I had a really bad week. Not my usual "I've over scheduled again and wacky high jinks abound" kind of week. It's been the kind of week that leaves you completely drained.
I've been spending a great deal of time at school on the receiving of the justifiable fury of a small child. It's not due to me, but I'm here to catch it. I'm mentally and physically sore. I'm also furious. I've encountered so many children this year who've had to deal with situations they are too young to understand. I feel like the adults in their lives have let them down. If I were these kids, I'd be pissed too. And confused. And scared.
Adults, all of them, have a responsibility to take care of those who are helpless (children, animals, the elderly, the mentally impaired). We have that responsibility because we are members of the human race and residents of the planet Earth. It's really that simple.
All I can do is listen to these kids and hold them, dodge blows, and help them learn to calm down. I have to keep emotion out of it, until I can go to my car and cry.
Then I go home and I'm Mom. I make sandwiches for the preschool picnic, help make a Narnia dioramas, take long walks with Caroline to the honeysuckle bush, referee petty fights and tantrums, do laundry, make dinner and take long showers. At night when everyone is asleep I slip into bed and cry some more.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Everybody
Dear Everybody,
I am writing to gently request that you stop filling my daughter's head with conflicting and confusing information. I haven't met you yet, but I am sure that you are a very nice young lady. Nonetheless, I would like you to please keep your opinions to yourself.
Your information is often incorrect. For example, the swine flu was not caused by "Some dude from California who ate rotten pig in Mexico." This false information lead to an entire evening of researching and reassuring on our part. I'm sure that you can see how frustrating this would be.
I understand that your mother feels that stilettos and highlights are perfect accessories for an 11 year old. I on the other hand would like my daughter to be able to walk when she is in her 30's and don't want her to fall and break her neck now. How in the world do you play kick ball in those things? As for highlights, well relax you have years of messing with hair dye. Just let the sun do it now. While we are talking about fashion, are those skinny jeans really comfortable? isn't your belly cold from hanging out of that shirt?
I am sure that you think that Twilight is the best book ever written, but would you please let my daughter make up her own mind. Watching a movie does not make you an expert on a book. I like the fact that Caroline choosing her books based on what she likes and not what everyone wants to read.
I am sure that you don't think that I am the "meanest mother ever" (contrary to popular opinion). I would like to wish you all the best.
Thank you,
Mrs. Simpson
I am writing to gently request that you stop filling my daughter's head with conflicting and confusing information. I haven't met you yet, but I am sure that you are a very nice young lady. Nonetheless, I would like you to please keep your opinions to yourself.
Your information is often incorrect. For example, the swine flu was not caused by "Some dude from California who ate rotten pig in Mexico." This false information lead to an entire evening of researching and reassuring on our part. I'm sure that you can see how frustrating this would be.
I understand that your mother feels that stilettos and highlights are perfect accessories for an 11 year old. I on the other hand would like my daughter to be able to walk when she is in her 30's and don't want her to fall and break her neck now. How in the world do you play kick ball in those things? As for highlights, well relax you have years of messing with hair dye. Just let the sun do it now. While we are talking about fashion, are those skinny jeans really comfortable? isn't your belly cold from hanging out of that shirt?
I am sure that you think that Twilight is the best book ever written, but would you please let my daughter make up her own mind. Watching a movie does not make you an expert on a book. I like the fact that Caroline choosing her books based on what she likes and not what everyone wants to read.
I am sure that you don't think that I am the "meanest mother ever" (contrary to popular opinion). I would like to wish you all the best.
Thank you,
Mrs. Simpson
Friday, May 8, 2009
Of Two Minds
I have always been a great fan of childhood. I love children's literature, movies, music. All of it. I look back on the entertainment of my childhood with great fondness. I think we children of the 70's feel that we had the last era of technology-free/light entertainment. We lived before videos games and VCR, DVDs, well you get my drift.
I remember loving my records and playing them for hours. My children's lives are too filled with buzz to appreciate records. I have thought of getting rid of the TV and computer, but I like having those things. There are advantages to what they have available as well. Anyway, I'm getting off topic. My point is that I am able to introduce my kids to my records through the car. My step father transferred my records to CD and we have been having a ball. Lily is now in love with Really Rosie. She has the Nutshell collection and follows along with the songs (I used to do that!). We have been dancing all over singing Chicken Soup with Rice, Alligators All Around, Pierre, and One Was Johnny (boy can I relate to Johnny).
