The best part of staying at a hotel on vacation is the fact that no matter what you do to your living space, someone else cleans it up. Genius. However, now that we travel with a child, we need to prioritize our Housekeeping time. After all, not disrupting Alexis during nap is a common goal. So we ask ourselves, how few times in one week can we have the garbage taken out to avoid things growing in the trash can? Do we really need someone to change the sheets on the bed? Do we vacuum our own carpets in a week's time? There is much strategy and thought that goes into vacations with a toddler and managing hotel in-room service is one of them.
You know those signs you hang outside your hotel door that say "Please Do Not Disturb"? Yep, I hung it on our door this morning so Alexis could nap today without Housekeeping coming in to disturb us. After all, yesterday was a very long travel day for all of us and included no quiet time whatsoever. Today is a day for restoring our energy and sanity. Hooray for naptime! Do. Not. Disturb.
So what does Housekeeping do? They call our room to double-check that we meant to hang the sign on our door.
Sigh.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
My Toddler Is Ready For Vacation--Am I?
Alexis' backpack is packed. She knows which favorite blanket is coming with her. Her luggage is filled with my old tank tops that she wears as dresses. The DVD player is charged, crayons are organized, and stickers are waiting to be stuck. For the last 13 mornings, Alexis has asked if it is "San Cisco" time yet. With every airplane we see in the sky, Alexis reassures herself that it is not going to San Francisco. After all, the plane going to San Francisco cannot be departing without us on it. Makes perfect sense.
Alexis is ready for vacation.
What I don't think she is ready for is the 4 hour direct flight from Minnesota to California. Alexis is a good traveler. No, scratch that, she is a great traveler. But she is still a 2 1/2 year old on an airplane for 4 hours. It will be her fifth flight, but the longest straight stretch of time. I used to try to find direct flights for us because they make life so much easier. Now I think it might make life a little more inconvenient.
Let me regale you with my basic tenet of air travel with a child: throw the rules out the pressurized triple-paned window. Give the child whatever he wants*. Candy, DVDs, juice, popcorn, markers, Play Doh, you get the idea. For the sanity of every single person in the airplane, make your kid think that flying is the single coolest adventure he could embark on.
However, for a 4 hour flight with my toddler, I think it might not be enough. I have flown with her a few times by myself and this flight with a second adult is making me more anxious than those. I have the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD, the Word World DVD, stickers, coloring books, dry erase boards/markers, M&Ms, lollipops, sugary snacks, salty snacks, tons of books, her Taggie blankets, and a couple favorite stuffed animals. Even with all that, I think I am going to be entertainment central. For 4 hours. And I am going to be like the flashy, loud, brand-new Christmas morning toy after 90 minutes. Thrown into the corner and forgotten for her favorite book. Hopefully I remembered to bring that one.
Here's hoping she doesn't kick my ass.
When we return, I will post with a review of how the flights went!
*Exception: headphones for DVD players/tablets and no loud electronic toys or musical instruments. There are 182 other people on the aircraft who don't think your child is adorable, interesting, or gifted.
Alexis is ready for vacation.
What I don't think she is ready for is the 4 hour direct flight from Minnesota to California. Alexis is a good traveler. No, scratch that, she is a great traveler. But she is still a 2 1/2 year old on an airplane for 4 hours. It will be her fifth flight, but the longest straight stretch of time. I used to try to find direct flights for us because they make life so much easier. Now I think it might make life a little more inconvenient.
Let me regale you with my basic tenet of air travel with a child: throw the rules out the pressurized triple-paned window. Give the child whatever he wants*. Candy, DVDs, juice, popcorn, markers, Play Doh, you get the idea. For the sanity of every single person in the airplane, make your kid think that flying is the single coolest adventure he could embark on.
However, for a 4 hour flight with my toddler, I think it might not be enough. I have flown with her a few times by myself and this flight with a second adult is making me more anxious than those. I have the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD, the Word World DVD, stickers, coloring books, dry erase boards/markers, M&Ms, lollipops, sugary snacks, salty snacks, tons of books, her Taggie blankets, and a couple favorite stuffed animals. Even with all that, I think I am going to be entertainment central. For 4 hours. And I am going to be like the flashy, loud, brand-new Christmas morning toy after 90 minutes. Thrown into the corner and forgotten for her favorite book. Hopefully I remembered to bring that one.
Here's hoping she doesn't kick my ass.
When we return, I will post with a review of how the flights went!
