a nap that afternoon while the Pookie took his second nap. In fact, I napped every day while the Pookie took one of his naps. During his other nap, I was fixing up our front room, into which we've moved the shelves and books to be the library, and the guest room, which has my desk and is going to be my slash-office! This was all set up the previous weekend, with help from Londo, his dad and my dad.
The Pookie apparently needed to catch up on his sleep all weekend. Not only was he taking two naps a day each of the three days we were home together, but the morning naps were 2 - 2.5 hours! He also went to bed early-ish each night. Even though he woke up for 1.5 hours in the middle of one of those nights (let's hear it for the 55 week fussy period/sleep regression!), he still slept a lot overall.
That gave me so much time to clean and organize the house, as well as relax and enjoy time to myself.
But more importantly, I got to spend so much quality, one-on-one time with my baby boy. Being the second child, he really doesn't get much one-on-one time from us parents. Usually, the only time I have alone with him is putting him down for a nap or for bed. That doesn't give me a chance to sit with him and see how he is developing and playing, or let me focus my attention on him while we are out doing things.
For the last two weeks (before he started at daycare, but even more since), he has been especially clingy to me. As he gets better and better at walking away from me, he comes back to me and clings tighter and tighter. That's hard to deal with while juggling a 3 year old who needs large amounts of attention in different ways. By the end of our weekend together, he really wasn't clingy much at all. Until he went back to daycare. Sigh...
It was also such a great weekend for father-daughter bonding down at my inlaws. Londo and the Pumpkin had so much fun down there and in the car trips to and from. (Anyone remember how miserable my daughter used to be in the car? It's a whole new world now, baby!) They had a lot of quality time together. Not all of it was perfect, and the Pumpkin woke up sick on Monday before heading home (and she also got sick in the car on the way home), but we don't look for perfect in the caramama family (or else I'd be in trouble!).
For those of you with two or more kids, I highly recommend splitting them up for a weekend if possible and when they are old enough. It's great to have that one-on-one time, plus it's really fun to be reunited! And after I completely wean the baby, I plan to take the Pumpkin on a trip somewhere with just me, leaving Londo and the Pookie at home.
And someday, Londo and I hope to take a weekend or even a night away together, without the kids! Can you imagine?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Question of the Week - Counting Our Blessings
It's Thanksgiving week here in the US. And although it may be boring to ask, I really think it's important to think about and share what we are all thankful for--and I really want to know. But let's liven up the question a little bit.
This week's question of the week is:
What is something unusual and/or funny you are thankful for this year?
Because of course we are all thankful for our children, our partners, our family, our friends, our health, yadda yadda yadda.
I am thankful for the roof-top carrier that goes on top of the car to put luggage in. Otherwise, we would either not be able to do the trip to the inlaws with the two adults, two kids, the dog and our luggage, or we would have had to buy a minivan by now!
Oh, and I'm especially thankful for Z0loft! Here we are in mid-November, and I'm actually feeling pretty good! (The tired and sleep deprived are not from my SAD this time!) When I told my doctor that I'm so thankful for the meds, he said, "Well, they couldn't have done it without you." I like him partly because he has a similartotally corny sense of humor to mine.
I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
This week's question of the week is:
What is something unusual and/or funny you are thankful for this year?
Because of course we are all thankful for our children, our partners, our family, our friends, our health, yadda yadda yadda.
I am thankful for the roof-top carrier that goes on top of the car to put luggage in. Otherwise, we would either not be able to do the trip to the inlaws with the two adults, two kids, the dog and our luggage, or we would have had to buy a minivan by now!
Oh, and I'm especially thankful for Z0loft! Here we are in mid-November, and I'm actually feeling pretty good! (The tired and sleep deprived are not from my SAD this time!) When I told my doctor that I'm so thankful for the meds, he said, "Well, they couldn't have done it without you." I like him partly because he has a similar
I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Question of the Week - Car Tripping
Unfortunately, the caramama family went out of town for a funeral this weekend. My husband's grandfather passed away. Though he was 94 and it was expected, it was still very difficult. Because it's been such a sad weekend, I don't want to dwell on it here.
Instead let me tell you about a first for our family: We did our first big car trip as a family of four. (It was also the kids first funeral. I brought them only to the viewing part of funeral so they could see and be seen by their extended family members on my husband's side.)
I know you are wondering how the car trip went. It was pretty crappy, thanks for asking! We left Friday about 10:30. I had thought that the Pookie would take his long morning nap in the car, while the Pumpkin watched some DVDs on the player we bring with us on car trips*. The Pumpkin no longer hates the car and does well on car trips, unlike earlier in her life. She was a bit fussy throughout the car trip, but overall did fine.
Except on our stop. I thought it would be a good idea to stop at a Cracker Barrel (I love that restaurant) because they have that country store attached and it is generally a good place for families. It was not a good idea. That country store? Full of Stuff My Child Can Get Into and Grab. Also full of Things with Peanuts. There was no good place for my girl to exercise her legs, although my husband spent time with her outside on that front porch with the rocking chairs and checkers boards that they always have. In general, it was us trying to keep the girl from getting into everything and to eat sitting at our table and trying to keep the boy from fussing while also allowing both adults to eat. It was a bad idea, and totally my idea. But I have found two different fast food places with play areas for next time (which will be Thanksgiving).
As for the baby boy... Although he does not scream bloody murder constantly when in the car, he does get fussy. He didn't take any long nap, and instead was tired and cranky. When he would start to fall asleep, the Pumpkin would start talking or fussing and wake him up. We had to stop a couple times so I could feed him, because he would NOT take the bottle of breastmilk I brought for him. I did the Magic Boobs Over the Car Seat trick for him, which helped him get through some of it. But it was a rough trip. One that is 5 hours for adults, but took us almost 8 hours with the two kids. At least we didn't have the dog with us.
So this week's question is:
What tricks to you have to get your family through long car trips? Or what did your family growing up do for long car trips?
We learned with the Pumpkin that the best time to travel with her--and now we know with the Pookie--is if we leave right around bedtime. When she was a baby, I would have to nurse her to sleep, slip her into the already packed car while asleep and then take off as quickly and quietly as possible. She would sleep the whole way there and usually be transferred pretty easily in the middle of the night.
On the way home this weekend, we decided to try that trick. We left at 7:00 on Monday night. The Pookie has fallen asleep in the car before, so I didn't have to nurse him to sleep first. In fact, he fell asleep for the night about 7:30. The Pumpkin watched some DVDs and fell asleep about 9:15. It was bliss! Until we got all the way to the Beltway (about 30 minutes left to go till we would be home) and discovered that I-495 was indeed closed completely in spurts. We got on about four cars back from where they had stopped everyone. We had to wait about 20 minutes or so, and after 5, the Pookie woke up. He does that when we aren't moving. And he let his unhappiness at being woken up known. Which of course woke the Pumpkin. Who was really upset at still being in the car and now awake.
It. Was. Miserable! They were both crying as loud as they could, sometimes at the exact same time in the exact same melody (if you can call it that)--that was actually pretty funny to hear. Then when one would quiet, the other would cry and then it would start all over again. The whole time we were waiting, and then the whole rest of the way back home. The Pumpkin was so upset by the time we reached home that she was shivering while she cried. It broke my heart to hear my children so upset.
But other than that, the leaving at bedtime seems to be the way to go for us. We are always exhausted and can't do it often because it's hard to drive so late these days because we get so tired. But it works for the kids for now.
