Up,Up, and Away

We are out of here this afternoon. After a harrowing evening of trying to decided if I packed too much, maybe too little. Should I just bring the kids entire closet? Packing for kids is difficult. Packing for a baby is just plain crazy. Diapers,wipes, bottles,formula, and that's not even starting with clothes. I really don't mind in the long run. We could just skip all of this mess and wait until the kids are older to travel, but life is too short to let a couple nights of intense packing mania get in the way of the fun.

Truth be told, my greatest dread is the point we leave home until we are safely seated on the plane. I understand the threat of terrorism is never to be taken lightly, but the TSA doesn't make it easy on parents with small children. It starts as we try to juggle our luggage, stroller, baby carrier, and hand bags into the airport while keeping a close eye on Kaylie making sure she doesn't wander off. Any line is formidable with children. Will I be able to keep Kaylie entertained long enough? If we make it to the front of the line, she will inevitably tell me she has to go the the bathroom right that second. We finally make it to the security line only to pull off all shoes and pull out any items from our bags that could even pose the slightest security risk. I keep Kaylie's hand firmly in my own while keeping a tight grip on our shoes, tickets, and other personal belongings, just praying that we won't be pulled aside for another check. When we make it through there is the mad dash for the gate and then the waiting begins. We are usually always flying standby on my dad's passes so we are eagerly anticipating our name to be called to ensure we will have a seat on the flight, and hoping they don't separate us from the kids. Yes they have done this before. Usually we can find a kind soul who either feels sorry for us or doesn't like the thought of sitting next to a curious, unattended three year old. Once we are on the plane I can take a sigh and relax for two seconds until I hear that familiar phrase..."mommy,I need to go to the bathroom."

Yes it's all still worth it!

California Here We Come!

Ahhh vacation. The words always sound so sweet! We are headed off at the end of this week for what seems to be a yearly trip to California. We always discuss other ideas, and we always say we will do something different next year, but here we go again. Honestly it just feels like home, and we know we can relax here even with two kids. We also got a really good deal on some Disney tickets. Three days for the kids price. This probably will be our last trip here for awhile...seriously. We would like to take the kids to Disney World in Florida, but we decided we want to wait until they are both a little older. It is so big and there is so much to do we want everyone to be able to enjoy it without diaper changes or bottles to make.
We have been truly blessed to be able to get away for the kids so often. It has helped that my dear dad works for American. I am excited to say we have paid for the trip completely with cash, and with the use of some creative budget planning it will come off being quite affordable. Gotta love priceline and restaurant coupons! My parents are going to come out for a couple of days because Disney has a promotion going on right now. If you come on your birthday you get in free. My dad's birthday just happens to be the 30th. Who could pass that up when you can practically fly for free! I know it will be a welcome break after 2 weeks of hard work in Africa.
We are also going to take a day and go to Santa Monica. I love the beach and all of the quirky shops and entertainment. It is so invigorating. I am looking forward to sharing the tradition once again with my kids. I keep telling Kaylie she should be so thankful for the opportunity she has been given. She may still be too young to understand, but I never want her to take for granted what she has. It is amazing to look back at past trips and see how she has grown.
Here she is on her first trip,only 4 months old.



A vacation right after her second birthday
Her most recent trip.I look forward to the new memories we will create with our kids, and the fun that comes along with it. Now I need to focus on cleaning and packing before work starts back up tomorrow.

Teething is a Nightmare

What happened to my sweet little boy? He has been overtaken by the teething monster. I have heard stories about babies who go absolutely crazy while teething. I didn't believe it. Kaylie never really fussed while she was teething. She never ran a fever. Yes she chewed on things more than usual, but for the most part she just went with the flow. Micah has decided to throw all of our previous parental confidence out the window. So much for thinking all that experience with the first baby would make raising the second a breeze. Micah has proven what every parent says but I had failed to realize until now. Every child is different. Micah has always been a little more clingy since birth. He likes to be held and coddled. He is not usually content to just lie in his crib or sit in a bumbo and chew on a teething ring. I had finally made some peace with this. Chris and I had learned to balance a baby on one knee while eating and allowing a little extra cuddle time after getting up in the morning. He had started gaining that cute little baby personality, laughing, smiling, and babbling a lot of intelligent baby wisdom. Suddenly a few weeks ago things began to seriously change. It started with an almost constant drool. No problem, nothing a burp rag and a few extra changes of clothes can't handle. Then came an instinct to chomp down and gum on anything that comes close to his mouth. Who knew gums could injure a finger so badly? Next came the continuous crying as he chews on his own hand. At this point it is almost impossible to make him happy. If I hold him he still whines, if I give him a teething ring he gets frustrated because he can't shove the whole thing in his mouth. I even have tried oragel which works temporarily, but in no way solves the problem. I work so hard to get a smile or even a little laugh, but he just seems uncomfortable most of the time. I know time is really the only solution, but my sanity is wearing thin. When it's all over I 'll look back and this will seem like a little blip in the entire spectrum of child rearing, but for now I'm just praying for those little teeth to start coming in!

Obama Mania

It was a big day for a lot of people yesterday. I like the majority of the country watched parts of the inauguration ceremonies. I thought I would have a lot to say on the topic because I always get an itch for political banter. Surprisingly I do not feel like analyzing much. It is a wait and see situation. No man is god, and no one person can save the world from all its ills.

That being said I am done with political talk for this blog. Instead I would like to talk about being sick. I hate it. I just had a cold last month before Christmas. Stupid rhino virus getting to me again. I'm just glad it came now instead of next week because we are headiong for vacation next Thurday. I am so ready for some time away.

Just Missing

I don't like it so much when my parents are away. It is even worse when they are in a place where phone and internet usage are limited. I am spoiled to having them so close. I cannot count the number of times I have picked up the phone to call my mom to tell her something, and then I have to remind myself she is not at home. Only about eight days left. That seems like a lifetime from now.

It may sound crazy, but I wish I were in hot,dusty Burkina Faso right now. It would be better than staring at this energy vaccuum they call a computer.

Snack Time

I have a new favorite snack, and it's healthy too! A quarter of a loaf of naan with 2 tbl. of garlic hummus and some cucumbers on top.

Come Fly With Me

I really need to fly away...just for awhile