The Jet Set

We have been traveling with our kids from the time they were both very young. Some trips were easier than others. When Eleanor was 6 weeks old, I flew with her from Michigan to North Dakota where I spent a week-long visit. I was a bit intimidated to make the trek alone, but was pleasantly surprised at how non-stressful it was. There were a few key components to that successful trip: preparation, confidence and trust. The most difficult trip I took was to North Carolina when I was 7.5 months pregnant, it was the dead of August, and Eleanor was just over a year old. I was enormous, she was busy, it was unearthly hot…it was a less than ideal situation and I do NOT recommend attempting this alone. Fortunately, there were a few cousins and a best friend waiting at the end of the flight to enjoy our company so that by the time we had to return, most of the suffering had been forgotten. Here are a few tips (and anecdotes) for stress-less (it will never be stress-free) traveling with babies.

ORGANIZATION REIGNS SUPREME

Do not OVER pack (someone has to carry it all to and from the airport, to and from the rental car, to and from the hotel). Likewise, do not UNDER pack. God forbid you find yourself in the middle of Nebraska without Billy’s Beloved Binky.

Carry-on necessities

• Diapers and wipes. Pack more than you think you’ll need in your carry-on bag. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the airport without a clean diaper. Yes, you could purchase one from the gift shop in the airport, but do you want to trust an un-vetted diaper in a closed environment? I also pack a few disposable changing pad covers because airport bathrooms rarely have changing pad covers. Also, many planes we’ve traveled on do not have changing tables in the bathrooms. If you need to make a switcher-oo on top of the toilet, it’s nice to have a clean pad.

• Pacifier, food, formula, snacks, juice. Don’t forget the instruments to deliver the goods, too. Double check the FAA guidelines, but last I checked you may carry on food and beverage for the baby. It just needs to go through the x-ray. 35,000 miles in the air is NOT the time to attempt to introduce a food to junior. Take something that you know the kid will eat no matter what.

• A receiving blanket. Very handy for breastfeeding (if you don’t have a fancy hooter hider) and for covering the baby when tired.

• Entertainment. We all know entertainment can come in a variety of forms. Please be considerate and leave the loud, flashy, big, annoying toys at home. Better yet, ship them to grandma’s house.

• An extra outfit. Do not get caught on a flight without a blow-out back-up outfit. Not a person on the 757 will be happy with you.

• Any required medication. We cannot leave the house without an epi pen in case of an allergic reaction. Make sure you have all important meds with you. No matter how much you beg and plead, the cargo folks will not open the underbelly to get your kid’s Zyrtec for you.

Packing Tips

• If you must bring a car seat, invest in a car seat bag. You can pack not only your car seats in them, but also diapers and other bulky items you can’t fit in your luggage or your carry-on.

• Keep, don’t pack, your stroller with you. Especially if you’re traveling alone, the stroller can be a back saver! When you arrive at your departure gate, see the agent and request a plane side check ticket for the stroller. Attach the neon ticket, roll the kid down the jet bridge and leave it (the stroller, not the baby) for the ground crew to stash. When you arrive pick the stroller up at the door.

• Think through one day in the life of your kid. Bathing routine, eating routine, dressing routine. Don’t forget the extras: burp cloths, blankets, food, pacifiers, bottles, etc. Resist the urge to pack all of baby’s favorite toys. They WILL survive a trip with just one or two toys.

• Resist the urge to pack every “favorite” outfit. People will think your kid is adorable naked, in a diaper, or in a food covered onesie…This is the hardest category for me to edit.

• If you know there will be a washing machine at your destination, plan to use it.

• Do not be afraid to use minimalist principles. If you’re traveling alone, you will have to manage the baby and the bags and the equipment on your own. Make sure you take only the necessities (for you and for baby). Practice carrying and maneuvering in your house.

DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED

You are neither the first, nor the last person to travel with a little person (or people as it may be the case). Babies can get away with a LOT more than grown-ups can. People tend to be helpful and courteous -usually. Not always. Once, we were flying with Eleanor when she was about 6 months old. Chris and I were seated side by side in the aisle and middle seats of a three row airplane section. When we found our spot, the melancholy teenager in the window seat mumbled under his breath “Great. A baby.” He rolled his eyes, popped his hood, slumped into the corner and blasted his IPod for the next 350 miles. Pleasant.

What works to pacify your baby at home will also work to pacify your baby on a flight. We found it helpful to feed the babies on the way up and the way down. The swallowing helps pop their ears. And the food helps them to fall asleep.

UTILIZE YOUR NETWORK

Do you need to drag a pack 'n' play per kid across the continent? No. Most hotels have cribs that they will set up prior to your arrival, just be sure to request one when you make your reservation. We always pack an extra baby sheet so we know our sensitive skinned kids are sleeping on something that was washed in “free” detergent. If you’re not going the hotel route, ask around to see if your host has, or knows anyone who might have, a pack 'n' play you can borrow. Same rules apply for car seats, exer-saucers, bouncy seats and any other huge bonus equipment. Before our babies were mobile (rolling, crawling, walking, driving…), we could make a “bed” in a dark corner in the hotel room. If you’re comfortable with it, little ones can also share your bed.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

When you arrive at your destination, familiarize yourself and your travel partner with where the baby goodies are located. Everyone is in an unfamiliar place and it will alleviate a lot of stress to know where the diapers, extra clothes, first aid kit, food, etc. are located.

Our kids are getting bigger and it’s been a while since we’ve flown. I’m sure there will be a new set of challenges the next time we brave the friendly skies. If anyone has tips for traveling with a toddler and an infant, please share! Also, we have yet to attempt a long road trip for which I am sure the rules are different.

The Kid List

I work at a great institution that's recently seen a sort of baby boom.  Last week, an informal discussion thread about how to deal with kiddie cabin fever was started.  For those parents that live in the Detroit area, here's the beginning of a great resource.  Please share and add more activities!

Plymouth Play Café – Plymouth
http://www.plymouthplaycafe.com/

Monday – Saturday 9am-8pm S
Sunday 10:30am-8:00pm

Admission

0-12 months Free
13-23 months $3
2-14 years $6
Adults Free

Reviews: Addison LOVES it there. They clean the inside of the play equipment really well but the outside is kind of dusty. I believe they also have wireless there for parents and serve food too.

Booth Park – Birmingham
http://ci.birmingham.mi.us/index.aspx?page=1521

Reviews:
Bring cardboard for the astro-turf sledding hill. It's a blast!

Jungle Java Play – Ann Arbor, Canton, and Farmington Hills
http://www.junglejavaplay.com/

Monday-Friday 8:30am-8:00pm
Saturday 9:00am-8:00pm
Sunday 10:00am-8:00pm

Admission
2 years-17 years $6.50
12 mos-23 mos $3.00
<12 mos and adults Free
Memberships available

Reviews:
Emma has always loved Java Jungle. I think I first took her there when she was two. Adults are allowed to climb around too. In fact I had to on the large big kid playscape because she wasn't big enough to pull herself up yet. Didn't seem to bother her, "Daddy Uppy!”


Pump it up Party – Auburn Hills, Shelby Township, St. Clair Shores, Wixom, Taylor
http://www.pumpitupparty.com/

Auburn Hills 248-375-1100
Shelby Township 586-416-4386
St. Clair Shores 586-775-7865
Wixom 248-912-1090
Taylor 734-946-2017

Reviews:
I think this place is mostly for birthday parties, you need to call for open play times. There are lots of inflatable fun zones in the Detroit area but they all cater to birthday parties. Some advertize family jump times but it's not geared towards working families. Hence why we haven't gone.