This led me to a computer search on Maurice Sendak (see, can't live without the computer). A great deal has been written about the gritty and violent themes in his books. Parents are horrified, but children love them. I often wonder if I shelter my girls too much. One time I heard Pete Seeger talking about the violence in some folk music. He explained that children are stronger than we think. They understand more and really don't need to be sheltered from things like death and sadness. Is letting my girls read Where The Wild Things worse than letting them play video games? Children seem to be drawn toward violence. They aren't always the sweet happy little things we think they are. They get mad, they think slightly evil thoughts ("I'll eat you up!") and they aren't wrong for that. Maybe if we acknowledge that and address it with them, they can learn to control it sooner.
Sometimes, when no one is watching I try out some of the odd things my kids and students do. Guess what? It feels pretty cool to spin in circle over and over. Shaking your head side to side really does seem to focus you (stop before you get a headache, though). Jumping up and down and yelling really does release a lot of tension. Maybe grown ups need tantrum rooms. Maybe I'm over thinking this. What I am going to do read Where the Wild Things Are to Lily tonight. She is after all so close to Max. I can't wait for the movie to come out. I think I may even look for In The Night Kitchen. Maybe we need to tap into our inner wild things a little more. ROAR!
I remember loving my records and playing them for hours. My children's lives are too filled with buzz to appreciate records. I have thought of getting rid of the TV and computer, but I like having those things. There are advantages to what they have available as well. Anyway, I'm getting off topic. My point is that I am able to introduce my kids to my records through the car. My step father transferred my records to CD and we have been having a ball. Lily is now in love with Really Rosie. She has the Nutshell collection and follows along with the songs (I used to do that!). We have been dancing all over singing Chicken Soup with Rice, Alligators All Around, Pierre, and One Was Johnny (boy can I relate to Johnny).
This led me to a computer search on Maurice Sendak (see, can't live without the computer). A great deal has been written about the gritty and violent themes in his books. Parents are horrified, but children love them. I often wonder if I shelter my girls too much. One time I heard Pete Seeger talking about the violence in some folk music. He explained that children are stronger than we think. They understand more and really don't need to be sheltered from things like death and sadness. Is letting my girls read Where The Wild Things worse than letting them play video games? Children seem to be drawn toward violence. They aren't always the sweet happy little things we think they are. They get mad, they think slightly evil thoughts ("I'll eat you up!") and they aren't wrong for that. Maybe if we acknowledge that and address it with them, they can learn to control it sooner.
Sometimes, when no one is watching I try out some of the odd things my kids and students do. Guess what? It feels pretty cool to spin in circle over and over. Shaking your head side to side really does seem to focus you (stop before you get a headache, though). Jumping up and down and yelling really does release a lot of tension. Maybe grown ups need tantrum rooms. Maybe I'm over thinking this. What I am going to do read Where the Wild Things Are to Lily tonight. She is after all so close to Max. I can't wait for the movie to come out. I think I may even look for In The Night Kitchen. Maybe we need to tap into our inner wild things a little more. ROAR!
Mother's Day
I have been thinking about my grandmothers a lot lately. Well, I pretty much think about them daily. It's been a little over two years since I lost them ( a month apart). I used to call them when I was making dinner and share all of my crazy Caroline stories (once upon a time she was a wild child too). I still find myself picking up the phone to share Lily stories. Maybe that is part of the reason that I started this blog. I don't know. It was such a comfort to talk to them while doing the mundane daily tasks of motherhood. It was also an ego boost. They both had very different personalities. My Gramma Runion was very down to earth and sweet with a sharp sense of humor. It didn't take much to tickle her and make her chuckle. My Gramma Hill was a little harder around the edges. She could have a sharp tongue and short temper, but not with me. She was also the best at sharing the latest gossip. Admit it, who doesn't love some gossip?Despite the differences, they both had this in common: they were proud of me.
They had both been stay at home mothers when their children were young and both of them always expressed amazement at my ability to juggle work and children. "I don't know how you young mothers do it now" I heard this often. Could they look through the phone and see me picking up a toy with me feet, while stirring something on the stove, while doing the dishes? All I know is that when I felt like I was losing my mind, I could call one of them and they'd always make me feel better.
I could tell them funny stories about the kids or share a new book title. They both loved to read and every time I came across a new really nice book, I'd recommend it. Although, they both weren't oppossed to a juicy romance novel (Gramma Hill said it spiced things up a bit), they shared my love of nice stories with happy endings. Right now I am reading the perfect book for them. Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg. I really wish that I could give them this book. Gramma Hill would love it and the stories and memories that it would spark. I can just picture us sitting on her porch sitting in her wicker chairs gossiping about when she was young and first in love. Gramma Runion would have loved it too, but I think she'd love Can't Wait for Heaven (Fannie Flagg again) more. The character grew up on a farm just like her and was just as strong in her faith.
