SB 2013 - Phoenix - Day 7 - Departure

"It's too dark to be awake"
Jai's alarm pings at 4am. UGH! That is early. We arrange for taxi to arrive at Susie's house at 4:30am so we arrive at PHX airport by 5am. We had done most of the packing before we went to sleep so it was quick work to brush teeth, hair, put on pants and coats and throw food in bag. We planned to wait until taxi arrived to wake children since it takes a few minutes to load the car seats and luggage. However, we wanted to make sure we were ready so woke & dressed them. We realized the taxi was late & called. When we finally got a live person, the dispatcher said the driver was on the highway ... already 20 minutes late. : (
Finally it arrives, but it's not a van. Amazingly we got everything in the vehicle, all the luggage fit in the trunk, both car seats in back seat with me too, Jai in front. Despite the later departure, we arrive at airport quickly and the fare was cheaper - almost 1/2 what we paid on Thursday evening ... strange. Did we get "taken for a ride"? He seemed like a nice person.

Check-in was smooth though the agent was kind of snippy, especially about the tags on our bags ... including the car seats and stroller. I know it's early, but wow, not what I expected from a SW employee. We got through security easily, to gate on time, first in line for Family Boarding, hoping not to be on a full flight. We figured we'd be a rare family flying at this crazy early hour. Ironically there were a TON of families with children, luckily our children were much better behaved. Even though crossing our fingers didn't give us a less full plane, at least it got us a better flying experience considering the small amount of sleep for all of us.  Julia still farted too much, but she & Jacqueline were less noisy. The flight also was about an hour shorter and amazingly we arrived about 30 minutes early which was a blessing.

"Are we home yet?"
After getting our luggage and shuttle to economy parking lot, we drove home. We stopped by Joel's work to get house key and get update on J-dog. Once at our house, we dropped bags in living room, washed hands and face before getting a quick snack & then nap time for EVERYONE. We all passed out for almost 3 hours. Of course we didn't have any fresh groceries so we raided the freezer for dinner - found some frozen pizzas I'd gotten on sale and some turkey veggie soup. Yummy & easy, then baths for everyone and early to bed.

It is nice to be home & sleep in own bed - I'm too old for a couch futon bed. I hope  Susie is enjoying the quiet sounds of silence without 4 additional bodies in her house. Happiness all around! : )

SB 2013 - Phoenix - Day 6

"Are we there yet?"
Tuesday we visited Susie's school mid-morning. Just as Susie often does, I walked the 1/2 mile with girls, Julia walking, excited, skipping along while I pushed Jacqueline in the stroller. I am so glad I bought this stroller at consignment sale last year when we really didn't need another one; big wheels, high handles, decent sized basket are so wonderful.

Susie's school is nice, typical layout, large campus. She has a cool Technology classroom, really big; nice looking computers, big screen on wall for instruction. Friendly people - staff and students - who oohed and ahhed over the girls, especially Jacqueline. Susie had a 2nd grade class that arrived soon after we did. After interested inquiries from the students and introductions, Susie began instruction while Julia played on a computer in back while I changed diaper and nursed Jacqueline (in back with discretion!). Susie only had a brief break before having to cover detention for some group so we played on playground where I met some 5th grade students who asked if I was Ms. J's twin sister. One student, Jasmine, pushed Julia on the swing and also helped move Julia along when it was time to leave. When I asked Julia what the student said, "mommy says it's time to go" and Julia came! Thank you for complying. : )

"I love tacos ... not really"
Today I discovered the recline position on stroller as we walked back to Susie's place which contributed to a LONG nap for Miss Jac. We stopped at Julioberto's, fast food taco place, on way back home, for the Tuesday special - 99 cents tacos, woo hoo! It was a long wait which surprised me for a fast food place, but it was lunch time & drive-thru was busy, a priority I'm sure. Probably not the healthiest food, but they were yummy! I really liked the crunchy quality of the fried flour tortilla shell.

Once home, it was quick lunch of random food from fridge (goat cheese, crackers, tuna, fruit, TACOS) & then rest time which was definitely needed.