The Tree House- Chelsea
http://thechelseatreehouse.com/

M, T, Su 10:00 am-5:00 pm
W, Th, F, Sa 10:00 am-8:00 pm

Admission
0-12 months Free
1-15 years $6.00
16+ w/ child Free
Memberships available


Detroit Zoo – Royal Oak
http://www.detroitzoo.org/

November 1 - March 31 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
April 1 - Labor Day 9:00 am-5:00 pm (til 8:00 on Wednesdays in July and August)
Day after Labor Day - October 31 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day

Admission
$11 - Adult, 15 years - 61
$7 - Child, 2 years - 14
$9 - Senior, 62 years+
$9 - Active military w/ID
Free - Under 2 years


Detroit Institute of Arts - Detroit
http://www.dia.org/

On Sundays, the DIA offers special family programming that includes story time, performances and artist demonstrations.

W and Th 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
F 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sa and Su 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
M and T Closed

Admission
$8 per adult
$6 seniors
$4 per youth (6—17)
Children 5 and under free
Members get in free

Ann Arbor Hands on Museum – Ann Arbor
http://www.aahom.org/

M-Sa 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Su noon-5:00 pm

Admission
2 years+ $9
<2 years Free
Membership available

Detroit Science Center - Detroit
http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/

The DSC offers an activity guide http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/attachments/Revised_KT_EduGuide_color.pdf

T-F 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Sa, Su 10:00 am-6:00pm

Admission
13 years + $13.95
<12 and >60 $11.95
Memberships available


My Urban Toddler - Saline
http://www.myurbantoddler.com/t-Play.aspx

Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm

Admission
$5/child

MUT offers classes for expectant parents, new parents, breastfeeding moms, infants and toddlers.

Gymboree Play and Learn – Rochester, Birmingham, Clinton Township, Riverview
http://www.gymboreeclasses.com/

Hours and programs vary by location.

Drop in play time is $10 without a membership.

Malls with play areas

Twelve Oaks
Lakeside
Oakland


FOR BIGGER KIDS
CJ Barrymores -
http://www.cjbarrymores.com/html/home.html

Reviews:
Most of the stuff is for slightly older kids but the water wars looks right up Emma's alley.


Joe Dumars Fieldhouse - Warren
http://www.joedumarsfieldhouse.com/entertainment/index.php

Reviews:
It looks pretty cool but maybe for elementary school age and older

Skate Parks – Birmingham, Clinton Township

Birmingham Skate Park
http://ci.birmingham.mi.us/index.aspx?page=747

Hours
dawn-10:00 pm

Landslide Skate Park
http://www.landslidesk8.com/

What to do, what to do...

All too often we take for granted the great activities available in our own backyard. If you are from the 313, 586, 810, 248 or 734 and haven't done MOST of these--get to it!




Detroit Institute of Arts
http://www.dia.org/


The weekend programming has something for everyone including Saturday Drop in workshops and Target Family Sundays. Stop at the info desk and get a list of daily activities and don't forget to hit the gift shop (one of my favorite places to buy gifts). The DIA is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.




Detroit Zoo
http://www.detroitzoo.org/


This world class zoo is open year round. If you visit in the wintertime, there are plenty of indoor exhibits including the Arctic Ring of Life, Amphibiville and the Penguinarium. No matter when you go, be sure to stop into the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery to check out the art exhibit, the movie on the history of the zoo and the famous butterfly house.




Detroit Science Center
http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/


As a kid, I remember awesome field trips to the Science Center. It's a fun place where young and old folks can explore while learning a thing or two. There's an IMAX theater, planetarium and a ton of hands on exhibits.


The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
http://www.hfmgv.org/


A crazy collection of artifacts and exhibits that you won't believe unless you see them yourself. The Kennedy Presidential Limo, the Lincoln Chair, Rosa Parks' bus, George Washington camp bed, and myriad planes, trains and automobiles. Plan to spend at least 4 hours in the Museum. The Village is like traveling back to a simpler time when everyone made their own candles, dishes and clothing. Visit Edison’s think shop, working farms, candle making facility and many more fun exhibits. Greenfield Village is not open in the wintertime.




Detroit Riverboat Cruise
http://www.diamondjack.com/


Captain Jack offers a wonderful, narrated tour of the Detroit River shoving off from the riverfront near the Ren Cen. Sites include Belle Isle, the Manoogian Mansion and the Hiram Walker Distillery. Open June-September.