How about you? What do you guys do to get to far away places when stuck in a car? Are your kids as miserable as mine are? Or do they just love the car? And if so, maybe go brag to someone else, mkay? ;-)
*I was totally against bringing a DVD player on car trips at first. We never watched TV on our long car trips growing up! Surely our kids wouldn't need it! Then, I had the girl who hated the car seat and being in the car. Once DVDs would distract her, we totally used them and it was the best thing ever. I totally take back anything I said before about not thinking they were a good idea.
Instead let me tell you about a first for our family: We did our first big car trip as a family of four. (It was also the kids first funeral. I brought them only to the viewing part of funeral so they could see and be seen by their extended family members on my husband's side.)
I know you are wondering how the car trip went. It was pretty crappy, thanks for asking! We left Friday about 10:30. I had thought that the Pookie would take his long morning nap in the car, while the Pumpkin watched some DVDs on the player we bring with us on car trips*. The Pumpkin no longer hates the car and does well on car trips, unlike earlier in her life. She was a bit fussy throughout the car trip, but overall did fine.
Except on our stop. I thought it would be a good idea to stop at a Cracker Barrel (I love that restaurant) because they have that country store attached and it is generally a good place for families. It was not a good idea. That country store? Full of Stuff My Child Can Get Into and Grab. Also full of Things with Peanuts. There was no good place for my girl to exercise her legs, although my husband spent time with her outside on that front porch with the rocking chairs and checkers boards that they always have. In general, it was us trying to keep the girl from getting into everything and to eat sitting at our table and trying to keep the boy from fussing while also allowing both adults to eat. It was a bad idea, and totally my idea. But I have found two different fast food places with play areas for next time (which will be Thanksgiving).
As for the baby boy... Although he does not scream bloody murder constantly when in the car, he does get fussy. He didn't take any long nap, and instead was tired and cranky. When he would start to fall asleep, the Pumpkin would start talking or fussing and wake him up. We had to stop a couple times so I could feed him, because he would NOT take the bottle of breastmilk I brought for him. I did the Magic Boobs Over the Car Seat trick for him, which helped him get through some of it. But it was a rough trip. One that is 5 hours for adults, but took us almost 8 hours with the two kids. At least we didn't have the dog with us.
So this week's question is:
What tricks to you have to get your family through long car trips? Or what did your family growing up do for long car trips?
We learned with the Pumpkin that the best time to travel with her--and now we know with the Pookie--is if we leave right around bedtime. When she was a baby, I would have to nurse her to sleep, slip her into the already packed car while asleep and then take off as quickly and quietly as possible. She would sleep the whole way there and usually be transferred pretty easily in the middle of the night.
On the way home this weekend, we decided to try that trick. We left at 7:00 on Monday night. The Pookie has fallen asleep in the car before, so I didn't have to nurse him to sleep first. In fact, he fell asleep for the night about 7:30. The Pumpkin watched some DVDs and fell asleep about 9:15. It was bliss! Until we got all the way to the Beltway (about 30 minutes left to go till we would be home) and discovered that I-495 was indeed closed completely in spurts. We got on about four cars back from where they had stopped everyone. We had to wait about 20 minutes or so, and after 5, the Pookie woke up. He does that when we aren't moving. And he let his unhappiness at being woken up known. Which of course woke the Pumpkin. Who was really upset at still being in the car and now awake.
It. Was. Miserable! They were both crying as loud as they could, sometimes at the exact same time in the exact same melody (if you can call it that)--that was actually pretty funny to hear. Then when one would quiet, the other would cry and then it would start all over again. The whole time we were waiting, and then the whole rest of the way back home. The Pumpkin was so upset by the time we reached home that she was shivering while she cried. It broke my heart to hear my children so upset.
But other than that, the leaving at bedtime seems to be the way to go for us. We are always exhausted and can't do it often because it's hard to drive so late these days because we get so tired. But it works for the kids for now.
How about you? What do you guys do to get to far away places when stuck in a car? Are your kids as miserable as mine are? Or do they just love the car? And if so, maybe go brag to someone else, mkay? ;-)
*I was totally against bringing a DVD player on car trips at first. We never watched TV on our long car trips growing up! Surely our kids wouldn't need it! Then, I had the girl who hated the car seat and being in the car. Once DVDs would distract her, we totally used them and it was the best thing ever. I totally take back anything I said before about not thinking they were a good idea.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Leaving the Pumpkin Behind
Londo and I are in Atlanta, GA. We've come down for one of Londo's best friend's wedding, and Londo is the best man. I've bought a couple maternity dresses for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding (they are really cute!), we have a house sitter, we planned a two-day drive down staying overnight at the inlaws, and we have let the Pumpkin stay with the inlaws.
On the one hand, this is a really nice getaway for Londo and me. I love weddings, I love hotels, and I really love Georgia. Most of all, I love spending time and going on trips with my husband. We are having a lot of great time together. It's nice to reconnect and have one-on-one time, especially before the boy comes and our lives are twice as hectic, with our time together going down to less than zero.
But on the other hand, I miss my little girl soooooooo much! We left my sweet little Pumpkin in good, loving hands yesterday morning. We will pick her up on Sunday. It's one thing when I leave and Londo stays behind. It's even another when we left her at my parents house and went away for a short couple of days. But it's different to drive her 5 hours to my inlaws, stay the night with her, then leave her the next morning. Leave her behind without my husband. Leave her at my inlaws who do not have the house childproof, let alone Pumpkin-proofed! Leave her behind in a place that she's only been a handful of times, even though she's really had a great time there every visit. Even though she's seen a lot of her grandparents, uncle, aunt and nephew. She really does love spending time with them.
It's always hard to leave her. I suppose it always will be. I don't know why I feel like this time is even harder--although the reasons I listed above are probably part of it. My mom is actually more cautious than I am, and she worries about everything. I know exactly how she will care for my child, because she raised me and watched my daughter for the first year of her life. My inlaws are wonderful, but there are more unknowns for me.
To top it all off, the look she gave me as I was leaving my inlaws... It was unlike any look I've gotten from her before. It was heartbreaking! I'm not even sure how to describe it. It was as if she couldn't believe we were really leaving her. It was as if she was crushed that we were walking out the door and really going to be gone for a few days, as we had told her and talked to her about. So forlorn. Lip trembling. A stab to my heart!
We've talked to the inlaws a few times since leaving, and of course she is doing great. She's having a lot of fun, eating well, not napping (which is becoming the norm lately), sleeping well and cuddling up with her relatives. I know she's fine. But it's still hard to leave her.
However, it is really nice to spend time alone with my husband. I'm trying to focus on that, which isn't hard most of the time.
On the one hand, this is a really nice getaway for Londo and me. I love weddings, I love hotels, and I really love Georgia. Most of all, I love spending time and going on trips with my husband. We are having a lot of great time together. It's nice to reconnect and have one-on-one time, especially before the boy comes and our lives are twice as hectic, with our time together going down to less than zero.
But on the other hand, I miss my little girl soooooooo much! We left my sweet little Pumpkin in good, loving hands yesterday morning. We will pick her up on Sunday. It's one thing when I leave and Londo stays behind. It's even another when we left her at my parents house and went away for a short couple of days. But it's different to drive her 5 hours to my inlaws, stay the night with her, then leave her the next morning. Leave her behind without my husband. Leave her at my inlaws who do not have the house childproof, let alone Pumpkin-proofed! Leave her behind in a place that she's only been a handful of times, even though she's really had a great time there every visit. Even though she's seen a lot of her grandparents, uncle, aunt and nephew. She really does love spending time with them.
