New Blog!!!!!

Like so many before me, I am moving to Wordpress. Please continue to follow us at The Adventures of Miss Mommy. (that means go to your settings and change the url to www.theadventuresofmissmommy.com or copy and paste the above link ;))

A Weekend Away

According to Rebekah's nursery (aka preschool) schedule, it was time "at the seaside." So, we thought we'd hit the coast.

Just liked her little peg and her correctly-spelled name.

So, this weekend, we traveled as a family to attend our church's young adults' weekend away (aka retreat) in Arbroath. Josh is helping lead this group and even did talk there. I still love that he serves our church body while getting his PhD- a favorite thing of mine :). We stayed in this really cool building- the Windmill Christian Centre. I would highly recommend it- beautifully ornate, spacious, and all connected, so no worries about having to get rained on or leaving the kids asleep in our room while we were down the hall.

So, yea, we did all 4 share a room. There were 7 twin-sized beds in our suite and also a bathroom. So, once again, you guessed it- Luke did in fact sleep in the bathroom. That's the point of a pack n play- it can go anywhere, like a cold bathroom. Who cares if there's 7 other spots he can go in the same room as us? We did use 2 white noise generators, and I had the privilege of explaining what white noise is to a British guy who was sure it was another "American thing." All I can say is that even with 45 college students running around right outside our door and above us, all 4 of us slept extremely well- as in until 8am. I am glad we have the portable kind- perfect for this kind of trip. Funny side story- some people we just met stayed in our flat while were gone and they were waiting for their flat to be ready. The guy commented that with the "noise" thing his son slept really well. You laugh, but I will be a loud proponent of white noise for a long time. It saves us all unnecessary stress.

The kids loved climbing on all the beds. Remember there were 7. I thought it was very accommodating of our church to hook us up with such a large room that also had its own bathroom. Many of the rooms shared a hallway bathroom.

This was Rebekah's spot. I slept across from her (where Luke is squatting) and Josh slept in the bed at the foot of my bed.

It actually went quite well. With the retreat all in that one building, we were able to put Luke down, then stagger Rebekah next, then ourselves after we sat in some sessions. We just checked on them and went to bed when the sessions were over.

Here is the view from the site. If you squint thru the hazy mist, you can see the coastline.

A farther away view of the retreat site.

The museum was just a quick walk away. Unfortunately, though free, it had stairs and thus proved too treacherous for our stroller.

But, watching the boats and water is always fun- especially if you have 2 French braids.

I just liked these rocks.

And these swans.

And these kids. One other couple with kids came, and this is their son, Zach, affectionately referred to (by me) Zach Attack.

Loved these colourful buildings.

These windows were outside our room at the retreat building.

Josh felt the intense desire to eat a "Smokie." So we went here.

He was alone in this experience. The retreat food was delicious, though!!! We enjoyed every meal (spaghetti, chicken curry, coriander and carrot soup, etc.)

We also visited Abroath Abbey. And, yes by visited, I do mean walked around and took pictures, but did not actually enter.

So, it was a great weekend- it was fun to see the kids adjust so quickly. They were both adorable and very extroverted. I loved seeing them play with all the college students- I know I'm their mother, but they might be the cutest children in the world. Seriously.

We got back around lunch time today. We ate a great (our fave) fish n chips place, the Ashvale, and then headed home for naps at 1. Rebekah does "quiet time" in her room. I finally fell asleep when she quit making not so quiet racket. Josh and I awoke at almost 4. Luke was chirping and Rebekah was....asleep! She had put herself in bed and taken a much-needed nap. Sweet girl.

Big news- Luke actually walked up to me twice this weekend and said, "Poopy!" Then, he promptly disappeared. He did in fact have poopies those times. I was so proud of him for telling me. However, I'm not sure how long it will last since he hates having his nappy changed. He's pretty sharp- at some point he'll realize telling me inevitably leads me to changing it.

Top tips for traveling with toddlers

In my zeal to talk about things other than my own kids, you may be noticing some of my different posts. Interestingly, most of them still reference my children. Go figure. Anyway, this is a little number I wrote for the Aberdeen Women's Fellowship biannual online publication. I thought with spring and summer coming up, maybe others would appreciate some of our survival tips for traveling with toddlers.

