Italy: Day 1: Getting to know the 'hood

**Ok, I have no idea what's going on, but I can't view my images here. Drop me a comment and let me know if they are broken for you too. So annoying, but I don't have time to mess with them now. Will fix when I can.**

First of all, since it's been a thousand years since I've written, I have some news:

Hollywood graduated.  It really happened. Somehow my baby grew up - poof. Childhood gone. But more about that later. Because of my poor planning, we had a whirlwind of frenetic activity these past couple of days. On Sunday, Hollywood graduated, we had her party, and then jumped in the car (at 10:30 p.m. to drive to Chicago where our flight for Rome took off at 11:30 Monday morning. The trip to Rome is our graduation present to Hollywood. A few years ago, we decided that it would be fun to take the kids each on their own special trip as a graduation present. They get to choose the destination, within reason. Hollywood initially chose London, but with the 2012 Summer Games there, we thought it might be too busy or expensive for our taste, so she chose Italy.  And here we are! The Husband, me, Hollywood, Goblin, and Grandma J. (TH's mom). Bumblebee and The Boy are at home, staying with my brother and his wife for most of the trip.  They're a bit sad that they can't come along, but are already planning their graduation trips.

We are based in Rome and will take a couple of trips away from the bustle of Rome (to Florence and also to a small beach village named Sperlonga) but our plan is to thoroughly explore the city during our 9 days here.

So, we took off immediately after the party.  It has been a crazy few days, as you can imagine. But it's been wonderful, and crazy and frazzled is kind of how I roll. Anyway, I'm going to attempt to blog daily about our vacation here in Italy, (I always wake up before anyone when on vacation. Even the baby is still asleep! It's actually one of my favorite parts of vacation. Being alone with my thoughts before the rest of the clan wakes up.) but we'll see if that happens. For now, here are the highlights of our first day in Rome:

Getting here:
We were incredibly lucky on our journey to Rome. Our flights were on time, we made our very short connection in JFK, and probably most significant: Goblin was a fantastic traveler. I know a lot of people think we are crazy for taking a 7 1/2 month old with us on a trip overseas, but she is being amazing so far. She slept almost the entire time on both flights, and was fussy for only about 10 minutes on the long flight from JFK to Rome.

Some photos from our flight:
*photo of Goblin sleeping:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300077652/" title="Untitled by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7300077652_e51b6b921e_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Untitled">
*Photo of the wing of the plane over the Mediterranian:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300083128/" title="Untitled by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7300083128_66501b6e34.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Untitled">
We arrived in Rome early in the morning local time and had a driver take us to the apartment. The drive was rather scary - I'm glad that we didn't consier renting a vehicle while here. You don't need to while in Rome - you can either walk everywhere or take public transit, which is supposedly very easy to use. We'll see about that...

Our home while in Rome
We are staying in an apartment that is right in the heart of the Northern part of Rome. We are just a couple of blocks away from the Piazza del Popolo. This Piazza is marked by an obelisk that was brought to Rome by Augustus after he conquered Egypt:

*photo of Piazza del Popolo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300056038/" title="DSCN6743 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7300056038_7acf7ef06f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN6743">
The apartment is fantastic. It's in a building that the owner said was built in the 1600s. The floors are beautiful hardwood, it's got thick, rustic beams in the ceilings, and is completely renovated (with an Ikea kitchen and bathrooms.) 

We have a small balcony, which is perfect for TH to smoke his evening cigar, and the building features a courtyard.
*photo of the courtyard:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300181192/" title="IMG_0019 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7300181192_e1bafb45d1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0019">
*photo of Hollywood and Grandma J outside the apartment door:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300050992/" title="DSCN6740 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/7300050992_b42f3c69b1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCN6740">

There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and nice sized living space. Great accommodations - Grandma J and I think we've seen this exact place on House Hunter's International. (Not really, but we have seen similar flats on that show, and I'm guessing this place would sell for a very pretty penny.)