It's always hard to leave her. I suppose it always will be. I don't know why I feel like this time is even harder--although the reasons I listed above are probably part of it. My mom is actually more cautious than I am, and she worries about everything. I know exactly how she will care for my child, because she raised me and watched my daughter for the first year of her life. My inlaws are wonderful, but there are more unknowns for me.
To top it all off, the look she gave me as I was leaving my inlaws... It was unlike any look I've gotten from her before. It was heartbreaking! I'm not even sure how to describe it. It was as if she couldn't believe we were really leaving her. It was as if she was crushed that we were walking out the door and really going to be gone for a few days, as we had told her and talked to her about. So forlorn. Lip trembling. A stab to my heart!
We've talked to the inlaws a few times since leaving, and of course she is doing great. She's having a lot of fun, eating well, not napping (which is becoming the norm lately), sleeping well and cuddling up with her relatives. I know she's fine. But it's still hard to leave her.
However, it is really nice to spend time alone with my husband. I'm trying to focus on that, which isn't hard most of the time.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
This and That
Update at bottom
I've been so neglectful, and I have a bunch of things that I want to say. So I'm doing one of those posts full of random tidbits, mostly updates from other posts. Hey, it's better than not posting at all, right?
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I'd love to add all my online friends as Facebook friends. I really would! But (you knew there was going to be a "but," right?) when I started my blog I promised my internet-security conscious husband that I would not use our real names* or post pictures where you could see any of our faces. I'm on Facebook with my real name, with the Pumpkin's real name and linked to my husband with his real name. We have both already posted pics of us and the Pumpkin. So to friend my online friends (even via email) would go against the spirit of my promise to my husband and his comfort level of the internet and my blog. I hope you all understand. And I hope we can just keep up with each other through the blog. Maybe I'll get back into Twitter too... We'll see.
*Cara is actually a nickname for my middle name, and one that I no longer use in real life (except when meeting other bloggers). It's a shame, because it's the name I prefer by far, but everyone else knows me by my first name or the nickname of my first name.
-----------------------
We had about a week and a half of really good (for us) nights of sleep! About 3 of them, the Pumpkin slept through the night in her own bed all night long! The other nights, she would get out of her bed, walk down the hall, come into our room, climb in bed with us, snuggle with Londo and go right back asleep (which I've mentioned before). This suits us just fine, because we don't have to get out of bed and we are getting huge chunks of sleep! Now that Londo is used to how she wakes us up, neither of us have a problem with her coming into our bed, as long as she is sleeping. After all, we've spent well over a year cosleeping half the night in her room in that little twin bed where we were very uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, the last few nights have not gone as well. She is not going right back to sleep and is fussing, fidgeting and even crying. But at least we got a little respite.
Londo and I discussed how we felt if she continues to come into our bed long term (based on the feedback I got from you guys), and we both agreed that we honestly don't mind if it continues for even years. Londo remembers being scared of the dark when he was younger and that his parents always let him come to bed with them if he felt he needed it. It meant a lot to him. Also, we just don't have a problem with the "family bed" if that is what works for everyone. It's pretty normal in other cultures, and I know it's just about what each family is comfortable with. We long ago agreed that the dog and cat could sleep with us, and we've got a king-sized bed. If it's Londo, me, the dog, the cat, the Pumpkin and future child in bed with us, as long as we can all get comfortable and sleep most of the night, we are fine with it.
I totally appreciate the view points everyone shared in the last post about this. I don't know if I would have thought about the long term and discussed it with Londo on my own, and that was very important to do!
-----------------------
The Pumpkin and I have been taking showers together in our stall shower pretty regularly now, and it's working out great! We first attempted this when she had a stomach virus and we both needed to get cleaned up. Now, it's been become a fun, regular way to get her clean without me having to deal with the issues I was having with giving her a bath.
There have been a few times where she's thrown a toddler tantrum and even had a complete meltdown because she didn't want to get in or out or have a towel or whatever. But those would have happened no matter what we were doing--they were just those kind of nights.
She still doesn't like water right in her eyes, but I developed a great trick for rinsing the shampoo out of her hair. After shampooing it in while blocking the water, I put a washcloth over her eyes and get her to stand under the shower spray. The washcloth can be wet or dry, just as long as it doesn't have any soap on it. I hold it against her eyes with one hand while I rinse out the shampoo out with the other. And in no time at all, she is rinsed and back to playing with bottles and whatever else is on the stall floor.
The additional bonus is that I finally don't have to worry about how to fit in my shower. We usually shower at night, but sometimes in the morning, and not every day. This suits me perfectly! And I still get some showers without her, which is when I can shave and just enjoy being in the peacefulness of the shower.
-----------------------
In my car, the vents that are supposed to blow on my feet are not working. It has been very very cold. The other day, it was about 10 degrees F. Not only do I hate the winter, I also hate the cold.
The heater is working, just not the bottom vents. But consider this... I bundle up in a thick coat, a hat, a scarf and gloves, so I don't really need the heat blowing on my upper body. I wear pants to work, but no extra layer under them (because I don't have any maternity long johns). I do wear socks and shoes, but they aren't thick, warm socks or boots. So what I need the most is warm air on my bottom half. Which I don't get.
I'm hoping Londo will fix it soon. He thinks he can, but he needs to look at it. Maybe if he reads this post it will pressure him into fixing it soon. I'm not above that. ;-)
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Well, that's all I've got for now. I've got a bunch more to post, but they are longer thoughts and deserve their own posts. Which means, I better start posting more regularly or I'll forget it all with my pregnancy brain!
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Update:
Now I am feeling pretty self-conscious because no one is commenting. Are you all mad that I won't friend you on Facebook? It's not you, I promise! It's me! Or rather, it's Londo!!!
I've been so neglectful, and I have a bunch of things that I want to say. So I'm doing one of those posts full of random tidbits, mostly updates from other posts. Hey, it's better than not posting at all, right?
-----------------------
I'd love to add all my online friends as Facebook friends. I really would! But (you knew there was going to be a "but," right?) when I started my blog I promised my internet-security conscious husband that I would not use our real names* or post pictures where you could see any of our faces. I'm on Facebook with my real name, with the Pumpkin's real name and linked to my husband with his real name. We have both already posted pics of us and the Pumpkin. So to friend my online friends (even via email) would go against the spirit of my promise to my husband and his comfort level of the internet and my blog. I hope you all understand. And I hope we can just keep up with each other through the blog. Maybe I'll get back into Twitter too... We'll see.
*Cara is actually a nickname for my middle name, and one that I no longer use in real life (except when meeting other bloggers). It's a shame, because it's the name I prefer by far, but everyone else knows me by my first name or the nickname of my first name.
-----------------------
We had about a week and a half of really good (for us) nights of sleep! About 3 of them, the Pumpkin slept through the night in her own bed all night long! The other nights, she would get out of her bed, walk down the hall, come into our room, climb in bed with us, snuggle with Londo and go right back asleep (which I've mentioned before). This suits us just fine, because we don't have to get out of bed and we are getting huge chunks of sleep! Now that Londo is used to how she wakes us up, neither of us have a problem with her coming into our bed, as long as she is sleeping. After all, we've spent well over a year cosleeping half the night in her room in that little twin bed where we were very uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, the last few nights have not gone as well. She is not going right back to sleep and is fussing, fidgeting and even crying. But at least we got a little respite.