*Exception: headphones for DVD players/tablets and no loud electronic toys or musical instruments. There are 182 other people on the aircraft who don't think your child is adorable, interesting, or gifted.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Can't Ever Be a First-Time Parent Again
And would I want to? It is a tough question. There are so many perks to being a newbie in the whole parenting game. Most importantly, you only have one child to deal with. I am thankfully still in this stage, but soon enough (big picture) I will be outnumbered.
Ah, the blissful days of a newborn. Despite the milking, sleeplessness, and worrying, it is a time of peace and calm and joy. So why didn't anyone tell me that I wouldn't properly enjoy it? I was concerned with finances, infant development, and photography instead of sleeping, reveling, and relaxing. Also, chores. When I think of all the time I could have been doing chores when Alexis was immobile and actually took naps. What was I doing during that time? Now when she has Quiet Time all I can do is sit and pray for sanity.
I don't want to go back to newborn days, but I wish I could have the same time with the next child. I could take all the things I learned from the first one and apply them to number 2. But life doesn't work like that.
Ah, the blissful days of a newborn. Despite the milking, sleeplessness, and worrying, it is a time of peace and calm and joy. So why didn't anyone tell me that I wouldn't properly enjoy it? I was concerned with finances, infant development, and photography instead of sleeping, reveling, and relaxing. Also, chores. When I think of all the time I could have been doing chores when Alexis was immobile and actually took naps. What was I doing during that time? Now when she has Quiet Time all I can do is sit and pray for sanity.
I don't want to go back to newborn days, but I wish I could have the same time with the next child. I could take all the things I learned from the first one and apply them to number 2. But life doesn't work like that.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Rockin' The Baby--Time Flies
I cannot believe my little girl is already 2 1/2 years old! I honestly feel like it was just yesterday that she was swaddled and red-faced and tiny. It is no secret that I have the itch. I want to add to our family; add to the fun, add to the chaos, add to the love. One child is simply not enough!
Alexis Grace arrived!
02/18/09
6lb 11oz, 18in
The brand-new happy family.
Nick was on baby duty. At least he kept her safe! Not killing Alexis was the main goal the first few weeks.
Chillin' with Grandma.
Before we knew it, she was finding joy in everything around her...
...and we were still smiling!
When I think about those first few months with Alexis, I don't remember all the tedium, worry, and exhaustion. All I remember is the love.
Above is a rare shot of me and Alexis (I always have the camera). And below is Alexis today. Happy, healthy, and in a rare moment of tranquility. It is a captured moment like this that solidifies my desire to rock another baby.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Swimming
What is it about splashing, digging, sunny days, and hot weather that tuckers us out? My child and husband are currently napping upstairs, a common occurrence after a beach day. The house is quiet, peaceful, and cool. Unlike this morning which began in chaos.
What is it about getting ready to swim that is so chaotic and disorganized? Swimsuits are scattered, sunscreen is always practically empty, and sand toys are not in the tote bag in the car (who moved them?!). Alexis whines about what snacks she wants while I am trying to locate everything, pack bags, and tug on my swim shorts, all while finishing the last of the blessed coffee. Should we just plan a picnic lunch? I positively answer my own question and proceed to add "pack picnic lunch" to my growing beach day to-do list. Nick offers to help with anything, but explaining to him exactly what I want done would take as long as me just doing it (right?).
I keep checking the clock because the 7-minute-away beach opens at 9:00 and all the good shady spots are usually taken quickly. I don't want to get there too much after 9:00 or we will be relegated to the boiling sunny sandy patches. Load the chairs, pack the cooler, bag the snacks, remember water for everyone, take 3 towels, and throw in changes of clothing for everyone. Oh my God, sunscreen Alexis before we get in the car so it has time to set before she washes it off in the water hole! Finally, something Nick can do. I wonder if he will remember to use the stick on her face and not just spray the aerosol around her eyes and mouth?
Everyone is ready, let's go! Wait! I need to grab my book, just in case Alexis plays by herself for a few blissful minutes so I can enjoy some leisure time of my own at the beach. Okay, we're off. Whew, we will only be a few minutes late.
We pull in to a deserted parking lot, no one is at the beach yet at 9:21. I have never had such choice with the umbrellas! Which shady spot do we want? The one close to the bathrooms? Or the one that the shade reaches down to the water? Do we want one that is near the lifeguard stand? Very tough decisions. Finally after much deliberating (does Nick even like me at these moments?), we head to a shaded spot. We unpack and begin to play. I don't need my book, we barely take a break to eat lunch, and the sunscreen likely washes off on contact with the water. Eventually, at 1:15 we decide to call it a day and head home.
But what a fun day. So relaxing! Now what to plan for this afternoon?
