Easter Weekend Egg Hunt

This year our neighborhood decided to have an egg hunt the Saturday before Easter. I loved the idea and offered to host happy hour at our house afterwards. There are quite a few kids under the age of 10 and we knew they’d have a blast searching for eggs together. All the Moms in the neighborhood shopped for plastic eggs and fillers for them and we gathered one weeknight to put them all together. Mission accomplished, preparations were complete. Then it rained the rest of the week. But, we were all hopeful that the weather would take a turn for the better and a muddy egg hunt would commence.

No such luck. It rained and rained and rained. We even postponed the start time hoping it would at least slow down to a drizzle and we could send the kids out in raincoats and boots. Nope. So we came up with new plan and one of the neighbors offered her house for an indoor egg hunt. Game on. As we were getting ready to leave I handed her a basket (fuzzy and in the shape of a bunny) and said, “look Roo, it is the Easter Bunny’s basket for you to collect eggs.” She initially went to grab it, but upon hearing the words “Easter Bunny” shook her head “no, no, no, no” (see earlier Easter Bunny blog entry for Easter Bunny phobia background story). So I ended up carrying the basket.

We arrived and gathered the kids in the family room (a couple of Dads had arrived earlier to hide the eggs). We divided the kids into two groups (under 4 and 4+) and set them loose. Complete and total chaos, but complete and total fun for everyone. Each of the younger kids approached the egg hunt just a little differently. Roo for example kept getting distracted (shocker), mostly by the crayons and Princess vanity table, but her favorite distraction was the Little Tikes piano. She would run and find a couple of eggs, then go back and sit at the piano to play. Then we would pick her up, point her in the direction of more eggs, she’d grab a few and then back to the piano.

About an hour later we were all done and headed to our house for holiday food and drink. I think everyone stayed for a couple of hours, until the kid’s bedtime. It was great catching up with everyone and seeing how well the kids played together. The younger ones (James, Reid and Roo) all loved having a chance to play with the big kids. They played hide-and-go-seek and kept hiding behind our dining room curtains. I half expected them to be ripped out of the wall, but enjoyed watching them laugh and play with such big smiles on their faces I couldn’t make them stop.

Kerry and I collapsed exhausted on our couch after saying our goodbyes, putting Roo to bed and cleaning up the kitchen. So much work, but all worth it. I think we need to make it an official neighborhood holiday tradition. Maybe next year Roo will even hold her own basket?

The Easter Bunny

It is quite possible that we have scarred our 18 month old for life and completely turned her off of the Easter Bunny. I know most kids get scared around a year old when they go visit Santa or the Easter Bunny (my Mother has photographs documenting my own toddler fears of Santa), but I was not prepared for our own dramatic showdown with the Trumbull Mall’s Easter Bunny.

The day began typically for a Saturday. Roo wakes us up around 7, we go have breakfast in our jammies (Daddy declared it pancake Saturday) and then we play for a bit. As a break from our routine, I suggested a visit with the Easter Bunny. So we scooped Roo up and took her upstairs to change her clothes. This may have been the beginning of the end.

First of all, she did not want to get in to her dress. Auntie Courtney had bought her a beautiful Easter dress, which she of course initially refused to wear. After a short wrestling match and some bribes, mission accomplished, she was ready to go. Our little family headed to the mall. Upon arrival we stopped at Starbucks, were Roo played peek-a-boo with the barista and kept spinning around in her dress. We then began our journey to Easter Bunny headquarters, outside of JCPenney (you’d think the Bunny could find more glamorous digs with what he was charging for pictures). As we approached the area I made sure the Roo could see the other children in line, approaching the Easter Bunny, sitting in his lap and receiving their Easter “gift.” Then it was our turn. By this time we ended at the front of the line, no one was behind us and Roo and I took our time approaching the six foot brown bunny. She watched cautiously and by the time we were about two feet away, she started shaking her head and saying “no, no, no, no.” I tried to assure her, while making a mad dash to throw her in the Easter Bunny’s lap. She freaked. I don’t think I have ever seen her turn that color red and was impressed by her use of every appendage on her body to hold onto me. I think I could’ve let go of her, put my arms out to my side and she would’ve have still stuck to me like super glue.

This scene carried on for 2-3 minutes. The Mommy dance, attempting to convince my little girl that the Easter Bunny meant no harm. She’d stand there and look at him, but wouldn’t get any closer than 2-3 feet. At one point the poor Bunny, in a gesture of peace, reached out held out a chocolate egg. She ran up, grabbed and went back to her spot as quickly as her little toddler legs could carry her. I went in for the forceful sit again, promising to sit with her. That didn’t work either. Red, screaming and tons of tears. The girls working the camera said it was the second worst reaction they had seen all season (the first being a kid who not only screamed and cried, but actually jumped the display fence and ran down the mall hallway in terror).