Londo and I discussed how we felt if she continues to come into our bed long term (based on the feedback I got from you guys), and we both agreed that we honestly don't mind if it continues for even years. Londo remembers being scared of the dark when he was younger and that his parents always let him come to bed with them if he felt he needed it. It meant a lot to him. Also, we just don't have a problem with the "family bed" if that is what works for everyone. It's pretty normal in other cultures, and I know it's just about what each family is comfortable with. We long ago agreed that the dog and cat could sleep with us, and we've got a king-sized bed. If it's Londo, me, the dog, the cat, the Pumpkin and future child in bed with us, as long as we can all get comfortable and sleep most of the night, we are fine with it.
I totally appreciate the view points everyone shared in the last post about this. I don't know if I would have thought about the long term and discussed it with Londo on my own, and that was very important to do!
-----------------------
The Pumpkin and I have been taking showers together in our stall shower pretty regularly now, and it's working out great! We first attempted this when she had a stomach virus and we both needed to get cleaned up. Now, it's been become a fun, regular way to get her clean without me having to deal with the issues I was having with giving her a bath.
There have been a few times where she's thrown a toddler tantrum and even had a complete meltdown because she didn't want to get in or out or have a towel or whatever. But those would have happened no matter what we were doing--they were just those kind of nights.
She still doesn't like water right in her eyes, but I developed a great trick for rinsing the shampoo out of her hair. After shampooing it in while blocking the water, I put a washcloth over her eyes and get her to stand under the shower spray. The washcloth can be wet or dry, just as long as it doesn't have any soap on it. I hold it against her eyes with one hand while I rinse out the shampoo out with the other. And in no time at all, she is rinsed and back to playing with bottles and whatever else is on the stall floor.
The additional bonus is that I finally don't have to worry about how to fit in my shower. We usually shower at night, but sometimes in the morning, and not every day. This suits me perfectly! And I still get some showers without her, which is when I can shave and just enjoy being in the peacefulness of the shower.
-----------------------
In my car, the vents that are supposed to blow on my feet are not working. It has been very very cold. The other day, it was about 10 degrees F. Not only do I hate the winter, I also hate the cold.
The heater is working, just not the bottom vents. But consider this... I bundle up in a thick coat, a hat, a scarf and gloves, so I don't really need the heat blowing on my upper body. I wear pants to work, but no extra layer under them (because I don't have any maternity long johns). I do wear socks and shoes, but they aren't thick, warm socks or boots. So what I need the most is warm air on my bottom half. Which I don't get.
I'm hoping Londo will fix it soon. He thinks he can, but he needs to look at it. Maybe if he reads this post it will pressure him into fixing it soon. I'm not above that. ;-)
-----------------------
Well, that's all I've got for now. I've got a bunch more to post, but they are longer thoughts and deserve their own posts. Which means, I better start posting more regularly or I'll forget it all with my pregnancy brain!
-----------------------
Update:
Now I am feeling pretty self-conscious because no one is commenting. Are you all mad that I won't friend you on Facebook? It's not you, I promise! It's me! Or rather, it's Londo!!!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Trip
I have made it successfully down to the in-laws. The dog and I left way later than I wanted to yesterday, and of course there was traffic, but we got in about 10:15, safe and sound.
Londo and the Pumpkin made the 5-6 hour trip down on Saturday afternoon, and I had a glorious three nights of good sleep by myself! I got all sorts of laundry and dishes done during the day. I got the dog bathed, clipped, cleaned and vaccinated. And I caught up on one of my favorite shows (Bones--I love it!) in the evenings.
Although that was the longest I've ever been away from my child, I was really thankful for the time alone to do the things I wanted/needed to do and for the sleep.
Now, we will have Christmas down here at the in-laws, and a good time will be had by all!
Londo and the Pumpkin made the 5-6 hour trip down on Saturday afternoon, and I had a glorious three nights of good sleep by myself! I got all sorts of laundry and dishes done during the day. I got the dog bathed, clipped, cleaned and vaccinated. And I caught up on one of my favorite shows (Bones--I love it!) in the evenings.
Although that was the longest I've ever been away from my child, I was really thankful for the time alone to do the things I wanted/needed to do and for the sleep.
Now, we will have Christmas down here at the in-laws, and a good time will be had by all!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Random Thoughts From An Exhausted Mama
I had a whole post written out in my head about how I get along well with those of the male gender and how it's important to me to friends with men, not just women, and hear the male perspective which is why I frequent blogs by dads so much. But other than that basic sentence all I can think of now is: I like boys. Not like like. Just like. Except my husband. I LOOOOOOOOVE him.
And that is just not a good post.
After being up for 2.5 hours with The Baby Who Would Not Go Back To Sleep No Matter What I Did, being rescued by Londo (did I mention I LOOOOOOOOVE him?) and sleeping at most 5.5 hours last night, I simply can't think straight. Which is great when I have a super busy day at work today in which I'm require to both Think and Explain Clearly in Writing and Speaking. This is proving to be difficult.
-------------------------------
So instead let me attempt to entertain you with the names I've given to our travel mugs:
-The One That Leaks
-The One That's Too Big for My Cup Holder
-The One That Coffee Slips Out of the Gap in the Lid When It's Supposed to be Slid Shut
-The One That You Have to Use a Utensil to Pry Off the Lid
-The One That You Can't Ever Get the Last Sip from the Bottom (and I need every last sip)
-The One That Doesn't Have a Handle
-The One That Londo Prefers So I Try Not to Use
-The One That Surely Has Lead in the Paint
-The One That Is Way Too Small and Doesn't Give Me Enough Caffiene
-The One That I Prefer To All the Others When It Is Clean
This morning I used The One That Coffee Slips Out of the Gap in the Lid When It's Supposed to be Slid Shut, which is why I've got a little coffee stain on my shirt.
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And now, how about some ranting about drivers:
Why do people not get traffic circles? Hello? When you are in the traffic circle, you do not yield to the cars coming into it. They yield to you. And they really should be yielding to you--they have a big red yield sign, so why don't they yield??? This is not just the law, it's also common sense. Think about a traffic circle. It only makes sense to keep the flow of traffic in the circle going while those who want to enter the circle wait for an opening.
Speaking of yield signs and yielding in general, why do people not yield when they have that sign? Like when they are on ramp to a highway or a ramp to any road really. If you are coming onto a road, you are the one that yields. Usually there is a sign that reminds you. It is up to you to merge onto the road. And yet, people constantly just barrel their way onto the highways or roads assuming other people will just move out of their way even though they have the right of way. You know what they say about assuming, don't you? But in this case, it's only the "u."
-------------------------------
Why is it that when I feel like I am finally getting a handle on this parenthood thing, even the hard exhausting nights, the Pumpkin throws me for such a loop? It's like once I finally think things aren't so bad even when they are tough, she says, "Oh yeah? Take that!" And I'm down for the count.
I did not see last night coming. We've been having tough nights, but I thought surely after 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, etc. she would go back to sleep and we'd happily co-sleep until morning. I could handle that. Except apparently I could not handle longer than 2 hours.
I love the Pumpkin. I really really do. With all my heart. And actually she's in a really fun and exciting stage which we've really been enjoying. But the sleep! I should say, but the lack of sleep! I know it's not her fault that she's having trouble sleeping. She has baby insomnia or something. We've gotten through all the other sleep regressions. We'll get through this too. Apparently it's time to batten down the hatches and go back into survival mode.
