Sinus Infection

Know what sucks?

Sinus Infections.

Know what sucks more?

Sinus Infections on top of the flu.

Know what sucks even more than that?

Sinus Infections with the flu along side of your daughter having the world's worst diaper rash (read seeping and bleeding diaper rash).

Know what sucks most of all?

When creams and pills take care of everything EXCEPT the sinus infection, and you feel as though little green men have taken up camp in your sinuses.

And now, the little green men and I have to go clean for company tonight. Please excuse us....

AHHHHHHH!!!!!!! JORDAN!!!!!!!!!

I get to go to NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

I feel like a 10 year old again, screaming at the silly videos and swooning.

They're coming to the UK and stopping off for a show in Belfast at the Odyssey on January 20th and Jenn and I get to go!!!!!

I'm so excited. Can you tell?

Traveling with a little one....

This post has been a long time coming....and I know with many of you about to travel or thinking about it, I thought I would share my recommendations for flying with a baby or toddler! I've made 9 flights with my daughter in the past year, so I'm getting pretty close to perfecting the packing!
P.S. Bare with me about pictures, the camera died just as I was trying to upload pics, and we don't have any replacement batteries.....

Essentials for flying with a baby/toddler

aka. what to put in your carry-on

1. This is my carry-on diaper bag. Note the difference between it and my everyday bag. I found that although it's heavy once loaded, there's rarely a thing that goes in it that isn't necessary. Plus, I never take a purse with me, so that bag holds all of MY essentials PLUS Hazel's necessaities. Therefore, the carry-on should be large and zippered. The zipper comes in handy more often than you'd realize. Keep in mind, the bag will go through the security x-ray machine, and they aren't exactly gentle...tie top bags are cute, make yours zippered.
2. I never leave without a smaller bag folded and tucked inside the larger one. This bag is my catch all, or sometimes acts as the bag I use for anything that needs to be readily accessible as often the carry-on is thown into the overhead compartment and you will need something small and convenient to take to the plane toilet and such. This is the bag that often travels with us. I got it free out of a magazine here in the UK, but I've seen similar ones in the US at Wal-mart, or you can even make one if you're crafty. Trust me when I say, it's worth the $$$. It has held many things...e.g. extra clothes, dirty clothes, diapers, wipes, snacks, a bottle or sippy cup. This bag is something I will never again pack my carry-on without, and has come in handy more often than I can count. I usually fold it flat and tuck it in the side of the bag so it's out of the way but accessible.
3. Diapers are the next to get packed. Now, I follow the general rule of 2 for every hour that you'll be traveling. I repeat, TRAVELING, not flying. Don't forget the layover time, time to and from the airport. I know it sounds like a lot of diapers, and yes, it is. But we've been through a lot of situations where having extra diapers has been a life saver. Our first flight, our daughter drank 16 oz of formula between boarding the plane and take-off. Now, she was just shy of 16 weeks old and that time span was about 15 minutes. So, our 4 month old drank about 1 oz a minute for 15 minutes STRAIGHT. That's a lot. Thankfully that flight was a short hour and 15 minutes, b/c when we landed for our first lay-over, we discovered that a fair amount of the formula went straightdown her shirt into her diaper, so there's one. Then 5 minutes after we changed that first diaper, the remaining formula that detoured through her body found it's way into the second diaper. There's 2. Two diapers in less than 2 hours. And that's just one situation. I keep in mind that there's always a possibility that we may have an extended lay-over should our flight get delayed or canceled. Or what if we should arrive safe and sound at our destination, but our luggage doesn't? Extra diapers are a blessing, trust me.
4. Small Bags to through away dirty diapers or tie up soiled clothes. In the UK, you can purchase Nappy Bags which are essentially small scented trash bags. And they're really cheap for like, 500 bags. If you can't find them in the US, I know you can get small scented trash bags at Wal-mart. They're worth it if you find yourself in situations where you have a muddy diaper and no where to put it but your carry-on. And you WILL find yourself in that situation, if you don't ever, you're blessed.