What is it about getting ready to swim that is so chaotic and disorganized? Swimsuits are scattered, sunscreen is always practically empty, and sand toys are not in the tote bag in the car (who moved them?!). Alexis whines about what snacks she wants while I am trying to locate everything, pack bags, and tug on my swim shorts, all while finishing the last of the blessed coffee. Should we just plan a picnic lunch? I positively answer my own question and proceed to add "pack picnic lunch" to my growing beach day to-do list. Nick offers to help with anything, but explaining to him exactly what I want done would take as long as me just doing it (right?).
I keep checking the clock because the 7-minute-away beach opens at 9:00 and all the good shady spots are usually taken quickly. I don't want to get there too much after 9:00 or we will be relegated to the boiling sunny sandy patches. Load the chairs, pack the cooler, bag the snacks, remember water for everyone, take 3 towels, and throw in changes of clothing for everyone. Oh my God, sunscreen Alexis before we get in the car so it has time to set before she washes it off in the water hole! Finally, something Nick can do. I wonder if he will remember to use the stick on her face and not just spray the aerosol around her eyes and mouth?
Everyone is ready, let's go! Wait! I need to grab my book, just in case Alexis plays by herself for a few blissful minutes so I can enjoy some leisure time of my own at the beach. Okay, we're off. Whew, we will only be a few minutes late.
We pull in to a deserted parking lot, no one is at the beach yet at 9:21. I have never had such choice with the umbrellas! Which shady spot do we want? The one close to the bathrooms? Or the one that the shade reaches down to the water? Do we want one that is near the lifeguard stand? Very tough decisions. Finally after much deliberating (does Nick even like me at these moments?), we head to a shaded spot. We unpack and begin to play. I don't need my book, we barely take a break to eat lunch, and the sunscreen likely washes off on contact with the water. Eventually, at 1:15 we decide to call it a day and head home.
But what a fun day. So relaxing! Now what to plan for this afternoon?
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Newborns--Do They Hear Us?
I was on a walk with Alexis the other day and we were a few paces behind a mother with a newborn. I am talking alien-faced, barely-10-lbs, still-red-and-wrinkled newborn. For the record, mom looked good. I wouldn't judge her if she looked bad, but damn she looked amazing. Amazing. Anyway, there was a family of ducks swimming in the water hole and we both stopped to look and discuss with our children.
Alexis was watching and talking about what she was seeing. I have to admit I wasn't listening to my child at all. I was totally wrapped up in my compatriot. The other mom was describing everything to her infant. She was mentioning the colors of the ducks, the sounds of the family, the babble of the water, the slight breeze that was blowing, the warmth of the sun, etc. It was incredible. She was eloquent and descriptive. The way she explained senses and feelings was pure poetry. I was mesmerized by her detailed prose. Even Alexis ceased babbling for a brief second to listen. This woman had me hanging on her every word, wanting to answer her questions about what I was seeing and hearing and experiencing.
And her baby was asleep through all of it. But what a fantastic teacher he has to guide him for his many awake moments in the future.
Alexis was watching and talking about what she was seeing. I have to admit I wasn't listening to my child at all. I was totally wrapped up in my compatriot. The other mom was describing everything to her infant. She was mentioning the colors of the ducks, the sounds of the family, the babble of the water, the slight breeze that was blowing, the warmth of the sun, etc. It was incredible. She was eloquent and descriptive. The way she explained senses and feelings was pure poetry. I was mesmerized by her detailed prose. Even Alexis ceased babbling for a brief second to listen. This woman had me hanging on her every word, wanting to answer her questions about what I was seeing and hearing and experiencing.
And her baby was asleep through all of it. But what a fantastic teacher he has to guide him for his many awake moments in the future.
Who Created Moon Sand?
Moon Sand is this magical sand that is for the indoors. It never dries out, it is highly moldable, and comes in bright fun colors. Alexis got the Bake Shop set for her birthday, which has pink, purple, and white sand, plus some extra blue sand. Needless to say, all her sand is now purple, which she loves. Everyday Alexis wants to make cupcakes with frosting, tarts with fruit, and big cakes. She molds them and then takes them over to her IKEA kitchen to bake on her cookie sheet. She uses an old house phone as her business line and ends each call with "Thank you for your business, bye bye!". So creative, clever, and non-weather dependent.