-------------------------------
I'm sure I could go on with more random crap that's annoying me today, but I still have loads to do at work. And really, when I'm this cranky I try not to talk or write too much. Not my best side.
I hope everyone else is having a better day than I am.
And that is just not a good post.
After being up for 2.5 hours with The Baby Who Would Not Go Back To Sleep No Matter What I Did, being rescued by Londo (did I mention I LOOOOOOOOVE him?) and sleeping at most 5.5 hours last night, I simply can't think straight. Which is great when I have a super busy day at work today in which I'm require to both Think and Explain Clearly in Writing and Speaking. This is proving to be difficult.
-------------------------------
So instead let me attempt to entertain you with the names I've given to our travel mugs:
-The One That Leaks
-The One That's Too Big for My Cup Holder
-The One That Coffee Slips Out of the Gap in the Lid When It's Supposed to be Slid Shut
-The One That You Have to Use a Utensil to Pry Off the Lid
-The One That You Can't Ever Get the Last Sip from the Bottom (and I need every last sip)
-The One That Doesn't Have a Handle
-The One That Londo Prefers So I Try Not to Use
-The One That Surely Has Lead in the Paint
-The One That Is Way Too Small and Doesn't Give Me Enough Caffiene
-The One That I Prefer To All the Others When It Is Clean
This morning I used The One That Coffee Slips Out of the Gap in the Lid When It's Supposed to be Slid Shut, which is why I've got a little coffee stain on my shirt.
-------------------------------
And now, how about some ranting about drivers:
Why do people not get traffic circles? Hello? When you are in the traffic circle, you do not yield to the cars coming into it. They yield to you. And they really should be yielding to you--they have a big red yield sign, so why don't they yield??? This is not just the law, it's also common sense. Think about a traffic circle. It only makes sense to keep the flow of traffic in the circle going while those who want to enter the circle wait for an opening.
Speaking of yield signs and yielding in general, why do people not yield when they have that sign? Like when they are on ramp to a highway or a ramp to any road really. If you are coming onto a road, you are the one that yields. Usually there is a sign that reminds you. It is up to you to merge onto the road. And yet, people constantly just barrel their way onto the highways or roads assuming other people will just move out of their way even though they have the right of way. You know what they say about assuming, don't you? But in this case, it's only the "u."
-------------------------------
Why is it that when I feel like I am finally getting a handle on this parenthood thing, even the hard exhausting nights, the Pumpkin throws me for such a loop? It's like once I finally think things aren't so bad even when they are tough, she says, "Oh yeah? Take that!" And I'm down for the count.
I did not see last night coming. We've been having tough nights, but I thought surely after 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, etc. she would go back to sleep and we'd happily co-sleep until morning. I could handle that. Except apparently I could not handle longer than 2 hours.
I love the Pumpkin. I really really do. With all my heart. And actually she's in a really fun and exciting stage which we've really been enjoying. But the sleep! I should say, but the lack of sleep! I know it's not her fault that she's having trouble sleeping. She has baby insomnia or something. We've gotten through all the other sleep regressions. We'll get through this too. Apparently it's time to batten down the hatches and go back into survival mode.
-------------------------------
I'm sure I could go on with more random crap that's annoying me today, but I still have loads to do at work. And really, when I'm this cranky I try not to talk or write too much. Not my best side.
I hope everyone else is having a better day than I am.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Cara Bambina - Busy Weekends
Cara bambina,
We have had some very busy weekends lately, and you've been handling them like a champ! Last weekend, we drove down to your Grandma and Grandpa's (your dad's parents') Friday night, and you did really well in the car. This was mostly because we left only an hour before your bedtime, and you were able to handle an hour and fall asleep (thanks to a bottle given while in your carseat). You transferred right into the Pack and Play Grandma had set up, and we couldn't have been happier, especially because it was 1:45 in the morning! You slept until after 6:00 the next morning, and that was such a relief.
On Saturday, you played happily in the morning, eat a good breakfast and even went down pretty well for a nap. I was again surprised about how well you transferred into the Pack and Play. I was expecting it to be a nightmare, using the Pack and Play, since the last couple of times you tried to nap in one at your aunt's (my sister's) house you would not sleep in it. But lo and behold, you did great in the Pack and Play! Was it because this mattress was extra soft? Was it because of the way we transferred you? Was it because of the new PJs or the stuffed animals or the blanket? Oh, how I wish you could tell us so we could repeat everywhere else!
After a surprisingly long nap, you, Grandma and I went out for lunch and shopping. Again, you were so good. You get antsy and want to run around, but you are a toddler, so of course you do! The only tough thing was that you wouldn't sleep in the car from the restaurant to the first store (about a 20 minute drive) or from the first store to the mall (a 30 minute drive) or in the mall (even though I tried the front-facing baby carrier, which you've slept in before). You were exhausted, but would not sleep at those perfect opportunities. Instead, after running all around the last store, you fall asleep on the way back to the house. This was only a 15 minute ride, and it was pretty late and close to dinner time.
I had already given up the idea of an afternoon nap and been planning to just put you to bed early. But you were out like a light. I brought you in the house, and you slept through it even though I didn't try to be quiet. In fact, I tried to wake you once we got in the house, but you just flopped against my shoulder and would not wake. So I put you in the Pack and Play and you slept for another 30 minutes! You had a late-ish dinner, bath and bedtime, but you did go to sleep eventually. You did not sleep through the night that night, and in fact we had a tough night. But once again you were a sweet girl in the morning, because apparently you don't need a good night's sleep to be in a good mood, unlike your parents. You had a reasonable morning nap on Sunday, and after playing for a few more hours with family, your daddy and I got ready to get on the road.
We planned it perfectly. You were obviously really tired and ready for a nap. So we left at 3:30, tucked you in comfy clothes into the carseat, and gave you a bottle as we started out. But you didn't want the bottle, and you didn't want to sleep and you DID NOT want to be restrained in the carseat. This is a known issue, but we couldn't leave any later on a Sunday. Your daddy and I simply can't get home so late and go to sleep at 2:00 AM or later on a night when we have to work the next morning. But it was VERY ROUGH to spent 2.5 hours with you crying, screaming, fussing and generally carrying on while I had a headache verging on a migraine. We tried everything, but nothing would do. The only good thing is that it wasn't non-stop screaming. I wanted nothing more than to hold you and rock you and let you out, but we just couldn't. You were great at the stop we made for dinner, and after that you had a decent nap, but it was not easy to get to that point. And the next person who says to me "But babies usually love car rides" is going to get slapped!
This weekend is the wedding of your Godfather, your daddy's best friend. Today, we had the rehearsal and rehearsal lunch. You were simply wonderful! You actually slept most of the hour-long ride up! It was naptime, and you were so tired that you really did just sleep! You were only a little squirmy while I strolled you through Baltimore to the pier for the rehearsal. Once at the pier, you got to run around on the grassy field where the wedding will be (it's such a fantastic spot for a wedding). And run you did! Luckily, one of daddy's friends's wife helped watch you so I could take the occasional picture of daddy and your Godfather and his friends. She has a two year old, so she knew exactly what to do. And she's always fun for me to hang out with and chat with, so while her husband and your daddy are doing wedding stuff, I'll get to hang out with her tomorrow.