• 3 hour nap for Jacqueline
• 2+ hour nap for Julia
• 1.5 hour nap for Tara
• some kind of nap for Jai

"I didn't realize ..."
While we waited for Susie to arrive home from work, Jai went to Target to get a new cutting board and permanent coffee filter. As we drove to dinner at the 5 & Diner (Susie had another coupon) we explained our gifts. Susie has a glass cutting board and crappy knives. Well, the knives would be better, but once they're sharpened they dull quickly on the glass board. Susie is concerned about bacteria and keeping the board clean so she puts the glass one in the dishwasher to sterilize it. Ironically we NEVER do that with our cutting boards (we have a wooden one, a Corian one and a set of colored plastic ones for specific foods like chicken, beef, fish, veggies). We wipe off the wooden one which we never put meat on; we use the color coded ones which we wash with soap and water. We explain that we're concerned about her physical safety as well as the life of a really knife I bought her after 1 of my visits 5-6 years ago. I told her then and now - please stop using the glass cutting board!

The diner food was good, everything except the peach pie (yuck!). Jai really liked his garlic mushroom burger with kettle fries and I enjoyed the cheeseburger sliders with sweet potato fries. Susie had a veggie omelet with gigantic pile of hash browns. Julia had junior pancakes shaped like Mickey Mouse; it was 2 HUGE pancakes with bacon. The chocolate milk shake was awesome! : )

Once home we get kids ready for bed. Susie & I had to drive to Carrie's house to return the Highlander, got a chance to talk with sister for last alone moments, trying to iron out some preliminary travel plans for Summer 2013. Then Jai & I pack everything before going to sleep for about 5 hours before rising to get a cab at 4:30am to PHX airport!  Not going to be enough sleep for another long flight with 2 young children. Fingers crossed for a better experience and a not full plane!

SB 2013 - Phoenix - Day 5

After another quick walk with Susie on Tuesday morning, we prepared to depart for today's journey to the PHX zoo. It is another BIG experience like everything in the west, quite a large place. Jai had packed our snacks the night before thankfully. Susie renewed her membership which had 2 guest passes. We'd planned to use our reciprocal Nashville Zoo membership benefit for 50% discount, but not necessary with the guest passes. Jacqueline was free since she's under 3 & they didn't charge for Julia either which is odd since usually people say she looks older than she is.

"I smell camel"
After bathroom breaks & snacks, including another nursing session, we start to explore the zoo.  BTW - I saw a bunch of different women breastfeeding babies, 1 using a cover of course, though a few like me were not. There were a ton of birds on display which surprised us as not a lot at Nashville Zoo, but such a different climate/habitat.

We also saw lions, tigers, rhinos, monkeys, cheetahs, flamingos (not as pink as Nashville ones), some kind of cattle, deer (seems unique) and giraffes.
Another benefit of Susie's membership were some free tickets for the carousel, sting ray bay and a camel ride. Julia really wanted to ride the camel today and announced as we approached the area, "I smell camel." She waited in line with Jai & declared that she would ride the camel alone. Julia bravely climbed on the back with the worker's assistance and gleefully rode around the pend (with another worker guiding the camel), big smiles, perfect for the camera! She wore her Gilligan's hat (that's what it looks like to me) and looked like a veteran on a safari or desert trek. She almost lost her flip flop as it fell far to the ground, but the camel guide retrieved it.

After too long in the sun, we headed home for rest time. Jacqueline fell asleep in the car for a brief nap unfortunately, but Julia took a good long respite. Jai tried to book his hotel for his alone time, but we should have done it over the weekend because we couldn't find any rooms (except at the scary Knights Inn down the street - awful reviews!). We forgot about baseball's spring training and it also being Easter week & lots of people on Spring Break. The girls did dinner of beans & rice, then bath; Jai walked to a cool neighborhood restaurant for dinner alone.

We got to bed early and again hope for a later wake time for the girls. Another fun day in sunny AZ! Jai looked at weather forecast in Nashville - no snow, but in the 30s! YIKES! We're going to be sad and cold when we get home on Wednesday after the lovely 80s in Phoenix.

SB 2013 - Phoenix - Day 4

"What a mega church"
Another early morning shorter walk on Sunday with Susie (hurt left heel, not sure if result of last week's pedicure) before we shower & eat breakfast, then the females head to church. Susie attends Paradise Valley UMC in Scottsdale about 15 minutes away from her house. It's a HUGE place, seriously a campus with lots of classrooms (nursery, 2-3 year olds, 4-5 year olds, Kindergarten, then groups of upper grades. We left the girls in their appropriate rooms. Though strange to leave them in separate places & different than at our church (we only have a multi-age set-up other than the youth group class) it is good for Julia.