Heading out to explore:
After getting settled in and taking a nap (it was about 3 a.m. Iowa time when we got to the apartment) we ventured out to get familiar with our neighborhood.
*photo of Goblin in her baby carrier
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300177612/" title="IMG_0014 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7300177612_78a418e0fc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0014">

We headed out to look at Piazza del Popolo and it didn't disappoint. So much to look at!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300239056/" title="IMG_0034 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7300239056_7ed4cd1c6d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0034">
Including people dressed as the statue of liberty and an egyptian pharaoh (or whatever this is supposed to be!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300243090/" title="IMG_0037 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7300243090_e8c1925c30.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0037">
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300057868/" title="DSCN6744 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7300057868_877fdc608c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN6744">
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300063108/" title="DSCN6747 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7300063108_6ac09a78a9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN6747">
Then we went for lunch. . There is a restaurant directly below our apartment (we can hear the diners all day, and from the window of our living room, it is cool to listen to the restaurant staff prepare for lunch. In the mid afternoon and evening, you can hear accordian music and the clinking of silverware and glasses mingled with the traffic and sounds of people on the street. It's a nice sound, very urban. Luckily, our bedroom windows overlook the much quieter inner courtyard.) We decided to eat at that restaurant. Restaurants here do have indoor seating, but we chose to dine al fresco so we could watch the people go by. (People watching here in Rome is fantastic. It rivals the people watching at the Iowa State Fair. But the people are skinnier and much more fashionable!)
*photo of the crew seated outside at the restaurant.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300073928/" title="DSCN6752 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7300073928_969f1a71e9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN6752">
Goblin is a fan of people watching too:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300079374/" title="DSCN6754 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7300079374_e0111de273.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN6754">
I ordered the pizza Napoli - which was anchovie pizza. You always hear about anchovies on tv, and I've never had them before. I wanted to try them out just to see what I thought.

The verdict: Ew. Slimy texture, salty, and wayyyyy too fishy for me. But hey - I tried them and am glad. But I should've ordered Hollywood's pasta:
*photo of pasta
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300254678/" title="IMG_0046 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7300254678_91c8d9369e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0046">

Via del Corso
We are just off Via del Corso - which is a major north-south street lined with shops. There are so many cool shops here! After lunch we walked for a few hours. We did some shopping, popped into some beautiful churches, and pretty much wore ourselves out. Here are some photos of our stroll down Via del Corso:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300279704/" title="IMG_0075 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7300279704_cab4337902.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0075">
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300279704/" title="IMG_0075 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7300279704_cab4337902.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0075">
We saw some breakdancers. This guy was amazing:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300120284/" title="DSCN6774 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7300120284_e84067aaf0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN6774">
Check out these boxer shorts. Haha!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300099420/" title="DSCN6763 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7300099420_89f6c46968.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN6763">

The churches are amazing. We've just popped into a few of them and they are breathtaking. I'll try to do a post entirelly on la chiessas at some point, but for now, these are a few shots we took while on our stroll:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300260672/" title="IMG_0050 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7300260672_0fc3f8842c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0050">
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300263802/" title="IMG_0057 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7300263802_11644fe6de.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0057">
This picture is for The Boy. (St. Jacobus)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300271284/" title="IMG_0065 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7300271284_e76cb08be9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0065">

I think I took a hundred photos of side streets, but they are just so cute! Just like you'd picture an Italian street with outdoor cafes to be! Here are a few:

This is the one our apartment is on:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300184740/" title="IMG_0021 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7300184740_712414e460.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0021">

And some more:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300066526/" title="DSCN6750 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/7300066526_396b1856ed.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCN6750">
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300142030/" title="DSCN6786 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7300142030_589fc6dace.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCN6786">

The Husband was sure a good sport for putting up with three girls who love to shop. He was glad to find a  tabachheria where he bought a cuban cigar that he's looking forward to smoking:
*photo of TH in front of the tobacco shop:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300145910/" title="DSCN6787 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7300145910_48e2d886b9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCN6787">We thought this store caled la Dada was funny. So here's a photo of our own la Dada.
*photo of TH standing in front of la dada:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300083756/" title="DSCN6756 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7300083756_0909353b99.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCN6756">

We walked all the way down Via del Corso to the Piazza Venezia
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300140092/" title="DSCN6784 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7300140092_c2242feb5c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN6784">
Then we decided it was time to rest our feet a bit, so we walked all the way back north to our flat. (Do you like how I'm calling it a 'flat?' I watch too much HGTV. That's what they call them on House Hunters!!)