I was very lucky to have my grandmothers for my best friends. I talk to my other friends about their grandmas and they don't seem to have the shared stories or interests. I really did enjoy sitting and chatting with them. Everyday I hear something on the news that would intrigue them, although honestly most of it would make them sad. I save up the motivating stories and tell them to Caroline. She usually agrees with me that they would love them too.
Most of what I learned about being a mother, I learned from them. They taught me to cook, bake, be patient, and have fun. I do wish they could be here to see how wonderful it all is. How beautiful Caroline is (inside and out) and how sharp and funny Lily is. I would love to have told them about Caroline's first heels or Lily's salty language (they weren't the kind of grammas to be offended by a little swearing).
Can they see it all? I don't know. Maybe this summer, while I'm sitting on the porch in my very own wicker chair (my Mother's Day present from Rob), they'll be listening in. Listeing while I tell my own tales and their tales to my girls. Listening to us joke around and "gossip" (tame stuff of course). Listening while I teach my girls everything they taught me.
They had both been stay at home mothers when their children were young and both of them always expressed amazement at my ability to juggle work and children. "I don't know how you young mothers do it now" I heard this often. Could they look through the phone and see me picking up a toy with me feet, while stirring something on the stove, while doing the dishes? All I know is that when I felt like I was losing my mind, I could call one of them and they'd always make me feel better.
I could tell them funny stories about the kids or share a new book title. They both loved to read and every time I came across a new really nice book, I'd recommend it. Although, they both weren't oppossed to a juicy romance novel (Gramma Hill said it spiced things up a bit), they shared my love of nice stories with happy endings. Right now I am reading the perfect book for them. Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg. I really wish that I could give them this book. Gramma Hill would love it and the stories and memories that it would spark. I can just picture us sitting on her porch sitting in her wicker chairs gossiping about when she was young and first in love. Gramma Runion would have loved it too, but I think she'd love Can't Wait for Heaven (Fannie Flagg again) more. The character grew up on a farm just like her and was just as strong in her faith.
I was very lucky to have my grandmothers for my best friends. I talk to my other friends about their grandmas and they don't seem to have the shared stories or interests. I really did enjoy sitting and chatting with them. Everyday I hear something on the news that would intrigue them, although honestly most of it would make them sad. I save up the motivating stories and tell them to Caroline. She usually agrees with me that they would love them too.
Most of what I learned about being a mother, I learned from them. They taught me to cook, bake, be patient, and have fun. I do wish they could be here to see how wonderful it all is. How beautiful Caroline is (inside and out) and how sharp and funny Lily is. I would love to have told them about Caroline's first heels or Lily's salty language (they weren't the kind of grammas to be offended by a little swearing).
Can they see it all? I don't know. Maybe this summer, while I'm sitting on the porch in my very own wicker chair (my Mother's Day present from Rob), they'll be listening in. Listeing while I tell my own tales and their tales to my girls. Listening to us joke around and "gossip" (tame stuff of course). Listening while I teach my girls everything they taught me.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Awestruck
I know that I've said this before, but some days Caroline leaves me in awe. She goes from gangling woman-child to complete goofball in minutes. When I am well rested and not too stressed it is a wonderful ride. Add a little stress and exhaustion and it feel like I fell down the rabbit hole to a place that makes no sense.
Last weekend she helped run a booth for her bronze award. The troop was teaching children how to be bite free. Caroline was in her element. She walked kids through the steps and explained everything to the parents like a pro. I always wanted to raise children who could speak coherently to adults. Yes!
This past Sat it was older scout skate night from 7:00-12:00 (am). I devoted mom and leader, stayed most of the night. My co leader and I were working on packets for our upcoming beach trip (we might be a little too involved with our troop, nah). I needed more envelopes and decide to run out to Target. As i was dashing through the rain to my car, I thought about how old Caroline is getting and how she really didn't need me around all the time. Of course, when I got back, she was standing by the snack bar crying. She'd fallen and couldn't find me (she really fell hard, her knees look like purple grapefruit). I could tell that she really wanted to go home, so I let her sit with me for awhile.