We have lived in 2 states and 2 countries since having our 2 children. Texas and Iowa were a 12-hour drive apart, and the US and Scotland are a 12-hour flight apart. So, we've done our share of driving and flying with our crazies. Hope this helps as you plan your next trip with kids.

These are essential items to be readily accessible (in your carry-on or in reach):

1. Your child’s sleepy things, be it a pacifier or a lovey or a special blanket. Have back-ups either on you and/or at home, so that if you lose one, you are not doomed.
2. Suckers, candy, or special snacks that will buy you “happy time” on the plane, train, or automobile.
   
3. A fully-charged portable DVD player (with charger) and DVDs
   
4. Books and quiet toys that you can pull out in intervals- meaning, don’t give your toddler everything at once- space it out in half-hour or hourly increments
5. If you are flying, it may benefit you to have empty sippy cups you can fill in the airport or on the plane.
   
6. If in the car, have some back-up juice and/or bottled water
   
7. We typically buy 1 or 2 special, never-seen-before items (sticker books or action figure) that will be a special present for the trip
8. Formula, bottles, pump, nursing cover, etc that you will need to feed your child
   
9. Enough diapers and/or pull-ups for the trip or at least for the travel time (plus a few extras because you just never know)
10. Google maps/printed directions to where you're going, with a specific address and phone number. This is obviously helpful in getting to your destination, but is also essential for the customs forms you will fill out on the plane to enter a new country.

Planning (& Talking) Ahead For me, planning is wonderful- I try to think about what we will need way in advance, so I’m not running around all over town right before we have to leave, whether it’s snacks, gifts, or something else. I try to bring Scottish gifts if I’m visiting someone. There are packages of shortbread cookies that are just over a pound for a set of 4 or 5. This is an easy and inexpensive way to bring a little Scotland to our friends and family.

Additionally, if your child is 1 ½ or over, I would recommend talking about the trip while you plan, pick up things, and pack. Talk about how fun the trip will be, who you’ll see, what you’ll do so that the child is not blind-sighted by the change in routine.

In packing, consider whether you’ll have access to a washing machine and/or dryer. If so, you can feel confident in packing less. This is good since you might bring gifts and/or new clothing back.

If you are visiting friends or family, ask them to have some food items and diapers on hand, as well as the pack n play set up and ready to go. You never know what state your kids will arrive in or how quickly you will be able to get to the store. You might also consider setting expectations with them for sleeping arrangements and how tough travel is on kids so that grandparents, for example, don’t have different expectations than you and your spouse.

For example, I talk to my parents several times about where we’ll all sleep and we talk about when the kids will probably sleep, so that they’re/we're prepared for that. We also talk about how tired they’ll be after such a long flight and missed sleep and that they’ll be clingy to us, but they will warm up with time. Lastly, we discuss favorite foods and diaper sizes we would like to have that we can reimburse for (though that never happens). All of this helps us avoid unnecessary tension or hurt feelings.

Sleep Based on the timing of departures, I try to plan a couple days in advance sleep-wise- maybe shorten naps for earlier bedtimes for early morning wake-ups or the opposite- ensure good naps for later afternoon/evening departures. Well-rested children travel the best.

Once on the trip, you’ll have to think about sleeping arrangements. We travel with portable sound machines and/or ear plugs. (Funny side story- when our daughter was trying to sleep in the car one night, our son was screaming. She dozily asked if we had any sound machines or ear plugs she could use. I did not make that up.) We also try to think about where the kids will sleep and if there is a way to prepare them for that with practice (sharing a room, a pack n play, a crib, etc.) You also need to consider naps- when traveling, naps rarely go as well as at home. If you adjust your expectations, it won’t come as such a shock. If you have a child who still takes 2 naps, you may want to prioritize one over the other. For instance, whichever one is typically the better, more restful nap is the more important one- make sure (s)he gets that one if possible in the usual way.

For example, our kids aren’t used to sleeping anywhere other than beds, so we tried to give them naps in beds at important times and always at bedtime( and not assume they could nap in the stroller or car). However, Luke was in between 1 and 2 naps, so we let him snooze in the stroller or in the car seat when possible and put him down in the pack n play at other times when possible- we played each day by feel. Rebekah didn’t consistently need a nap, so we planned more around Luke’s need for sleep than hers. We always honored bed time because both kids need that.