Heidelberg Project
http://www.heidelberg.org/
Ever wonder what those graffiti dots are that you see painted on blight around town? Local artist, Tyree Guyton, mixes social commentary and politics in his crazy art installation that has taken over an otherwise desolate neighborhood. Visit the Heidelberg Project and it will start to make some sense. Tack on a trip into the city for a meal and you’ve got a day planned.




Greektown
http://www.visitgreektown.com/


Food. Casino. Bars. As far as I’m concerned, no more info required. However, if you want more details visit the link above.


Lions, Tiger and Wings, Oh MY!


http://www.detroitlions.com/
http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/
http://redwings.nhl.com/


Detroit is a great sports town. Even if you don't take in a game, head downtown for some pre- or post-game festivities.




Please share with me your favorite things to do in and around Detroit. I always love a good recommendation. And stay tuned for suggestions as to do in the area for a day trip or long weekend. Also coming-fun shopping destinations!

Back to work mission: Operation Wardrobe

-9 degrees
2 hour time limit
18 month old in a stroller
2 month old strapped to my front
outlet mall looming
My mission:  Find some clothes that fit, look good and don't break the bank

Panicked yet?  I was!  I am returning to work on January 11th from maternity leave and refuse to spend a ton of money on clothes that I don't intend to be wearing for very long.  I'm typically a size 6 but after the birth of our daughter I got used to being a size 8.  However, this size 12 is entirely new to me and not something I'm handling gracefully. Last week, I was feeling brave (or insane) and pulled out THE jeans...You know the ones that make your butt look great, nothing hangs over the edge of the waistband, and give you mile long gams?  I struggled to get those suckers over my thighs. 

Where I work, clothing is something of a requirement, so I set out with babies and best friend in tow in search of something appropriate to wear to the office.  The only sensible place I could think to shop was the outlet mall, so we headed to the nearest one with a mission:  find clothes that don't suck.  Megan was having a party at her house later that day and was given a strict return time by her husband.  No problem....We just need a few pieces.  Two hours is PLENTY of time...

Our first stop:  Coach factory store.  Purses and shoes are perfect buys when I'm avoiding clothes shopping.  They always fit, no matter how much muffin I have on top.  Oversized, super sassy, leather satchel-check!  Leather writing portfolio for all those important meetings-check!  Belt for the hubby so I don't take too much grief for buying leather goods instead of clothes-check!  Feeling good about my finds, we proceeded down the long, outdoor mall.  There are so many store fronts to pop into "just for a second" to see what we could find for the kids.  I don't know about you, but the other avoidance purchase that's oh-so-fun is clothing for the babies.  It's cute, it's cheap and it always fits!  Carters, Gymboree, Polo, Osh Kosh, Stride Rite, Baby Gap, Old Navy...we hit them all.

As the astute reader I'm sure you are, you've probably noticed by now that I have not hit one reasonable store for accomplishing my original mission.  The clock tells us that we should be leaving the mall in 20 minutes...and given all the bags and babies we were lugging, it would take at least that long to get loaded into the car.  However, we were on a mission. Banana Republic outlet was having a sale...most things were 40% off the already low outlet prices. Just my size! We hurried in (after a quick stop to feed and change the crew) and snapped up everything that fit the rules a la Stacey and Clinton: thick waistband, wide legged pants; tops that fit the smallest part and flow away from the trouble spots; colors that flatter.  I felt like I was on Super Market Sweep, but instead of finding the most expensive groceries, I had to find the least expensive wardrobe.  There was no time to try anything on, and it was on a wing and a prayer that we made it through the store.  Lincoln was screaming, Eleanor was hungry, Megan was worried and I was stressed.  I managed to spend less than $300 and made it out of the store with 4 pair of pants, 5 shirts, 1 cami, and 1 pair of pajama pants (something that will certainly fit) all in sizes that should fit my new physique .