After she'd calmed down I offered to go out with her. I skated next to her as she slowly crept along the wall. As we skated under the disco ball listening to 80's tunes, I regaled her with embarrassing stories from my youth (there are enough to fill a book). I told her about how when I was eight, I fell on the ice and went across half the rink on my face. I made her laugh when I explained how my friend greeted my mom at the door and said "Don't worry Dene, it's not as bad as she looks.
I also told her about the time that I went roller skating with my best friend when I was 13. She'd done my makeup and I thought I looked perfect. When I was skating two boys tripped me and I fell into the wall. I cried so hard my mascara ran all down my face.
Caroline laughed and then was so surprised that I wasn't embarrassed. Before long she was skating slowly, but without holding onto the sides. Sometimes life really does work out like a Hallmark commercial. After three times around the rink, my arches were killing me and I decided to get off. Caroline spent the rest of the night skating with her friends. Toward the end I peeked out on the rink and saw her right in the middle, dancing and laughing with her friends.
She said that it was the best night. I'd have to agree.
Last weekend she helped run a booth for her bronze award. The troop was teaching children how to be bite free. Caroline was in her element. She walked kids through the steps and explained everything to the parents like a pro. I always wanted to raise children who could speak coherently to adults. Yes!
This past Sat it was older scout skate night from 7:00-12:00 (am). I devoted mom and leader, stayed most of the night. My co leader and I were working on packets for our upcoming beach trip (we might be a little too involved with our troop, nah). I needed more envelopes and decide to run out to Target. As i was dashing through the rain to my car, I thought about how old Caroline is getting and how she really didn't need me around all the time. Of course, when I got back, she was standing by the snack bar crying. She'd fallen and couldn't find me (she really fell hard, her knees look like purple grapefruit). I could tell that she really wanted to go home, so I let her sit with me for awhile.
After she'd calmed down I offered to go out with her. I skated next to her as she slowly crept along the wall. As we skated under the disco ball listening to 80's tunes, I regaled her with embarrassing stories from my youth (there are enough to fill a book). I told her about how when I was eight, I fell on the ice and went across half the rink on my face. I made her laugh when I explained how my friend greeted my mom at the door and said "Don't worry Dene, it's not as bad as she looks.
I also told her about the time that I went roller skating with my best friend when I was 13. She'd done my makeup and I thought I looked perfect. When I was skating two boys tripped me and I fell into the wall. I cried so hard my mascara ran all down my face.
Caroline laughed and then was so surprised that I wasn't embarrassed. Before long she was skating slowly, but without holding onto the sides. Sometimes life really does work out like a Hallmark commercial. After three times around the rink, my arches were killing me and I decided to get off. Caroline spent the rest of the night skating with her friends. Toward the end I peeked out on the rink and saw her right in the middle, dancing and laughing with her friends.
She said that it was the best night. I'd have to agree.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Growing Pains
My girls are growing up so fast. I took Caroline last week to get her first pair of "high heels" (wedge heeled sandals) for her graduation in June. I wanted to give her time to practice. Both my girls only wear sneakers. She looked so grown up and so calm as she walked through Target in them. No wobbling or "Bambi on ice" as I had predicted. It was like she was made for this moment. Yeah, I cried in Target.
Lily has started soccer. Well, that's a relative term. She's had two games and has spent a record breaking tow minutes on the field. When Rob signed her up and signed himself up to coach, I knew this was going to be tricky. We had this same problem with swimming. Lily is bright, funny, and precocious. She is also easily overwhelmed. I think of it as she has no filter. She takes in everything in a new situation, the people, what they are saying, their clothes, their hair, etc. Therefore, she really dislikes change. She liked the idea of playing with the kids on her team, but throw in different kids on the opposing team (wearing a different color) and add the fact that she has really never played soccer and she is not happy.
I went against my crunchy tendencies and used the "carrot and stick approached." In others words I bribed her (we'll get ice cream after), threatened her (no T.V.), and guilted her (your team will be sad). I know it sounds harsh, but I can't give her an inch. We really have to push her to get used to new situations. Anyway, it worked a little. Two minutes is better than last weeks cry and hang on Mommy. She also watched the game because she asked questions. When our team scored their fourth goal for the other team, Lily wanted to know how they were supposed to know whose goal was whose. Valid point.
Rob is going to take her outside and practice with her this week. We really just want her to have fun. She loves to run and dribble, so I think once she gets used to the people, she'll be fine. I really can't blame her. She looked so confused out there. There were so many kids and so much noise. I have a feeling this is the first of many times we are going to have to gently coach Lily to do something.
You know, just when you think you have it all figured out, they go and change things up on you.