As for jet lag, assume that it will take 1 day per hour of time change. So, if you’re going to Germany which is one hour ahead, it should only take 1 day to get roughly back on track. In contrast, going to the States will take much more time. I will say again that having reasonable expectations in this area will help you avoid unnecessary stress.

Food Depending upon where you’re going, you may or may not have access to the food your children are used to. It may be beneficial for all involved if you bring some familiar snacks with you. This is especially true for specific types of formula or baby food.

Toys You also may not have access to toys, so you’ll want a few toys that will amuse your children for a while. Don’t bring anything you can’t live without or that will be expensive to replace. I like to bring cars, dinosaurs, dolls, soft books, balls, etc., or anything that is not too loud so as to avoid alienating your plane neighbors- happy seat mates make for helpful, extra hands if you play your cards right.

Moving overseas Additionally, here are some tips for moving to the UK!

Happy travels!!

So many fun things

I had the best Sunday! It all started when Rebekah had a dry pull-up (hasn't happened either night since) and I heard her tell Josh, "Surprisingly, Mom gave me skittles, too!" That girl and her -ly adverbs.

Anyway, we had a wonderful morning with the kids and a delicious breakfast, then a great church service. I made an awesome chopped salad for lunch, then since Rebekah doesn't nap anymore, we headed off on a date! So, Josh read while Luke napped, and Rebekah and I had a grand time! Sunday was a beautiful day off and on- every half hour or so clouds would overtake the brilliant blue sky and replace it with flurries of snow. It was actually quite lovely. Anyway, I think Rebekah loves the one-on-one time, as well as a bus adventure.

Here she is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bus. She made several predictions on its timeliness, and we had fun just being together.

Next, we strolled leisurely through downtown and recognized Lightning McQueen from Cars. I always love her expressions.

We did some shopping (she mentioned she loved shopping because she usually got a treat). Indeed- I get it from my mom- fun times are usually accompanied by treats and special things.

Treat #1: candy at the mall

Treat #2: French fries, a drink, and ketchup at McDonald's. When I told Rebekah that we were going to McDonald's., she said (and I quote), "Oh, thank you, Mama! Thank you! McDonald's is my favorite place! This IS a special day!" Goodness, love this kid and her open enthusiasm.

Then, we walked to our friends' house, met the boys, had a fun dinner, and headed home in a beautifully pink-tinged evening with snow flakes for all. I ended up carrying Luke the whole way because he won my heart as we leaving to go home- he was pooped and was crying, and when I stopped to pick him up and carry him out, his tear-streaked cheeks split in a huge grin and he said, "Hi, Mama!!" and leaned in for a kiss that looked a lot like this:

I'm not kidding. Who could put that baby down?? I have a serious crush on my son right now.

Look at him- precious.

Onto other things, last night we had our monthly get-together for Master's/PhD wives (AWF). That's not politically correct, but essentially that's why we are all here. We had a ball last night, eating, talking, laughing (hard), and playing a silly game. I really am blessed by these girls. I thought you'd enjoy seeing my fun friends (a few are missing :( )-

Katrina (Duncan 15 mos, #2 on way), Joyce

Jenna, Allison M (#1 on the way)

Kate (Lily 3, Callum almost 1)

Joy (Augustine 6 mos), Christy (Joshua 4, Abigail 2) (both of them are w/i a minute of me!!), Chelsea (red hair, just got married a month ago and moved here!), Angie making her usual silly face (Elijah 7, Brady 5, twins Jesse & Mattie 1)

side note- Jenna and Angie are Canadians but we love them anyway ;)

Rachel N (Calvin 7, Mercy 3), Rachel O, and Rachel N's super-nice mom, Peggy

Me (in a very cute, but not so flattering sweater) and Katrina again

Today has been super-fun too. I am just at a loss for words on how sweet my kids have been. They watch Backyardigans sometimes, and a favorite is "Fly Girl" where Uniqua is a pilot. They like to put on hats, gloves, and goggles to be "fly" too.

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Lily does the same thing after borrowing our movie while we were gone- so funny!

Kate and Callum getting in on the action

Kate and I laugh about our daughters often at odds with one another and then our sons adore each other. Luke seriously loves babies and takes it upon himself to be our host (offering lots of inappropriate snacks and toys), as well as our official greeter- he yells "Hi!" or the traditional Scottish "Hiya!" at anyone he can.