At the restaurant, you filled up on bread and applesauce and did not eat any of the meal I ordered for you. But that's okay, because you were happy. And then, you were extra squirmy. But you did really well overall, and I let you run around another dining room which was empty. We had a lot of fun the whole day, running around and tickling and laughing and showing off your animal noises to everyone around. In fact, we did so much, that you were exhausted on the stroller ride back to the car. Once in the car, you promptly fell asleep and slept the whole way back to our house, which is just a dream come true for your parents.
Tomorrow, you will be at your Grandma's all day. This will be her last time really watching you for a long stretch, so you really need to be good. While she's out running some errands, you must also be good for your aunt who is going to be watching you for a couple of hours. I think she's bringing your niece, so you'll have one last day of playing with her before the nanny starts at our house, watching just you. Daddy and I will be gone all day long, and we will miss you very much. But this is an important day for our good friends, and we are so excited for them.
Next weekend is also going to be crazy busy, with Mother's Day brunch, your cousins' (twins) birthday party, helping your uncle and aunt (my brother and his wife) pack and move and baking with your oldest cousin. The weekend after that, we have a lunch and shopping to do for our upcoming vacation trip. The weekend after that, we are going to the zoo to meet a bunch of really fun mommies, daddies and kids! And the weekend after that, we're going to the beach! I told you our weekends are super busy lately. It would really help us all out if you would sleep through the night regularly again. Pretty please?
Ti amo tutti,
Mama
We have had some very busy weekends lately, and you've been handling them like a champ! Last weekend, we drove down to your Grandma and Grandpa's (your dad's parents') Friday night, and you did really well in the car. This was mostly because we left only an hour before your bedtime, and you were able to handle an hour and fall asleep (thanks to a bottle given while in your carseat). You transferred right into the Pack and Play Grandma had set up, and we couldn't have been happier, especially because it was 1:45 in the morning! You slept until after 6:00 the next morning, and that was such a relief.
On Saturday, you played happily in the morning, eat a good breakfast and even went down pretty well for a nap. I was again surprised about how well you transferred into the Pack and Play. I was expecting it to be a nightmare, using the Pack and Play, since the last couple of times you tried to nap in one at your aunt's (my sister's) house you would not sleep in it. But lo and behold, you did great in the Pack and Play! Was it because this mattress was extra soft? Was it because of the way we transferred you? Was it because of the new PJs or the stuffed animals or the blanket? Oh, how I wish you could tell us so we could repeat everywhere else!
After a surprisingly long nap, you, Grandma and I went out for lunch and shopping. Again, you were so good. You get antsy and want to run around, but you are a toddler, so of course you do! The only tough thing was that you wouldn't sleep in the car from the restaurant to the first store (about a 20 minute drive) or from the first store to the mall (a 30 minute drive) or in the mall (even though I tried the front-facing baby carrier, which you've slept in before). You were exhausted, but would not sleep at those perfect opportunities. Instead, after running all around the last store, you fall asleep on the way back to the house. This was only a 15 minute ride, and it was pretty late and close to dinner time.
I had already given up the idea of an afternoon nap and been planning to just put you to bed early. But you were out like a light. I brought you in the house, and you slept through it even though I didn't try to be quiet. In fact, I tried to wake you once we got in the house, but you just flopped against my shoulder and would not wake. So I put you in the Pack and Play and you slept for another 30 minutes! You had a late-ish dinner, bath and bedtime, but you did go to sleep eventually. You did not sleep through the night that night, and in fact we had a tough night. But once again you were a sweet girl in the morning, because apparently you don't need a good night's sleep to be in a good mood, unlike your parents. You had a reasonable morning nap on Sunday, and after playing for a few more hours with family, your daddy and I got ready to get on the road.
We planned it perfectly. You were obviously really tired and ready for a nap. So we left at 3:30, tucked you in comfy clothes into the carseat, and gave you a bottle as we started out. But you didn't want the bottle, and you didn't want to sleep and you DID NOT want to be restrained in the carseat. This is a known issue, but we couldn't leave any later on a Sunday. Your daddy and I simply can't get home so late and go to sleep at 2:00 AM or later on a night when we have to work the next morning. But it was VERY ROUGH to spent 2.5 hours with you crying, screaming, fussing and generally carrying on while I had a headache verging on a migraine. We tried everything, but nothing would do. The only good thing is that it wasn't non-stop screaming. I wanted nothing more than to hold you and rock you and let you out, but we just couldn't. You were great at the stop we made for dinner, and after that you had a decent nap, but it was not easy to get to that point. And the next person who says to me "But babies usually love car rides" is going to get slapped!
This weekend is the wedding of your Godfather, your daddy's best friend. Today, we had the rehearsal and rehearsal lunch. You were simply wonderful! You actually slept most of the hour-long ride up! It was naptime, and you were so tired that you really did just sleep! You were only a little squirmy while I strolled you through Baltimore to the pier for the rehearsal. Once at the pier, you got to run around on the grassy field where the wedding will be (it's such a fantastic spot for a wedding). And run you did! Luckily, one of daddy's friends's wife helped watch you so I could take the occasional picture of daddy and your Godfather and his friends. She has a two year old, so she knew exactly what to do. And she's always fun for me to hang out with and chat with, so while her husband and your daddy are doing wedding stuff, I'll get to hang out with her tomorrow.
At the restaurant, you filled up on bread and applesauce and did not eat any of the meal I ordered for you. But that's okay, because you were happy. And then, you were extra squirmy. But you did really well overall, and I let you run around another dining room which was empty. We had a lot of fun the whole day, running around and tickling and laughing and showing off your animal noises to everyone around. In fact, we did so much, that you were exhausted on the stroller ride back to the car. Once in the car, you promptly fell asleep and slept the whole way back to our house, which is just a dream come true for your parents.
Tomorrow, you will be at your Grandma's all day. This will be her last time really watching you for a long stretch, so you really need to be good. While she's out running some errands, you must also be good for your aunt who is going to be watching you for a couple of hours. I think she's bringing your niece, so you'll have one last day of playing with her before the nanny starts at our house, watching just you. Daddy and I will be gone all day long, and we will miss you very much. But this is an important day for our good friends, and we are so excited for them.
Next weekend is also going to be crazy busy, with Mother's Day brunch, your cousins' (twins) birthday party, helping your uncle and aunt (my brother and his wife) pack and move and baking with your oldest cousin. The weekend after that, we have a lunch and shopping to do for our upcoming vacation trip. The weekend after that, we are going to the zoo to meet a bunch of really fun mommies, daddies and kids! And the weekend after that, we're going to the beach! I told you our weekends are super busy lately. It would really help us all out if you would sleep through the night regularly again. Pretty please?
Ti amo tutti,
Mama
Monday, April 28, 2008
Question of the Week - Pimp Your House
I know I haven't been around in a while. We went to the inlaws this weekend, which went pretty well, except for the 5-6 hour car trip each way with a little girl who HATES the car. Oh, and the migraine I've had on and off all weekend. That's fun with a screaming kid in the car. Real fun.
On the bright side, I have been relaxing by watching decorating shows and reading decorating books and magazines. I'm so ready to start organizing and cleaning and hanging and rearranging. As soon as I have any free time (what's that again?) and don't have a headache, I'll get right on that spring cleaning.
I did catch the end of an episode of Cribs, in which I got to see Jewel's house. GORGEOUS! And last week, one of the radio shows asked each other a good question that I'm stealing for this week's question.