I despise Moon Sand. It is sand, so it gets into everything. Every crack. Every crevice. Under fingernails. Between toes. I cannot sweep it up. I try repeatedly, but I just cannot get it all. Also, Alexis wants me to play it with her every time. I am the master baker, stirring the sand in the stand mixer. Forming all the minuscule treats and adhering their frosting caps. Patting the tarts and creating the large cakes, making the flower decorations to place on the top. Then I need to pretend to eat them and gush over how fabulous they are. Finally, I make half the pretend phone calls to Daddy so he can order custom-made treats "for pick-up or delivery?".
Alexis needs to learn how to play with this onerous toy on her own. I don't mind doing it with her occasionally, but it would be much better if this was a solo endeavor on her part. I don't need to develop my fine motor skills or use this as an outlet for my creative genius. I would like to leave those things up to Alexis. I will ooh and ahh over her lovely desserts and even be her delivery woman, but I want to leave my fingers out of the Moon Sand!
So far, Moon Sand might just be the world's worst invention. And my 2 year old loves it.
I despise Moon Sand. It is sand, so it gets into everything. Every crack. Every crevice. Under fingernails. Between toes. I cannot sweep it up. I try repeatedly, but I just cannot get it all. Also, Alexis wants me to play it with her every time. I am the master baker, stirring the sand in the stand mixer. Forming all the minuscule treats and adhering their frosting caps. Patting the tarts and creating the large cakes, making the flower decorations to place on the top. Then I need to pretend to eat them and gush over how fabulous they are. Finally, I make half the pretend phone calls to Daddy so he can order custom-made treats "for pick-up or delivery?".
Alexis needs to learn how to play with this onerous toy on her own. I don't mind doing it with her occasionally, but it would be much better if this was a solo endeavor on her part. I don't need to develop my fine motor skills or use this as an outlet for my creative genius. I would like to leave those things up to Alexis. I will ooh and ahh over her lovely desserts and even be her delivery woman, but I want to leave my fingers out of the Moon Sand!
So far, Moon Sand might just be the world's worst invention. And my 2 year old loves it.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Potty Training - A Parent's Everest
I haven't heard of a Kindergartner going to school not being potty trained. So why all the fuss, stress, and worry over the toilet? Some parents do infant potty learning, many parents begin when their child is a toddler, and a few others are forced to wait until their child is old enough that intense bribery works.
There is pressure from society ("most children are trained by 2"), grandparents ("you were out of diapers by 18 months; one day I just said 'sit on the potty' and you did it), and daycare centers ("our policy is that your child cannot move into the preschool room until he is 33 months or potty trained"). But in reality there are basic body functions that cannot be forced, barring medical intervention via tubes, if the child is not ready, like sleeping, eating/drinking, and excreting.
Alexis is not quite 2.5 years old. Since she has always been a fastidious child and a fast learner, I bought some underwear before she showed any interest. Being the Type A freak I am, I wanted to make sure that if she wanted to wear panties one day I would be prepared. Well, about a month ago she did decide that she wanted to wear underwear and try sitting on the potty. Over the course of 8 days, she had many makes, became an expert at holding her pee (I am talking for like 7+ hours), many misses, and never once attempted a poop. Her biggest hurdle was focus; pausing in her day to go sit on the potty and focus for just a couple seconds before resuming her activity. Then one day, about a week later, she went cold turkey on the training and requested diapers again. Okay by me.
That last statement is the amazing thing in all of this. For me, I think I handled the Alexis-led potty training as well as I am ever going to. I was anxious about it because I want her to succeed. But I didn't vocalize any of my frustrations. I think Alexis felt relaxed to make the choice, to pee or not to pee.
I currently believe Alexis doesn't have the emotional maturity to work on potty training and lacks a little body awareness. Again, part of the learning is knowing when you have to go (pee-check), being calm enough to eliminate in the potty (pee-check), and being able to tear yourself away from your toys to go do it (eh). When I say body awareness, I am referring to BMs. Just yesterday we were upstairs right before Quiet Time and she was running around naked. When she chooses to be naked, I remind her that since she is not wearing diapers she needs to try to go in the potty because we do not pee on the floor. "Okay Mommy!". So she is playing and then she stops and looks at me, bends over a little, and says "Mommy I toot!". I looked at the floor and said "No, Alexis you pooped." This little girl is a rule-follower who loves announcing her toots. Clearly she doesn't quite have the difference between fecal states of matter down yet. Good to know in terms of potty training.
I am sure Alexis will reach an age at which I get more frustrated if she isn't grabbing the concept of using the potty. In another year if this is still an issue, I will likely be implementing the sticker charts, M&Ms, and big prize techniques that are more appropriate for a preschooler. But until then, I am approaching it in a very she-will-get-it-when-she-gets-it approach. I make sure she knows she is loved whether she pees in the potty, diapers, or her underwear. I encourage all parents to just relax and let your kids lead you down the path of using the potty. They will get it.
