So before we had any kids, we could just get and go anywhere at any time. Then with Jake we had to plan for an extra person. Now, there are two. This means toys, distractions, making sure someone has gone potty and a lot more. It is only beginning, I know.
Jake has gotten easier, as he talks, and can do a lot more. Jill has to have something either to chew on or play gravity with Mom or Dad. Yep, it still works. Even if she has a lot of toys to play with, she ends up chewing on the edge of the day. That is when we hope the table is close to clean.
Trying to fit outings in between, feedings, naptimes and happy times is a struggle sometimes. We go out with a plan, a list or a very good idea of what we want to do. There really is not a lot of time to shop for something with little patience that we are blessed with. If two stores are involved, then we usually split up to get what is needed. We have started to do this with grocery shopping as well. This has cut the time spent in store from 45 minutes to 20 to 25 minutes. We don’t race through the store, we go to opposite sides and work on the list until we meet somewhere in the middle.
We are very lucky that are two travel well. We try to time long trips (2+ hours) during nap times, to maximize the quiet time in the car. This has worked so far. Next weekend, we will be packing up early and heading to St. Paul to the Children’s Museum. This has been an annual trip for us so far. We may make a second run later this year. It will not be Jill’s first trip to the capital; we went to the state fair as well.
So, yes we can’t just get up and go any more. We plan, we go, we do and we come home. It helps us all stay as sane as possible. We like it that way.
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