5. I always find room for an extra outfit for Hazel. And if we're traveling when she would normally be in bed, I add in a pair of PJs . She sleeps better on the flight when she's in jammies (duh). If we're traveling for longer than 2 hours, we ALWAYS find a need for that second outfit. I don't think we've ever not used it. I also pack atleast an extra shirt for Me. I've done one flight without a change of shirt for myself, and wound up being covered in baby food, formula, and sweat (carrying a baby through an airport is warm...everywhere). I smelled, was uncomfortable, and was just generally gross. Even if I never use that extra shirt, it's always with me. You will feel like a monster after flying any length with a small child, you don't want to look or smell like one.
6. Baby Juice or formula. And I always make sure it's her favorite. This is not the time to experiment with a new juice or milk. I am still breastfeeding, but have always had a bottle/sippy cup and something to go in it for a flight. There have been many times when she won't feed b/c it's too cramped or hot on the plane. Or maybe b/c she wants to look around and not at my chest, whatever the reason, breastfeeding DID NOT cut it when we were flying. Now, yes, I have breastfed her on many flights, but I never know which ones she won't feed on, and I don't bank on her breastfeeding. Plus the circulated air on planes dehydrates you, and I don't ask my little one to go without hydration b/c I don't want to pack a bottle. Life is easier if you have it. And if you're worried about getting through security, don't worry. I've never been in an airport who wouldn't let it through. I've been in a few that make you open it and taste it, so make sure it's something you don't mind taking a swig of yourself and that is re-sealable.
7. Next is 3-4 types of snacks if they're big enough to have small snacks. I think we started making sure there were snacks in the bag when we traveled in April...Hazel was 7 mos. Three to four seems excessive, but true to baby M.O., your little one will choose the most inopertune time to decide he/she doesn't like his favorite treat, and it always helps to have a back up.
8. Toys. I know this one seems like a no-brainer. But I just wanted to let you all know what I bring with us. I usually pack a small soft animal, a learning toy, and a book. That usually does well for even long flights. I also have heard wearing jewlery that's large, plastic, and colorful can be a ready-made toy for them, but I can't bring myself to wear any. If you can pull off the look, major props to you!
9. Antibacterial Hand Lotion. I like anything from Bath N Body Works as it makes me smell more lady-like and less monster-like, but any will do. On a recent trip home I found some individually packed antibacterial hand wipes in line at the check-out at Wal-mart. They work wonders and are so easy to pack, plus, the chances of them spilling all over your nicely packed carry-on is pretty slim.
10. First Aid Kit. Let's hope you never need it, but, I always have one with me as everyone I know is accident prone. I found a cute compact one at Target when I was home. It had stickers and crayon band-aids in it...very child friendly. Plus the container was compact enough not to take up much room in my bag, but roomy enough to hold regular band-aids in it (my hubby seems to prefer the plain over the red crayon for some reason :) ).
11. Facial Tissues. I always need them at the weirdest times, so it's just nice to have them handy.

I think that's it for now. If I should think of anything else I will update my post, but I believe that's all I make sure I have. The rest that I pack are odds and ends, like entertainment for me, although I rarely get to use it, so I leave that for magazines I purchase at the airport.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to leave me a message! And I hope your travels are safe and fun!!!!

Laugh Out Loud

I can't believe I haven't blogged on this in a month and a half. Sad.

Nothing exciting has happened lately. Went to Crete in October...Fabulous vacation.

Hazel exploring our room....

Getting ready for the pool!MOMMY!!!! Let me in the bathroom!Exploring the tiny mountain pub in Kritsa.Walking down Zeus' mountain with Daddy.

Nothing much has happened since then except goofing off....such as....