There are more meeting spaces, fellowship hall with a stage and kitchen and the Paradise Perk coffeehouse where Susie worked for 2 years. The sanctuary is massive with wooden & cushioned pews, stained glass in windows, choir area behind the pulpit, piano and organ. Today there was a violin accompanist. Really?! WOW!

"I want frosting"
After picking up the children & meeting some of Susie's church acquaintances, we explore their Stations of the Cross set-up. Very cool arrangement, amazingly organized. Then we headed to the perk for smoothies. Julia wants frosting on hers - AKA whipped cream! : )

"woo hoo! I love Indian food."
Julia says this after asking where we're eating dinner (she ALWAYS wants to go out for dinner so she loves when we're on vacation). I am so happy my child enjoys all kinds of food, especially Indian as that is one of our favorites. Also Susie had a Groupon for this place that our airport taxi driver who was from India recommended. It was OK food - dinner buffet for reasonable price & kids under 5 are free. BONUS!

"uh oh"
Jacqueline's new favorite expression - very cute!

SB 2013 - Phoenix - Day 3

"She is adorable!"

After another early rising of BOTH children, Susie & I took a quick & short 2 mile walk in her neighborhood on Saturday morning before we headed to PHX farmer's market - excited to see all of the yummy locally grown produce. : ) There were tons of booths with lots of great food offerings - fudge, brittle/toffee, pickles & jams, yogurt, produce of course, meat & eggs, breads, cheeses (goat & dairy) and a bunch of food trucks. It is a cool place.

"Midwives Rising"
Jacqueline has not been drinking as much soy milk from her sippy cup before and since our arrival in Phoenix. With the increase in temperature and more sun exposure, I've been breastfeeding her more. At the Farmers' Market, I see this booth for midwifery services and home birth options. Of course I'm curious. In the tent, there is a sign said breastfeeding lounge and changing station and also a rocker chair. There are a bunch of people in front of tent talking with a worker. I approach and ask about feeding Jacqueline; they immediately say yes and the woman sitting in rocker gets up (she's just sitting with her baby). Another family arrives with their 3 children, including a newborn who is HUGE! They also have a scale and the mother asks to weigh the baby. They uncover him (really just take the blanket off him), he looks even bigger, and put him on scale. He weighs 12 pounds. I asked dad about birth weight and he said baby weighed 7+ pounds ... so he's gained 5 LBS in 4 weeks. DANG! The original mom in chair returns to booth; we chat and discover they used to live in Nashville, near Portland Brew on Eastland in EAST Nashville. Crazy coincidence! I also ask the midwife about Arizona's nursing in public law and she says 2 years. Susie was right! That is crazy that AZ protects mothers & babies' rights to feed longer than TN.

"Girls' Night Out - Mom style!"
Weeks ago Susie had asked me about going out on Saturday evening to hear some cover band she & her friends like. While the girls were napping simultaneously (thank you!), she asks me about going. Susie said her friend texted her hours ago & she debated asking me as we all were so tired. She said something about 9pm ... what? That's my bedtime. : ) Then she mentioned something about Happy Hour before 7pm and her friend likes to get there early for a good table. After serious consideration, I said sure. Why not? I'm on vacation! I told Susie we'd have to leave when I got too tired plus I didn't bring any "clubbing" clothes. Seriously! I had khakis I wore on plane, a dress for church, otherwise shorts, t-shirts, flip flops. I cannot borrow jeans from Susie ... not yet (probably not ever again with these birthing hips!). I was wearing a skirt and sleeveless polo shirt with my flip flops. Oh well!

Right before 7pm Susie and I meet Carrie at a restaurant/bar called the Blue Martini, very hipster kind of place ... for a mature crowd. It felt like I was in Cougar-ville. Ironically I think we're some of the youngest people there, maybe no one younger than 35. I got a mango mojito - yum! We also ordered crab cakes, also yummy, spinach artichoke dip and a huge slice of chocolate cake - 50% off on the Happy Hour menu. Again I'm on vacation & someone else is watching my children. FUN! However, 1 drink is my limit, never been much of a drinker, but since being pregnant & breastfeeding for better part of last 5 years, I'm definitely less than skilled.
The music was OK, I knew some of the songs. The best part was the people watching. Lots of high heels, big hair, groupie clinging, inappropriate amount of visible cleavage, especially from the female servers. I joked that I could have just worn my nursing tank and fit right in!