So no pictures with the Easter Bunny this year. The worst part is that from that point on, whenever I mention the Easter Bunny she starts shaking her head and repeating that same urgent phrase, “no, no, no, no.” I hope she grows out of this by Christmas in time to see Santa.

New Friends and "Shishie" Adventures

Flirting shamelessly in Starbucks one morning.

Listening to "Under The Sea" on the steel drums.

Hanging out with Tessa by the pool.

Ready for adventures.

Roo checking everything out on the boat over to Atlantis.

Watching the "shishies".

Big fish.

Having a blast.

Touching the starfish.

Asleep after a long day.

One of the most fun parts of being on vacation was the fact that Reagan never met a stranger. Every time we went anywhere she couldn't resist doing her best to be the center of attention. To a parent, it is completely annoying and to the receiver of Roo's wooing, it may be equally as annoying, but most times she made a new friend.

One of her first new friends she met on vacation was Tessa. She and her family were visiting from Canada. Almost every night before bed Roo and Tessa would run around like toddler maniacs wearing each other out before bed. Some days it was a godsend for all of us. They wore each other out. One night both families happened to be returning from dinner at the same time. Roo and Tessa ran around the lobby screaming for about 15 minutes. It was hilarious. No one was really around because it was early and they had the place to themselves. They had a blast.

Along with meeting new people, we also did a lot of exploring. One day we decided to go to Atlantis and check it out. Atlantis has really strict security, but for a daily fee you can get limited access to the resort. We thought taking Roo to see all the aquarium displays would be a good way to spend the day and it was. She was fascinated by all the different fish and tanks. The place was fairly crowded with lots of picture takers. A couple of times Kerry would try to take her picture and she'd look away or run away, just as he was ready to hit the button. But if anyone else was trying to take a picture, she'd walk right up to them and pose. I think two of her favorite parts were watching the jellyfish and an exhibit where you could touch starfish and horseshoe crabs. She loved sticking her little arms in the tank and touching the starfish, eventually we had to drag her out of there so other children could have a turn.

Eventually Roo was worn out and by the time we left a few hours later she was passed out in her stroller. Mommy & Daddy were able to sit and enjoy Starbucks in peace and quiet, but only for a little bit. An hour later she was up and ready for her next adventure. Go, go, go. That's my Roo.

I-Yuv-Yoo

Roo has become quite the Chatty Cathy. Of course I can’t understand half of what she says, but whatever. Of course there are a few standard phrases. “Buh-bye” is a big fav. We make her say it wherever we go. It cracks us up and makes the hearts of the people she says it to melt. Especially when she adds her little wave.

She won’t say “hi”, but occasionally says “heeeey” (she draws the word out). She says the names of her classmates pretty well, but has a hard time saying “s” sounds. She says her teachers names. She says the typical “da-da”, “ma-ma” , “no” and “mine”. She says “dog”, “go” and I think she told the dog to “lay down” the other day. She says “sit”, “chair” (my neighbor had to point that one out to me), “up” and “down”.

As she learns how to express herself, she is also becoming a little mimic (I think this is when the parenting books tell you to start watching what you say). But my favorite is when she repeats “I love you”, it comes out “I-yuv-yoo”. It is so damn cute. I love it. It isn’t often that she says it on her own, she usually says it after one of us says it to her. The other day I tried explaining to her that when someone says “I love you” that you should say back “I love you too”. That very day she actually did it. We were playing and I grabbed her, snuggled and said, “oh Roo, I love you” and she said “i-yuv-yoo-ooo”. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face for hours. She made my day.

It's Better In The Bahamas

Giggling as the tide come in and goes out.

Having a blast with Daddy in the pool.

Concentrating on filling the dump truck on the beach.

Morning sand play.

Vacation with Roo was the best. Her teacher even said last week that she has been so much better with her tantrums since we got back. The poor kid just needed a little attention. Boy did she get it, from everyone.

From the second we landed she tried to capture the attention of everyone she ran into. From the guys in the steel band, to the people in customs, to the concierge at the hotel, she kept up her job as chief entertainer. I was actually surprised by how many people enjoyed her. I guess I thought that most people find little blonde toddlers annoying, but apparently in the Bahamas everyone has a little bit more patience.

Most mornings we had the same routine. Roo would get up around 7 and the three of us would watch cartoons and eat cheerios in bed for a bit. Then we'd get ready for our day. Most days we started at the beach. We were usually out there by 8:30 and it was pretty quiet. The hotel had a "private" beach, not very big but perfect for us and it was right on Nassau harbor. We could even see all the cruise ships come in every couple of days. Roo liked watching them and of course every time they left she would wave bye-bye.