Question of the Week:
What Crib-like feature would you want for your house?
I was thinking of a fantabulous, fantasy pool or maybe a macked-out kitchen, but then I realized I would want a really amazing library. Maybe even a library wing! I'm talking a two-stories high, large, open room, with a balcony that lined the second level and ladders that go up to the top shelves on each level. With comfy chairs nestled together in front of windows and a large fireplace, soft, deep rugs and lots of lamps and maybe a beautiful chandelier. A room that is light and airy, but with a dark, intellectual decor. The books would all be grouped in genre and then alphabetical, and they would all be logged in a program on the computer. There would be a work table as well as a couple desks with computers.
That is my idea of heaven in a house. How about you?
On the bright side, I have been relaxing by watching decorating shows and reading decorating books and magazines. I'm so ready to start organizing and cleaning and hanging and rearranging. As soon as I have any free time (what's that again?) and don't have a headache, I'll get right on that spring cleaning.
I did catch the end of an episode of Cribs, in which I got to see Jewel's house. GORGEOUS! And last week, one of the radio shows asked each other a good question that I'm stealing for this week's question.
Question of the Week:
What Crib-like feature would you want for your house?
I was thinking of a fantabulous, fantasy pool or maybe a macked-out kitchen, but then I realized I would want a really amazing library. Maybe even a library wing! I'm talking a two-stories high, large, open room, with a balcony that lined the second level and ladders that go up to the top shelves on each level. With comfy chairs nestled together in front of windows and a large fireplace, soft, deep rugs and lots of lamps and maybe a beautiful chandelier. A room that is light and airy, but with a dark, intellectual decor. The books would all be grouped in genre and then alphabetical, and they would all be logged in a program on the computer. There would be a work table as well as a couple desks with computers.
That is my idea of heaven in a house. How about you?
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Cara Figlia - You Were Great!
Cara figlia,
We had such a great day, and you were so good! First, you slept in until 7:20!!! That was so crazy, but that's the kind of insanity I hope will continue every morning. Then we had a great time going out to the diner for breakfast, where you ate the ham and cheddar omelete and fruit like a champ.
You slept for 45 minutes on the way to your godfather's house, which is a good nap for you. After everyone got there, you, your aunt and I had so much fun playing while the other people played cards. You ate a great lunch sitting on my lap, and then you took a nap for an hour and a half in my arms. Which gave me a great opportunity to also take an hour nap and get some reading in.
You woke up in a great mood and actually did really well on the hour drive home. You only fussed and cried for about 15 or 20 minutes total, which is a record for you! And you just came in the room with the sweetest smile on your face! Now, if you just go to bed for the night well, it'll be the perfect day.
Grazie,
Mama
We had such a great day, and you were so good! First, you slept in until 7:20!!! That was so crazy, but that's the kind of insanity I hope will continue every morning. Then we had a great time going out to the diner for breakfast, where you ate the ham and cheddar omelete and fruit like a champ.
You slept for 45 minutes on the way to your godfather's house, which is a good nap for you. After everyone got there, you, your aunt and I had so much fun playing while the other people played cards. You ate a great lunch sitting on my lap, and then you took a nap for an hour and a half in my arms. Which gave me a great opportunity to also take an hour nap and get some reading in.
You woke up in a great mood and actually did really well on the hour drive home. You only fussed and cried for about 15 or 20 minutes total, which is a record for you! And you just came in the room with the sweetest smile on your face! Now, if you just go to bed for the night well, it'll be the perfect day.
Grazie,
Mama
Friday, February 8, 2008
I Was Young and Idiotic Innocent
Before I had a baby of my own, I had opinions on parenting.
Shocker, I know! Me opinionated about something? That's just crazy!
Since having my own baby, especially since having a fussy one, I now understand that I KNEW NOTHING!
To anyone whom I voiced my uneducated opinion, please accept my apologies if I was an idiot.
I couldn't believe when I'd hear how some mothers would let their babies sleep in car seats or on them or any place but a crib or bed! Surprisingly, I didn't have an issue with co-sleeping, but that was a bed so it made sense to me. But why would anyone let their baby sleep anywhere but a crib or bed?
Ha! "Let." Like parents always get a choice? My daughter would not sleep anywhere but on Londo or me except the swing and then only at night and swaddled. We tried other things again and again, but she wasn't having any of it. I was so happy when we finally were able to co-sleep, and that only worked with her swaddled and nursed to sleep lying down. It took months to get her into her crib at all, and sleeping through the night? Only when she's good and ready.
I knew someone who said their child didn't like the car, which was why they couldn't come visit. In my mind, they simply hadn't gotten the child used to the car. She should have taken him in the car more often, and for longer and longer periods, until he simply adjusted. After all, babies were supposed to love car rides.
And then we had the Pumpkin who hates the car almost more than anything else in the world! She hates being confined in the car seat (in any seat with straps, really), she hates just sitting there, and when she was newborn she especially hated that she wasn't being held. We have suffered through short and long and very long car rides with her screaming most (if not all) of the way. I can't tell you how many times we've had to stop the car so I could get her out and hold her to calm her down because she was screaming so hard she was having trouble breathing. There was no "just get her used to it" though we tried and tried.
I didn't understand why some parents said they had to hold the baby all the time. I was on board with "attachment parenting" and the idea of wanting to hold the baby often. But if a parent wanted to get something done, they should just put the baby down for a little while and go do it.
Enter The-Baby-Who-Would-Not-Be-Put-Down. Seriously. She would not be put down for more than a few minutes, definitely less than 5, for the first three months of her life (with the exception of the swing, and then at night only). This was another area in which we tried getting her used to being put down in the bassinet, in a swing, in a crib, in anything! She would quickly work up to screaming sobs. She would not simply adjust. Not until her body was old enough and she was ready. Now, she still likes to be held a lot (especially when she's upset), but she loves to be down crawling and walking and playing on her own. But it was all on her time schedule. I would not have kept the remaining threads of my sanity if it hadn't been for the slings.
Overall, I thought that children should just enter the world as part of the family. Things shouldn't have to change too much, as long as you just fit them into your life and didn't make the child the focus of the entire house.
Ha! Ha ha! Hahahahahahaha! See what an idiot I was?
I really thought all children were pretty malleable. I didn't realize that they came pre-programmed with their own personalities and temperments from birth that would sometimes not mesh with what (g)you* want them to do/be. The other day, Don Mills Diva wrote an excellent post about how a lot of parenting depends on pure luck, especially relating to a child's health and temperment. She makes excellent points, ones I wish I knew before I gave birth.
But I can't change the idiot I was. I can only look forward and try not to be an idiot in the future. I keep this lesson mind: I cannot know what it is like to be that parent or even person until I've been in their shoes or until I've tried to wrestle their child into the shoes that are-to-tight-and-I-don't-want-to-wear-them!!! I make this pledge: I will strive not be a Sanctimommy, while I continue to do what I think is best for my child and my child's personality. I will also try not to let others get to me when they simply don't know or understand what I'm going through and what my daughter's personality is like. Usually, people are just trying to help and mean well. Usually, I did too. I didn't even know that I didn't know a thing.
*(g)you stands for "general you" or "group you" or "plural you" or in italian "voi."
Shocker, I know! Me opinionated about something? That's just crazy!
Since having my own baby, especially since having a fussy one, I now understand that I KNEW NOTHING!