Lily has started soccer. Well, that's a relative term. She's had two games and has spent a record breaking tow minutes on the field. When Rob signed her up and signed himself up to coach, I knew this was going to be tricky. We had this same problem with swimming. Lily is bright, funny, and precocious. She is also easily overwhelmed. I think of it as she has no filter. She takes in everything in a new situation, the people, what they are saying, their clothes, their hair, etc. Therefore, she really dislikes change. She liked the idea of playing with the kids on her team, but throw in different kids on the opposing team (wearing a different color) and add the fact that she has really never played soccer and she is not happy.
I went against my crunchy tendencies and used the "carrot and stick approached." In others words I bribed her (we'll get ice cream after), threatened her (no T.V.), and guilted her (your team will be sad). I know it sounds harsh, but I can't give her an inch. We really have to push her to get used to new situations. Anyway, it worked a little. Two minutes is better than last weeks cry and hang on Mommy. She also watched the game because she asked questions. When our team scored their fourth goal for the other team, Lily wanted to know how they were supposed to know whose goal was whose. Valid point.
Rob is going to take her outside and practice with her this week. We really just want her to have fun. She loves to run and dribble, so I think once she gets used to the people, she'll be fine. I really can't blame her. She looked so confused out there. There were so many kids and so much noise. I have a feeling this is the first of many times we are going to have to gently coach Lily to do something.
You know, just when you think you have it all figured out, they go and change things up on you.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
I See Mouse Ears
Note: Before I write the rest of this I need to let everyone know that in no way did we let Lily get away with some of the atrocious behavior you are about to read. It makes for funny stories, but for very irritable parents.
We finally made it to Disney after a very rocky start. On Friday, Caroline had a stomach ache, so I ended up keeping her and Lily home. While Caroline laid on the couch and moaned, I attempted to pack while being helped by the world's naughtiest preschooler. First I had to try on the size 5 summer clothes to see what to for pack her. This turned into a fashion show complete with shoe changes and accessories. I normally find this cute, but was under time constraints and just wanted to get everything done.
It went down hill from there. Lily proceeded to annoy the heck out of her sister all day, pee in the bathroom trash can (how or why I'll never know), and hide grapes in the bathroom foot stool. By the end of the night, I was sitting in the middle of the living room sucking on a rum and coke and frantically packing clothes. I wasn't able to supervise Rob or Caroline and, well, they forgot some needed items (I ended up doing laundry at Disney, it was not a magical experience).
By the next morning we were ready to go. Halfway there Caroline started throwing up and spiked a fever. I spent a sleepless night in Jacksonville wondering if we should go to the ER. We decided to wait until Disney. Luckily Disney has an awesome urgent care facility. She had strep throat and we were able to get antibiotics there. Caroline felt really poorly the first day, but got better after that (she almost passed out on the bus the first night).
Over the course of 6day, 5 nights, we went to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom (on Caroline's 11th birthday), a Little Einsteins character breakfast, and Downtown Disney. Animal Kingdom was by far our favorite. My budding photo journalist took tons of pictures. Epcot came in second. Magic Kingdom was too crowded. We literally shuffled from one end of the park to the other. Oh yeah, we shopped for souvenirs.
Now for Lily:
Over the course of the week she managed to:
look at her stuffed bear and proclaim that he had a "big ass butt." (timeout #1)
sit anxiously in the back seat on the way to Disney Urgent Care and yell about wanting to see Mickey. Rob said he did too and Lily replied "Well then hurry the hell up!" (timeout#2, stern lecture, and Mommy swore to never swear again).
after a day of many tantrums (half way through the week), Lily got a swat on the tush from her frustrated mother. Her reply was "Don't hit me, can't you see my angry face? GRRRR!" (timeout and early bed).
during the Stitch ride, once the lights went out and a pretend Stitch ran around the room Lily started to yell "Where is he?!" and put her feet on her seat. After he asked if she wanted to be his friend she screamed "No leave me alone!" (after she was calmed and we stopped laughing, we got the terrified child an ice cream).
throw numerous tantrums in the gift shows (more timeouts than I can count)
bear hug and get an autograph from 18 different characters (the characters carefully protected themselves and patted her on the head).
wave like the queen of Disney at every character during every parade and show. This was by far her favorite part. I guess these guys are rock stars to her.
proclaim herself "Pinky Mouse" after buying pink Minnie ears. She only wore pink for the rest of the trip and every time she'd "hide" behind a pillar, all you'd hear is giggles and all you'd see is pink ears.
My advice for surviving Disney.
