1st half of the Adventure....

Our first day of our adventure began at Disneyland. Our little one was on sensory overload....can't blame her as she is only 20 months old. We tend to forget how young she is, because she is in the 85th percentile in height and could automatically pass for a 2 1/2 year old. We did meet our friends Glen & Jen Lakin, with their children Haley & Jared there and had a great time meeting Minnie Mouse and flying the Dumbo Ride. She even went through the Haunted Mansion! Mommy had fun on that one and used it as leverage for good behavior in the future. I'm sure she will behave nicely because she doesn't want to have a time out at the Haunted Mansion....although she did well and didn't freak out too much.

Our 2nd day...Saturday, we went to Bolsa chica and met Brian, Tara and their boys. Emily had a wonderful time getting her hands in the sand for the first time...and she didn't mind the cold temp of the water. She just wanted to run straight for the water. All the cousins were so good and making sure Emily was safe, and enjoyed teaching her how to put sand in the bucket and just plain having fun!

The latter half of the adventure will be posted soon. San Diego Zoo, Sea World & 2 overnight stays at a hotel with our toddler was definitely a learning experience for us novice parents....but I think we all did well for the most part. ;)

P90x or the alternative workout

Okay....I'm hearing all this stuff about P90x and after reviewing it and knowing I'm in sub-par shape, I probably know that I will develop some type of injury if I went with P90x. How do I know I'm in Sub-par shape? I just experienced the Toddler workout (over the course of a few days)
1) Just have a clingy toddler that wants to be held isometrically with your biceps while you stand in lines at Disneyland. Don't forget that you also work your triceps as you slowly, yet carefully put her down to prevent from any injury.
2) Work cardio and gluts by placing child in a stroller and walking briskly.
3) Work core musculature by pretending to be some type of merry go round holding onto toddler tightly while you go in circles.
4) Work calf musculature while ambulating over sandy beach, work out pectoralis & core musculature while carrying all the beach equipment at the same time to save a trip to the car.
5) Work your pectoralis musculature, back extensors, core muscles while ensuring your wiggly child sits safely in aerial tramway at the San Diego zoo.
6) Bonus workout: Workout 2nd digit finger extensor muscle (index finger) as you say "shhhhh!"

Result= Strain & soreness! ;)

The New Experience

So yeah, being a first time parent & traveling with your child is a little scary to me. Especially if your first child happens to be a toddler. For those who know me, you can say that I'm a little paranoid...maybe just a little. Ohkay Ohkay...I'm just freaking out here. ;-p Questions that arise are: How much stuff do I bring? What if she gets whiny all the time? Or worse, what if she gets sick? Is this really going to be a vacation...really? Gone are the days where there is quiet, peace and relaxation. I hope I have not taken all those wonderful cruises and trips to hawaii for granted....and I'm sure this trip will make me value those times even more! My co-worker said to view this little get-a-way as "A New Adventure" or "Experience". First Concern....accomodations. Wow...she still sleeps in a crib...what to do, what to do. And she sleeps well throughout the night in her OWN room. Ah Ha! I found a solution-Since we don't have a traveling crib, I got a traveling sleeping contraption, that almost reminds me of the cat carrier we use when we bring our pet to the vet's office. It looks like this:

I guess it's kinda cool because it has a air mattress and it Zips up to prevent her from escaping. It's her own "mini Room/Crib". I'm sure the inventors of this had to have some influence with the pet community. I mean, come on: This is what a cat carrier looks like:

Of course, we need to bring a stroller. How does this one look?:Ohkaaay......she has a normal stroller. I promise I won't bring the cat bowl either. =) As we venture for a 2 night getaway trip this sunday (after the big meeting), I just pray that this will be a fun and enjoyable experience for all. Bring on Shamu and all the monkeys and apes....San Diego here we come!

Yo Gabba Gabba

Since having placement of little Ryanne (Legal name for right now...just bear with us as the courts are taking their lovely time) it's been quite a process...she has transitioned well so far....and in the beginning, she was like static cling. Per her Social Worker...she is thriving, and growing & learning. Part of it is because she is mesmerized by a show on TV. Thank goodness for Yo Gabba Gabba...She LOVES that Show. I know it's an awesome show because not only of the excellent producers behind it....but the basic principles it teaches to the children via music & dance. The songs are so Catchy. If I need an hour...I just record those Yo gabba Gabbas and she just sits there! It's a miracle...and helps me for sure! I wanted to share a video clip with my dad (Lolo/Grandpa) dancing with Ry-Ry it's pretty funny. Thank you mom and dad for your help last Wed!