Last observation relates to my solo visit to the bathroom right before we left.  First of all there was a bathroom attendant - it was kind of creepy, kind of stalker like as she followed me into the bathroom (she had been standing in back listening to music when no one is in bathroom). Of course I don't need assistance and I don't have any money for tip which I have no reason, but I feel slightly guilty.

As I washed my hands, I looked at the various items available for use ... hair spray, mouthwash, big toe clippers ... excuse me? WHAT?! Really! No. Seriously NOT! I'm trying imagine what that would look like. Who used them before me? Also where is the blue sterilizer liquid? I don't think so! : )

SB 2013 - Phoenix - Day 2

"NO cable in PHX"

Friday morning, after not sleeping enough since both of our children decided to wake up at 6:00am (OMG!), Julia says she wants to watch TV. She announces to both Susie & I that she knows the channel for Sprout - "it's 1-5-0-5, but I don't know how to work the TV." I explain that Susie doesn't have cable. Surprised & with barely a pause, Julia says with a serious expression on her face "do you have PBS?" Susie & I cannot contain our hilarity and laugh A LOT. We also answer 'yes, she has PBS.'

"You don't look 42. I hope I look that good when I'm 42."

Later that morning I went to a training school, Southwest Institute for Natural Aesthetics for a SWINA signature facial for some lovely relaxation. Three years ago when we last came to Phoenix, Susie took me to SWINA for an affordable spa experience; I haven't had a facial in about 6+ months. The student aesthetician made the comment above after reviewing my registration paperwork. I also got more compliments on how nice my skin looks. Ah, so sweet! Last week I went to Empire Beauty, my school in Nashville for some wax services, but I didn't have time for a facial before we left for Phoenix. I'd really like to get a massage next, but that might have to wait until May ... Mother's Day gift (hint, hint, Jai!!). : )

"Sir, are you here with a child?"

After naps, we ran some errands before heading downtown to the PHX public library in the afternoon. What a cool place! HUGE!! Unbelievable structure, incredible, amazing architecture.
It has 5 stories - FIVE you heard me. Really cool elevator banks with lights, a water feature, neon signs for everything, information booths everywhere - this was just on the FIRST floor! We spent most of the time in the children's section. The bathrooms had GIRLS & BOYS on door and low toilet, almost on the ground. There also was a children's garden with a poem written in the sidewalk as well as some stone steps/seats with flowers all around.

Before venturing outside to check out the garden area, 2 guards approached Jai & asked the question above. He also had been using his camera to take photos of the cool features. Ironically we had been discussing security at NPL, particularly in children's area. We didn't realize that he wasn't close enough to us to be considered with his family though there weren't lots of other brown people ... though I guess we look more Latino! : ) Jai quickly turned to us as we were walking towards him as they asked the question. We laughed of course later & joked that we should have said "I don't know that man. Children, stay away from that strange man!" However, it is reassuring that the child safety procedures are in place & enforced when something questionable happens. We suspect the camera taking & flash probably caught someone's attention.

There also was a neat area for young children under 2 years old. After feeding Jacqueline in a nice comfy chair, while Julia was with Susie & Jai at the computer doing something, we played there. As I sat nursing Jacqueline, I wondered about Arizona's NIP (public breastfeeding) law as I realized that in TN, I'm no longer protected since she's over 12 months. Of course I'd love for someone to say something to me, but I'm in another state, a not so friendly to human rights kind of state, so not feeling as confident as I usually do. Susie says she thinks it is 2 years which would really surprise me. While Jacqueline plays on the cushy floor, Julia picks out some DVDs (Caillou, Disney Princess sing-along, Handy Manny). Lots of books on the shelves under the benches, some magnet letters, other tactile type toys, cool area.

We headed home for leftovers (pizza from Thursday night), baths and early bed (hopefully).
Another fun day in PHX!