Stay on the resort. Use the buses and get a meal plan. It gives you one less thing to think about.
Try to get Fast Passes, but if they run out, it's ok everything there is fun.
You might not get to all of the big rides the first time. It's all good. Just roll with it.
Practice juggling coats, toys, and water bottles all while folding a stroller weeks before.
Spend the month before doing lunges while holding a child under the age of five (it will help you get used to carrying them everywhere).
Run sprints in the backyard (helps you get ready for Fast Pass dashes).
Learn to throw your backpack across a crowded room in order to secure a table in the crowded dining room.
All in all it was a "magical" vacation. We had fun, but Rob and I were definitely tired and sore. We want to go back when the kids are much older, so we can actually sit down and enjoy the place. Next vacation will involve a beach and lots of sitting down reading while the kids build sand castles.
We finally made it to Disney after a very rocky start. On Friday, Caroline had a stomach ache, so I ended up keeping her and Lily home. While Caroline laid on the couch and moaned, I attempted to pack while being helped by the world's naughtiest preschooler. First I had to try on the size 5 summer clothes to see what to for pack her. This turned into a fashion show complete with shoe changes and accessories. I normally find this cute, but was under time constraints and just wanted to get everything done.
It went down hill from there. Lily proceeded to annoy the heck out of her sister all day, pee in the bathroom trash can (how or why I'll never know), and hide grapes in the bathroom foot stool. By the end of the night, I was sitting in the middle of the living room sucking on a rum and coke and frantically packing clothes. I wasn't able to supervise Rob or Caroline and, well, they forgot some needed items (I ended up doing laundry at Disney, it was not a magical experience).
By the next morning we were ready to go. Halfway there Caroline started throwing up and spiked a fever. I spent a sleepless night in Jacksonville wondering if we should go to the ER. We decided to wait until Disney. Luckily Disney has an awesome urgent care facility. She had strep throat and we were able to get antibiotics there. Caroline felt really poorly the first day, but got better after that (she almost passed out on the bus the first night).
Over the course of 6day, 5 nights, we went to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom (on Caroline's 11th birthday), a Little Einsteins character breakfast, and Downtown Disney. Animal Kingdom was by far our favorite. My budding photo journalist took tons of pictures. Epcot came in second. Magic Kingdom was too crowded. We literally shuffled from one end of the park to the other. Oh yeah, we shopped for souvenirs.
Now for Lily:
Over the course of the week she managed to:
look at her stuffed bear and proclaim that he had a "big ass butt." (timeout #1)
sit anxiously in the back seat on the way to Disney Urgent Care and yell about wanting to see Mickey. Rob said he did too and Lily replied "Well then hurry the hell up!" (timeout#2, stern lecture, and Mommy swore to never swear again).
after a day of many tantrums (half way through the week), Lily got a swat on the tush from her frustrated mother. Her reply was "Don't hit me, can't you see my angry face? GRRRR!" (timeout and early bed).
during the Stitch ride, once the lights went out and a pretend Stitch ran around the room Lily started to yell "Where is he?!" and put her feet on her seat. After he asked if she wanted to be his friend she screamed "No leave me alone!" (after she was calmed and we stopped laughing, we got the terrified child an ice cream).
throw numerous tantrums in the gift shows (more timeouts than I can count)
bear hug and get an autograph from 18 different characters (the characters carefully protected themselves and patted her on the head).
wave like the queen of Disney at every character during every parade and show. This was by far her favorite part. I guess these guys are rock stars to her.
proclaim herself "Pinky Mouse" after buying pink Minnie ears. She only wore pink for the rest of the trip and every time she'd "hide" behind a pillar, all you'd hear is giggles and all you'd see is pink ears.
My advice for surviving Disney.
Stay on the resort. Use the buses and get a meal plan. It gives you one less thing to think about.
Try to get Fast Passes, but if they run out, it's ok everything there is fun.
You might not get to all of the big rides the first time. It's all good. Just roll with it.
Practice juggling coats, toys, and water bottles all while folding a stroller weeks before.
Spend the month before doing lunges while holding a child under the age of five (it will help you get used to carrying them everywhere).
Run sprints in the backyard (helps you get ready for Fast Pass dashes).
Learn to throw your backpack across a crowded room in order to secure a table in the crowded dining room.
All in all it was a "magical" vacation. We had fun, but Rob and I were definitely tired and sore. We want to go back when the kids are much older, so we can actually sit down and enjoy the place. Next vacation will involve a beach and lots of sitting down reading while the kids build sand castles.
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