I put a beautiful little girl down for a nap and a crazy haired milk fanatic woke up in her place....Watching TV from the comfort of a plastic shoe box.....My Little Ladybug at Carnfunnock Park on Halloween.Who turned out the lights?????!!!!?????Mommy's hat is too big....Then we went to Cheeky Monkeys in Ballyclare for Emma (little one in lower right corner looking up with pacifier in mouth)'s 1st birthday party. Had a great time!!!!

Here's us all playing in the ball pit....

Hazel mastering the tunnels...Mommy and Hazel tackling the large slide...wheeeeeeeeee! Hazel and I went down the slide together a couple times before she went down the slide next to me by herself (my hand holding her of course). She is getting sooooooo big.I think the mommies had more fun than the kids! The playscape was 3 stories high and we had just the best time! We all decided to start going to the Mom N Tots group held there on Fridays so we can get a little exercise and wear the kiddies out!

Well, that's all my news for now!

To Crete With Love

I don't even know where to begin with our holiday on Crete. (I know I'm still behind on London, but London can wait)

I don't think there was a day that wasn't beautiful. I don't mean conventionally beautiful, I'm talking just gorgeous to behold. Yes, we did have several amazing sunny days which accounts for my tan lines (you're jealous, I know ;-) ). But we had a pretty amazing thunderstorm that was breathtaking....Even the cloudy days didn't take away from the gorgeous views.

Okay, so here's a brief play by play of the week......

We left Larne on Monday October 6 around 5:30pm and headed for Belfast Interantional Airport. No traffic meant we arrived quickly and got checked into Easyjet very quickly. Fly with Easyjet on a Monday. Cheap. No lines on Monday nights. We wandered around Belfast International Airport for the 2 hours prior to boarding, had dinner, got Mommy meds (I had the sniffles). Flew to London Gatwick. No drama. Well, no drama save the fact that I couldn't get my ears to pop on the plane b/c I was sick, so they had to break out some smelling stuff for me to sniff to clear my sinuses. Brett said it stunk, I couldn't really smell it. It didn't clear my sinuses so much, but it helped releave the pain in my Right ear. I honestly thought it was going to burst my eardrum with how bad it hurt. Anyway, I lived through it and we landed, got our luggage, found our hotel shuttle and headed for what we hoped to be a good night's sleep before our travels the next day.

Hazel fell asleep within moments of boarding the shuttle, and remained asleep all the way to the hotel, throughout check-in, getting to the room, and putting her to bed in her pack n play. She didn't actually stir unti 2:50 that morning. Agony, right? Not so much. We were seriously staying in the crappiest Hotel in Gatwick. Bates hotel has nothing on the Europa Hotel in Gatwick. Don't stay there. Brett and I slept in seperate twin beds (pushed just barely close enough together that if we extended our arms across the gap we could hold hands) that looked like the previous residents had just left and the maid service felt they didn't dirty the beds enough to warrent new sheets and properly made beds. So we slept on top of the bedspreads. And the room was freezing. Hazel was bundled and warm, but Brett and I froze and the beds weren't wide enough to be truly considered twins, so we couldn't snuggle to keep warm....we tried. Long story short, bad hotel. Sleeping in a box outside the airport my prove warmer and more sanitary (and cheaper) than staying at the Europa.

So Brett and I started our trip with 2 hours of sleep. And a well rested toddler. :) The flight to Crete was fine. It was chartered on Monarch airlines, which I was less than impressed with as the staff was boardlined rude, but it wasn't bad. The most amazing part of the flight, though, was flying over the Alps.....
Aren't they gorgeous? They just went on and on and on. I know this in naive of me, but my only experiences with mountains have absolutely nothing on the Alps. Massive, Beautiful. Wow.

Then after a bit more slying we saw the Mediterranean....I'm not sure which islands these were. But they're neat!

We landed in Crete, which I have to tell you, be prepared to be the only American's on the island if you go. And don't be surprised when all the signs that are posted are ONLY posted in Greek. Even though it is an island that relies on tourism as a major source of income, they would prefer if you spoke their language. It took a week to be able to say "Thank you" and "Hello". And even then I really sounded like an American butchering their language.