The first order of business for Roo was stopping by to get towels and say hello to the lifeguards. They LOVED her. Every morning it was "Good morning Reagan!" and as they handed us our towels she would always politely say "tank yoo". Next order of business was securing the good beach toys. We brought some of our own, but Roo liked to also grab some of the hotel's dump trucks. Then we'd head down to the water to dig in the sand a bit. She really liked it and it was so much more fun for me than visiting the beach last year where I spent most of my time saying "sand is not for eating." This year she actually played, dug, raked and tried to build stuff. Two things she didn't like--my occasional attempt at burying her and standing in the water when the tide went out. The water was a little cold, but she liked wandering into it a little bit. It would splash up around her ankles and knees and as the water would go out, her little feet would sink into the sand. She didn't like it. She couldn't figure out was going on and would grab onto whoever was closest whining "no, no, no, no, no."

After the beach we would clean up and hit the pool. Daddy was the designated pool entertainer. She loved everything about it, jumping, spinning, blowing bubble and sitting on the ledge waving at all the people around her. A nice family even offered us some swimmies, but she didn't like that much. After some swimming we'd have lunch poolside, then it would be upstairs for a nap. After nap time we'd either swim some more or go exploring in town.

Every time we went walking around town people stopped to talk to her. Even at her worst (for example, a ridiculous temper tantrum at dinner), everyone smiled and complimented her. One night in a desperate attempt to find a place other than the hotel to eat, we ended up at Senor Frogs. It was great for us (loud enough so that no one could hear her scream if she decided to) and entertaining for her (plenty of people watching, things to play with and a little dancing on the dance floor with Daddy).

Finally, by about 7-8 PM we'd all head home exhausted. Roo had a tough time getting to sleep (and staying asleep) most nights, but ended up doing pretty well. Some bedtimes were tougher than others. We'd arrive back to our floor, Roo and I would go out to the balcony to say "nite-nite" to the ocean, boats, birds, trees and lizards, then head to the room for a bath and whatever bedtime routine we could accomplish. Once she was out, Kerry and I would watch movies.

More Roo Bahama Baby stories to come.

The Trip Down

Passed out after our arrival at the hotel.

A close up.

The dreaded cat nap with Curious George.

Breakfast at the airport.

It all began at 3 AM when the alarm went off so we could make our 7:45 AM flight out of JFK. I don't think we will be doing that again anytime soon. Not the best time to travel with Roo. In the past, when I have flown with her alone, she was much younger and napped at least 2x a day. With one nap now, she was totally thrown off schedule. I was shocked that she didn't sleep on the way to the airport (we were running late, as usual) and she fought even harder to stay awake on the plane to Miami. We did all the stuff the parenting magazines say, wear her out as much as possible and board at the last possible moment, but no luck. She stayed awake and moving much of the trip.

One good thing, I was able to score us first class upgrades, which gave Roo a little more space, but the bad news was that it also gave her access to more attention. The doting stewardesses dubbed her "the cutest thing ever" and kept wandering over to see what she was up to. The ever-performing, attention-getting 18 month old was delighted and too excited to sleep for more than 30 minutes. By the time we got to Miami she was exhausted and fell asleep in her stroller.

Catnaps are the worst. It is just enough to give her some energy and too much sleep to get her to take another nap. By the time we boarded the bus to the puddle jumper she was in full toddler mode. Screaming at everyone and everything with delight. She was especially enamored with the college girls in front of us on the plane. She kept trying to peek through the space between the seats in front of us and get their attention. Thank God they were too busy mapping out their bar hopping plans. We spent the entire time trying to make sure her quick moving feet didn't kick their seats (having experienced this pre-child, we know how annoying this can actually be). For the most part, we succeeded. Then we started descending. Roo was not a happy camper. She was tired, hungry (regardless of the fact that she had eaten non-stop all day) and wanted out to be free to run. She was quite vocal for the last 15 minutes of the flight, but I think for the most part the passengers understood, or at least appeared to by their comments ("I think her ears hurt" was what most of them would say).

The funniest part was when everyone was deplaning. Roo's best move these days is saying "bye-bye" and giving a wave. We opted to get off the flight last and Daddy prompted Roo to say goodbye to almost every departing passenger. Now how mad can you be at a cute little blond girl waving and saying "bye-bye" as you arrive in the Bahamas? I think she made up for her whining, or at least appeared to since everyone waved back and gave her a smile. Oh, the Roo. Always cute when she needs to be.

Family Vaca

As the commercial states, "It is better in the Bahamas." And boy was it ever. I have lots of stories to tell about about our week away, so more to post later, but I did want to mention how fortunate I feel to have been able to spend a whole week with the Roo. Tantrums and all. In this economy we are lucky enough to go away on vacation (thank you frequent flier miles), but to be able to swing an almost free trip for the three of us is unbelievable. Roo was her typical hammy self (trying to get attention from anyone who dare glance her way) and strong willed as ever (making sure Daddy and I knew when she was unhappy or in need of a nap). Vacations aren't like they used to be, laying in the sun reading a book while lazily sipping a margarita, but they are a different kind of good. The kind that you get to have when you are blessed with a toddler. More to come.