We made it home an hour after our promised return time (sorry Kyle!). The kids napped on the way and we were exhilarated by all that we had accomplished during our outing.  The fashion show that evening was a success.  The pants all have waistbands, the shirts are work appropriate (and baby drool free), and I feel good wearing everything. THE jeans will have to wait a few more months, but I'm determined to fit them again.  Until then, I will embrace my new shape and size.  After all, I have the best consolation prize-my beautiful baby boy!

Managing memories

'Tis the end of the season and tonight the Christmas tree is coming down. Chris and I will enjoy steaming cups of salted caramel hot chocolate as we carefully wrap and store the ornaments. Every year, I get excited to find the little handmade holiday wreath with Chris' kindergarten picture in the middle. Growing up, my parents weren't the best record keepers. This didn't really affect me until recently. We have two babies and I often find myself wondering things like what was the first word I spoke, what were my parents doing when I was little, are any of these Christmas ornaments from when I was a baby...


Fortunate for some kids (not mine!), scrap booking has become quite popular. While I am not interested in this methodical documentation of our lives, I would like to leave a legacy for my kids to share with their children and grand children. Here are a few simple things we do to keep track of what's going on and, hopefully, create that legacy:

Bins
Each kid has their own 13 qt box for every year of existence (Eleanor 0-1, 1-2, etc.). I throw all kinds of stuff in the box including newspaper articles, pictures, cards received...anything I think they might find interesting in 20 years.


Notes
I don't have a ritual for doing this and, admittedly, I've not been as good about writing notes to Lincoln, baby #2. Whenever the mood strikes me, I jot a little note and toss it into the bin. Typically, it's about what they're doing lately or a ritual we enjoy together. Occasionally, the notes are about what I'm up to as a parent and things I worry about for their futures. While this might seem trivial, I know I would have loved this keepsake.

Ornament box
We have divided ornament boxes (purchased after the holidays to get the best deal, of course) for each kid. I like to hit the after Christmas sales and purchase an ornament or two for the kids. Eventually, they'll have a full box and a head start on decorating their first tree.

Pictures
I use an online photo printing and sharing site (shutterfly.com) to store, share, organize and print pictures. I keep the pictures in files according to month and year. When I'm feeling especially motivated, I turn those pictures into photo books or other keepsake gifts. My dad loved the personalized Father's Day card he received from Eleanor!


Do you have any quick and easy tips to share to keep it all together?  Please, nothing that requires a glue stick, sassy scissors or photo corners!

Fortunate Dread

I am torn between feeling fortunate and feeling totally depressed.

I am fortunate to have a great job at a wonderful institution and am just wrapping up the most amazing 3 months of maternity leave one could ask for. The thought of leaving my beautiful babies for 8 hours a day has me completely depressed and distressed. Not to mention the drama associated with my work wardrobe....while this is an entirely different topic, it's one that will be getting some attention in the next few days. After all, I don't intend to be this size or shape for much longer, but I do have to acquire some clothing that is appropriate for work and the auto show floor. I digress.

My pregnancy was long and uncomfortable (why wouldn't it be with a 10+ pounder growing inside me?!) and my doctor suggested I take off early. My last day of work was in late September, nearly a month before my son was born. In retrospect, it was such a treat to have the extra few weeks to spend with Eleanor before she became a big sister. We enjoyed several trips to the zoo, long walks in the neighborhood, visits with grandpa and lunches with daddy. It was an incredible three weeks. Once Lincoln arrived, it only got better. He is beautiful and healthy and happy and his sister is in L-O-V-E!

I am returning to work on January 11. My colleagues are incredibly supportive and are like a second family to me. While I'm looking forward to being back on campus surrounded by those wonderfully creative minds, I have a minor panic attack every time I think about making the drive down I-75. I can just imagine Eleanor's face at the screen door as I pull down the driveway...I've seen it before, taut with sadness and tear streaked. I know it will only last a few minutes for her but that impression will plague me through the day. The mantra that carried me the first time I took the plunge from home to work was "I'm doing this for you, little one. I'm setting a good example. I'm providing resources for our family." I'll try those again.

Over the next 10 days I will be taking extra care to focus on what really matters.