Also, as you land on the island, don't be surprised to lose bits of your luggage (aka our stroller) and not be able to find anyone who can speak English well enough to help you find it. Ours turned up in the Oversized Luggage (not surprising) which was a little shack outside the main building and tucked in a little side street (slightly infuriating). Anyway, we gathered up our belongings, hunted down our charter to the hotel and climbed aboard.

Okay, so in the interest of needing pictures to show people who may be interested....here's a quick replay of our trip!

This is our patio overlooking the sea...The view off our patio towards Agios Nichalos..

The Mountain view from our patio

Hanging out on the patioOur Whale shaped poolBrett and Hazel in front of the pool and main receptionMommy and Hazel in the FREEZING saltwater shallow end of the poolOur bathing beauty...

Ooops!!!! Part Duex

Hi all! Picking up where we left off....

Sunday, September 7---

We got up early, not hard since we have an alarm clock (Hazel) that doesn't like to sleep past 6:30, and headed down to breakfast in the hotel restaurant. YUM. Cereal, fruit, bacon, eggs, toast, you name it. Then went back to the room, got dressed, and headed out....here are a few things that we saw....

Parliament building and the tower that holds Big Ben (which We learned is the bell, not the tower)A Bicycle race in the city...it was a big event! Lots turned out for it!Okay, so I should know what this circle is that I'm standing on. It had something to do with the Queen and the millenium, and around the edges is a quote from her. I'm actually standing on a pair of permanent footprints, but as I'm a horrible tourist, I have no idea what it is...I'll find out.The London Eye from Westminster Bridge. The large building behind it housed a museum and shops. The happy family in our Capsule of the London EyeParliament and Big Ben from the London Eye

Trafalgar Square (Carli and Hazel in the foreground)Outside Westminster Abbey (It's closed to tours on Sundays..sniff sob)Our little alarm clock waiting to go to the Airport to head home Monday morning!!!!

Ooops!!!!

I forgot to post about London! And that trip happened a month ago!!!!!!

Here's a quick run down of the weekend's events along with some snapshots!

Saturday, Sept 6---Brett, Hazel, and I got up early and headed to Belfast International to catch a plane to London! It was a pretty smooth uneventful trip...even landing in and navigating through Heathrow was easy. We caught a cab to our hotel, The Thistle at Westminster, and checked into our room all within 45 minutes of landing!!!! Gotta love big cities! Then we set off to find my IKnit Day....it was a little confusing trying to navigate the streets of London in the Westminster area, but we got there about 20 minutes after setting out. I had the best time! I knit and bought yarn and (in general) hung out with women about 20+ years older than me...there were a few women there my age, but not many! I got a signature from The Yarn Harlot in one of my books. So awesome. I have to say, very few people actually make me nervous, but I was an idiot around her. I honestly would never have guessed that I would be THAT nervous. I could barely carry on a conversation with her. Oh, well, I suppose it's not that weird that I would be nervous around my knitting idol, huh?

Well, while I was being dorky, Brett and Hazel wandered around the area. It was rainy that day, but they got the chance to see a lot!

Here's Hazel having lunch with her daddy...

Walking through the park in front of Buckingham Palace...This is my favorite...them taking a break in the park....Brett got some really good pictures of the scenery, and I promise to post them later when he reminds me what they all are!

Then they came and met me at IKnit Day and hung out with me for a while to wait for the Alien Competition announcement (I didn't win). Then we headed out. We walked back towards the hotel (it was about 6:30 at that point) to get some dinner. We were all exhausted from the day, but we made a quick stop by Buckingham Palace (it was on the way home) and I got to see the changing of the guard....(we didn't take a picture of the actual changing...this is just a guard pacing)

And I got my picture in front of Buckingham palace (just facing the wrong direction)....Well, I promise to post more tomorrow when Brett is here to tell me what everything is...I'm forgetful like that....