To anyone whom I voiced my uneducated opinion, please accept my apologies if I was an idiot.
I couldn't believe when I'd hear how some mothers would let their babies sleep in car seats or on them or any place but a crib or bed! Surprisingly, I didn't have an issue with co-sleeping, but that was a bed so it made sense to me. But why would anyone let their baby sleep anywhere but a crib or bed?
Ha! "Let." Like parents always get a choice? My daughter would not sleep anywhere but on Londo or me except the swing and then only at night and swaddled. We tried other things again and again, but she wasn't having any of it. I was so happy when we finally were able to co-sleep, and that only worked with her swaddled and nursed to sleep lying down. It took months to get her into her crib at all, and sleeping through the night? Only when she's good and ready.
I knew someone who said their child didn't like the car, which was why they couldn't come visit. In my mind, they simply hadn't gotten the child used to the car. She should have taken him in the car more often, and for longer and longer periods, until he simply adjusted. After all, babies were supposed to love car rides.
And then we had the Pumpkin who hates the car almost more than anything else in the world! She hates being confined in the car seat (in any seat with straps, really), she hates just sitting there, and when she was newborn she especially hated that she wasn't being held. We have suffered through short and long and very long car rides with her screaming most (if not all) of the way. I can't tell you how many times we've had to stop the car so I could get her out and hold her to calm her down because she was screaming so hard she was having trouble breathing. There was no "just get her used to it" though we tried and tried.
I didn't understand why some parents said they had to hold the baby all the time. I was on board with "attachment parenting" and the idea of wanting to hold the baby often. But if a parent wanted to get something done, they should just put the baby down for a little while and go do it.
Enter The-Baby-Who-Would-Not-Be-Put-Down. Seriously. She would not be put down for more than a few minutes, definitely less than 5, for the first three months of her life (with the exception of the swing, and then at night only). This was another area in which we tried getting her used to being put down in the bassinet, in a swing, in a crib, in anything! She would quickly work up to screaming sobs. She would not simply adjust. Not until her body was old enough and she was ready. Now, she still likes to be held a lot (especially when she's upset), but she loves to be down crawling and walking and playing on her own. But it was all on her time schedule. I would not have kept the remaining threads of my sanity if it hadn't been for the slings.
Overall, I thought that children should just enter the world as part of the family. Things shouldn't have to change too much, as long as you just fit them into your life and didn't make the child the focus of the entire house.
Ha! Ha ha! Hahahahahahaha! See what an idiot I was?
I really thought all children were pretty malleable. I didn't realize that they came pre-programmed with their own personalities and temperments from birth that would sometimes not mesh with what (g)you* want them to do/be. The other day, Don Mills Diva wrote an excellent post about how a lot of parenting depends on pure luck, especially relating to a child's health and temperment. She makes excellent points, ones I wish I knew before I gave birth.
But I can't change the idiot I was. I can only look forward and try not to be an idiot in the future. I keep this lesson mind: I cannot know what it is like to be that parent or even person until I've been in their shoes or until I've tried to wrestle their child into the shoes that are-to-tight-and-I-don't-want-to-wear-them!!! I make this pledge: I will strive not be a Sanctimommy, while I continue to do what I think is best for my child and my child's personality. I will also try not to let others get to me when they simply don't know or understand what I'm going through and what my daughter's personality is like. Usually, people are just trying to help and mean well. Usually, I did too. I didn't even know that I didn't know a thing.
*(g)you stands for "general you" or "group you" or "plural you" or in italian "voi."
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Torture, Magic and Death of a Redskin
Apparently the car seat is the most evil device ever created to torture the baby! But my boobs... They are magic!
Thank you to all the women before me who have shared tales of what they've had to do to get a carseat-hating baby through a long car trip. I've now joined the legions of women who have put themselves in physical danger by angling myself over the carseat to get the baby a magic boob, all without the aid of a seat belt. But it was worth it when she drifted off to sleep...
And we had another rough night with the teething Pumpkin, but we made it through.
The same cannot be said for everyone. Sean Taylor, 24, a safety for the Washington Redskins, died early this morning after being shot yesterday. My and my husband's condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates, especially his 18-month old daughter. He will be missed by many.
Thank you to all the women before me who have shared tales of what they've had to do to get a carseat-hating baby through a long car trip. I've now joined the legions of women who have put themselves in physical danger by angling myself over the carseat to get the baby a magic boob, all without the aid of a seat belt. But it was worth it when she drifted off to sleep...
And we had another rough night with the teething Pumpkin, but we made it through.
The same cannot be said for everyone. Sean Taylor, 24, a safety for the Washington Redskins, died early this morning after being shot yesterday. My and my husband's condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates, especially his 18-month old daughter. He will be missed by many.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Cara Figlia - Pumpkin's First Thanksgiving
Cara Figlia (Dear Daughter),
I'm so sorry about the long car trip down to your grandma and grandpa's house. I know that even in the convertible carseat, you get antsy and hate being confined, especially for long periods of time. I know this about you at 8 months, as you have made it abundantly clear to everyone in the car. Thank you for the very pleasant 2.5 hour nap you took in the morning (incredible!!!) and the 45 minute one you took in the afternoon. But there was an hour of pure misery for you, me, your dad and your dog. If I could have taken you out of the car and walked the rest of the way, I would have. But it was too far and the stops we made only prolonged the trip. Your daddy and I are trying to come up with another plan for the trip back.
But I'm so glad we made the trip for your first Thanksgiving. You've been a delight to your grandparents, aunts, uncles and the rest of the family. You seem to be having a great time and interested in everyone. You loved the green beans and enjoyed the potato and turkey you tried. And you were good natured, even though your naps were only 15 minutes. Until the late afternoon, when we both took a nice, long nap together (1 hour for Mama, 1.5 hours for Pumpkin)! I just wish you were sleeping longer at night down here. We had a good thing going for a while, and I hope this trip isn't going to mess it all up.
Today is Black Friday. And we are going shopping. Normally, you love to be out at the shops looking at all the people and things, but it is going to be crowded even in the small mall where we will be. I hope this goes well...
Ti amo con tutti cuore,
caramama
I'm so sorry about the long car trip down to your grandma and grandpa's house. I know that even in the convertible carseat, you get antsy and hate being confined, especially for long periods of time. I know this about you at 8 months, as you have made it abundantly clear to everyone in the car. Thank you for the very pleasant 2.5 hour nap you took in the morning (incredible!!!) and the 45 minute one you took in the afternoon. But there was an hour of pure misery for you, me, your dad and your dog. If I could have taken you out of the car and walked the rest of the way, I would have. But it was too far and the stops we made only prolonged the trip. Your daddy and I are trying to come up with another plan for the trip back.
But I'm so glad we made the trip for your first Thanksgiving. You've been a delight to your grandparents, aunts, uncles and the rest of the family. You seem to be having a great time and interested in everyone. You loved the green beans and enjoyed the potato and turkey you tried. And you were good natured, even though your naps were only 15 minutes. Until the late afternoon, when we both took a nice, long nap together (1 hour for Mama, 1.5 hours for Pumpkin)! I just wish you were sleeping longer at night down here. We had a good thing going for a while, and I hope this trip isn't going to mess it all up.
Today is Black Friday. And we are going shopping. Normally, you love to be out at the shops looking at all the people and things, but it is going to be crowded even in the small mall where we will be. I hope this goes well...
Ti amo con tutti cuore,
caramama
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