SB 2013 - Phoenix - Day 1 - Arrival

We arrived on Thursday evening in Phoenix for Spring Break 2013, barely alive, really exhausted! Unfortunately we no longer hold the title of "family traveling with well-behaved children." Verbal we know is going to happen - come on that's a given, especially with no naps. However, farting (OLDER one blaming it on the baby though so glad it was NOT a diaper explosion or vomiting like trip to Boston in June 2012) and screaming (YOUNGER one, OMG what a cry-baby!) and moving all over the place (BOTH of them) are not qualities I enjoy on a 4 hour flight with a 2 hour time difference. Also that means it was almost 8:00pm (BEDTIME) when we arrived at 5:45pm. :-(

3 seats is not enough space for 4 bodies, especially when the "lap baby" was not interested in staying in a lap. Jacqueline LOVED sitting on the floor & crawling around at our feet! It was kind of cute, but yet difficult to keep track of her. Sadly we had WAY too much stuff again even though we packed less all-around. I don't know what the difference is from October other than age, especially for Jacqueline (9 months vs. 14 months now). Maybe the flight time as it's barely more than an hour to Chicago and around 2 hours to Boston (though we had a plane change in Baltimore). All I know is it was not pleasant.

I am NOT looking forward to getting on the flight back to Nashville on Wednesday. I hope all will go well though the flight is at 6:25am (OMG! What was I thinking when I bought the tickets!?!?!?). I need to look at price for a 4th seat! : )

I am hoping the weather is better than when we left on Thursday as it is gorgeous in Phoenix. Shorts for everyone today & I'm sure for the rest of the days we're here! I'm not sure my sister will want us to visit again until these girls are older. I'm not sure I want to visit until that time plus we need to save some more money as 4 tickets will be much more expensive!

I forgot to write that after getting all of our stuff in the house and Susie & Julia go get pizza for dinner, we eat of course. Then Susie, Julia & I drive to her friend Carrie's house (about 20 minutes away) to pick up her 2nd vehicle, a Toyota Highlander, that she's letting us borrow while we're in Phoenix. So nice! It is saving us some serious cash to not have to rent a van. So grateful for good friends!!!! Driving back in Susie's car, Julia was in back seat, much more quiet than on the drive there, so tired. I really don't understand why she woke up so early the next day!

Playmates are best

Yesterday I noticed something. I noticed I was not watching, feeding, soothing or changing either daughter. After the initial "huh." of that observation I realized that Julia and Jacqueline were a self contained play unit. They were playing together and I wasn't involved. Julia has decided that she and her sister are wolves or foxes and they need to play in their den doing whatever wolves and/or foxes do in their den.

I know this is calm before the storm (its mine, leave it alone), although I do see flashes of storm, but if they play together like this I am really gonna enjoy having Jacqueline around.

She walked!

Finally Jacqueline took her first solo step this morning, no hands holding anything but air! Then she braved some more & actually walked. It was awesome!  Julia & I clapped & cheered her on to keep going, so much fun to witness. Jacqueline has been cruising for MONTHS now & we really thought she'd walk sooner (Julia had been walking for FOUR months by now), but she's a different child with a different personality & her own agenda.

Of course, 2nd child & we didn't capture a photo or video like we did with Julia! Oh, well, Jacqueline. Luckily we still love you & it was super fun watching you walk your first steps. Now we'll try to keep up with both girls as they screech & laugh & scream at each other & us. : )

soy butter & soup

Odd combination, right?
They are separate observations, same post.

Soy butter
It is not nut-based, it's made from a bean. Duh, right? : )
I am so glad it's a safe food for Jacqueline to eat - good fats, calories & other nutrients.
Since she's under 2, that is important as it is not like typical warnings for nuts.
Though we fed her some almond milk, not thinking about it being a NUT!
Regardless Jac loves it - on bread, crackers, alone on her high chair tray.
Good stuff though hard to find at stores in East Nashville.
We used to find it at Turnip Truck Gulch location, but no longer.
Now we have to stock up when we go to Whole Foods, especially if it's on sale as it can be expensive.

Soup
This is a great way to use CSA veggies!
Plus it is an awesome way to get your children to eat vegetables.
Even Jacqueline who really LOVES soup.
Actually it makes the veggies much softer so easier for young child to eat.
It also gets liquids in them which sometimes can be challenging.