I will end with the following vignette. Alexis knows the proper anatomical body part names of everything. Yes, everything, and she has known them for months. She likes information and I see no need to teach her cutesy names for things. That being said, about a week ago, we came inside from sand and water play. Because it was right before bedtime, she was naked before we went upstairs to get ready for sleep (I swear she wears clothing most of the time). I reminded her that since she is not wearing diapers she needs to try to pee on the potty or tell me she needs a diaper. She instantly ran over to the potty. Being that Alexis is a rule-follower, I thought there had been a miscommunication and she thought she needed to sit on the potty regardless of personal need. I told her once that she doesn't need to sit on the potty unless she needs to go. "Okay Mommy!". After a couple minutes of sitting spread eagle on her potty chair, Alexis unabashedly looks down between her legs and exclaims "Mommy! My vagina is working today!". She peed. Hooray for small victories and the simple excitement of a toddler.
There is pressure from society ("most children are trained by 2"), grandparents ("you were out of diapers by 18 months; one day I just said 'sit on the potty' and you did it), and daycare centers ("our policy is that your child cannot move into the preschool room until he is 33 months or potty trained"). But in reality there are basic body functions that cannot be forced, barring medical intervention via tubes, if the child is not ready, like sleeping, eating/drinking, and excreting.
Alexis is not quite 2.5 years old. Since she has always been a fastidious child and a fast learner, I bought some underwear before she showed any interest. Being the Type A freak I am, I wanted to make sure that if she wanted to wear panties one day I would be prepared. Well, about a month ago she did decide that she wanted to wear underwear and try sitting on the potty. Over the course of 8 days, she had many makes, became an expert at holding her pee (I am talking for like 7+ hours), many misses, and never once attempted a poop. Her biggest hurdle was focus; pausing in her day to go sit on the potty and focus for just a couple seconds before resuming her activity. Then one day, about a week later, she went cold turkey on the training and requested diapers again. Okay by me.
That last statement is the amazing thing in all of this. For me, I think I handled the Alexis-led potty training as well as I am ever going to. I was anxious about it because I want her to succeed. But I didn't vocalize any of my frustrations. I think Alexis felt relaxed to make the choice, to pee or not to pee.
I currently believe Alexis doesn't have the emotional maturity to work on potty training and lacks a little body awareness. Again, part of the learning is knowing when you have to go (pee-check), being calm enough to eliminate in the potty (pee-check), and being able to tear yourself away from your toys to go do it (eh). When I say body awareness, I am referring to BMs. Just yesterday we were upstairs right before Quiet Time and she was running around naked. When she chooses to be naked, I remind her that since she is not wearing diapers she needs to try to go in the potty because we do not pee on the floor. "Okay Mommy!". So she is playing and then she stops and looks at me, bends over a little, and says "Mommy I toot!". I looked at the floor and said "No, Alexis you pooped." This little girl is a rule-follower who loves announcing her toots. Clearly she doesn't quite have the difference between fecal states of matter down yet. Good to know in terms of potty training.
I am sure Alexis will reach an age at which I get more frustrated if she isn't grabbing the concept of using the potty. In another year if this is still an issue, I will likely be implementing the sticker charts, M&Ms, and big prize techniques that are more appropriate for a preschooler. But until then, I am approaching it in a very she-will-get-it-when-she-gets-it approach. I make sure she knows she is loved whether she pees in the potty, diapers, or her underwear. I encourage all parents to just relax and let your kids lead you down the path of using the potty. They will get it.
I will end with the following vignette. Alexis knows the proper anatomical body part names of everything. Yes, everything, and she has known them for months. She likes information and I see no need to teach her cutesy names for things. That being said, about a week ago, we came inside from sand and water play. Because it was right before bedtime, she was naked before we went upstairs to get ready for sleep (I swear she wears clothing most of the time). I reminded her that since she is not wearing diapers she needs to try to pee on the potty or tell me she needs a diaper. She instantly ran over to the potty. Being that Alexis is a rule-follower, I thought there had been a miscommunication and she thought she needed to sit on the potty regardless of personal need. I told her once that she doesn't need to sit on the potty unless she needs to go. "Okay Mommy!". After a couple minutes of sitting spread eagle on her potty chair, Alexis unabashedly looks down between her legs and exclaims "Mommy! My vagina is working today!". She peed. Hooray for small victories and the simple excitement of a toddler.
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