Kindle Paper White

At the end of this commercial, both individuals (a man & a woman) say something about "my husband is getting me a drink." Then the camera turns toward the bar at the beach & 2 men wave at their partners. Love it! It is a great opportunity to show normal people enjoying vacation & their tablet product also. : ) They're all white so that's another topic, but I'm noticing more tolerance on TV.

Of course advertisers are not dumb. Gay people have money. I'm not gay, but I have many gay friends & I'll remember this product. Not sure if I'll purchase it, but I'm writing about it on my blog so that's putting it out in the universe. Someone else in the market for it might buy it after reading my post. Maybe! : )

Tears everywhere

Before school Julia has a meltdown because I want her to change a shirt she spilled juice on. Then the rain starts. Now, 2 hours later, Jacqueline has been screaming bloody murder (Julia asked me to define that phrase a couple of days ago.) for 45 min off and on. She's teething, she's tired and she hasn't eaten much. I can't find a good solution for any of those problems so I just left the room and am writing this.

breastfeeding on tv

2/27/13 "Modern Family" - Gloria at door with delivery person signing for package (requiring multiple unnecessary signatures!) while nursing baby
Jay: "last week Phil almost swallowed a crayon"

Diaper commercials with first child, second child differences
(not sure what is the connection with the diapers)
NIP (nursing in public) commercial
first child: hiding behind a tree in the corner of restaurant, wearing a nursing cover
second child: no cover, mom wearing pull down/cross over style shirt, skin is exposed, baby's head covering the breast area, waiter staring, mom's response "What?" (love it!)
Also love the commercial as family prepares to leave the house
first child: stroller packed top & bottom with everything you'd possibly need, almost leaves baby in crib!
second child: mom wearing baby, saying "let's go" to older child, diaper in hand, she grabs some crackers from a bowl & puts in her pocket!

Unfortunately for the product, I don't remember the brand of diaper, but both spots are HILARIOUS!

other funny lines on 2/27/13 MF episode
Lily says something rude about Cam & Mitchell's drunk female friend played by Elizabeth Banks. They're not happy that Lily missed the wedding.
Lily: It's OK. I'll catch the next one.
Again Cam & Mitchell are not happy with her response & try to explain to friend.
Lily: She understood what I meant.
EB: I really don't like you.
Lily: I'll get over it.
EB hits Lily's mirror, Lily looks annoyed

Her preschooler attitude is VERY familiar to us! Annoying yet funny!

this weekend's gems from julia

"Mommy, there are 6 J's in our house."
"me, Daddy, you [my last name], Jacqueline, J-dog, Jesus"

"aboriginal art" ... that's all I heard

"I call him husband or Andy. He calls me wife or Tara ..." (imagine my head tilted to the side & thinking "what?")

She's reading EW now - a book review about a little boy & his dog having adventures (or vacations as Julia reads it ...) .

"Mommy, I just wanted to tell you I think the world of you, but when you're not nice, that makes me frustrated."

Come on! These are awesome! We really need to write a book! : )

101

3/1/13 today Julia knows 101 sight words
2/1/13 she knew 67 words
1/23/13 she knew 51 words

random

Julia's favorite new word ... HILARIOUS!

She spent the night with my mom on Thursday so I hadn't seen her since yesterday afternoon (not that unusual since I leave for work before everyone is awake). However, I asked her what she & Grandma Bonnie did after dinner, before bed.

Julia's response - "random ... random things."

That's it, nothing more, end of story.
Am I already living with a middle school student?

I was reminded yesterday that I am the parent of a student.

I met Jai at my school after work, after ENCORE ended, & we switched vehicles. He went to run some errands, I drove to my mother's house to deliver Julia for her overnight and also visit with my mom whom I hadn't seen in weeks and for Bonnie to spend time with Jacqueline. We arrived early so I fed Jacqueline while Julia played.

Of course the first thing Julia does is take off her coat, jacket and tights - she's so hot natured! Julia is wearing a white SS polo shirt & navy blue skort over gray polka dot tights. She's SO adorable & looks quite grown up. She continues to get taller so quickly and of course articulate most of her thoughts with maturity & poise that I forget that she's only 4 years old ... until she has a tantrum.

I look forward to hearing what she says tomorrow. : )