Back at the apartment, we rested a bit, FaceTimed the kids at home (we miss them!!) and then headed back out for an evening walk and dinner.

Via del Corso is the location of the famous Dolce Vita Stroll. It's a general practice for people to walk down the street at night (they close off traffic, so it is much easier to navigate than during the day)
The shops are closed at night, but still lit up for display:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300143878/" title="DSCN6788 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7300143878_dcffd32f8f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCN6788">
Here's a condom machine affixed to an old, historic building. I wonder what the pope would think of that:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300154712/" title="DSCN6794 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7300154712_f8dcd4d6dd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCN6794">

We had dinner at a place that was off the main drag. I should have taken note of the name, but I didn't.  Hollywood picked the place based on how cute the waiters were.

It's strange that she can legally drink alcohol here, but "When in Rome..." (how many times will I say that phrase this week, I wonder?). Here's Hollywood with a sparkling wine mixed with strawberries:
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300152966/" title="DSCN6792 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7300152966_b0bbbfbbd6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCN6792">
Dinner was nice - much better than lunch for me. I had a plate of pasta with peas, prociutto, and a cream sauce and a nice glass of Rose to go along with it. Can't go wrong there!

During dinner, Goblin slept in her stroller right next to the table. The streets are so narrow that there were garbage trucks flying by, only a couple of feet from her stroller. Scary! (I was keeping my eye out for them, and I'm sure they weren't as close as they seemed.)

After a dessert of tiramasu and an espresso to finish it off:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monnik_/7300151132/" title="DSCN6793 by Monnik_, on Flickr">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7300151132_60f8639242.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN6793">
we came back to the apartment to settle in for bed.  Today we plan to take one of those cheesy hop on/hop off bus tours and do some more exploring. I'd also like to visit the Villa Borghese - which Rick Steves calls "Rome's Scruffy Central Park."

More tomorrow!

Senior Prom

*photo of Hollywood and her BF at prom:

I haven’t had a chance to write about Hollywood’s senior prom. I want to spend a long time writing a detailed post about how special it was. But I don’t have the time, so instead, I’ll stick with the highlights:

 

• She looked beautiful. (duh)


• I enjoyed spending the day doing girl things, like fixing her hair, adjusting her dress, and painting her toes.


• Her boyfriend (who is an all around great guy) made her feel special and the two of them looked like royalty.


• Speaking of royalty, she was voted prom queen, which was an unexpected and fun surprise. (Her boyfriend was voted prom prince, so they were quite the pair…)

I think what made this year so special for me was that she was so appreciative of my help. I think she really loved her hair (you can't tell from the photo above, but it was a diagonal braid that ended in a loose 'bun' of curls at her neck - with a flower placed just behind her ear) and we had so much fun getting her ready. I texted her when she was at the dance, telling her how beautiful she looked. She wrote back, “yeah, because of you!” Which was totally not true, but I appreciated her appreciation. If that makes sense. And I appreciated that she trusted me to do her hair on such an important day. Most of her friends went to have theirs done in a salon. 
 
But anyway… that sounds kind of self important (“she should appreciate ME!!”) but it’s not what I mean at all. When a person grows up, they stop taking their parents’ help for granted and start to realize how much their guidance means to them. Hollywood is getting to that point, and it makes me smile that she’s turning into a woman who takes the time to express her gratitude. That’s so important, I think.

Speaking of realizing how important parents are, my mom is coming home for the weekend. I’m picking her up from the airport and will get to spend some time with her this evening. I’ll only see her for a few hours, but am very much looking forward to it. I can’t wait to hear how her life in DC is going. She has a meeting at the white house today!

Three weeks until graduation weekend. I am freaking the heck out.

I hope they remember

When my children are grown and reminiscing about their childhood, I hope they don’t dwell on the arguments, the admonishments, or the bumps in the road.

I hope they remember the everyday things. The silly things. Li­­­­­­­­­ke when we’re sitting in a car, killing time, waiting for something or someone. How instead of getting lost in the mental fuzz of the radio, we played our game of making up stories about the people we see going by:

“That man is going to the mall to return a bra that he wore to a costume party.” - A real live example from Bumblebee this weekend, whispered (because the car window was open) through ebullient giggles about a rough looking dude, who was probably a member of a motorcycle gang.

Someday, when they’re sitting down to dinner with their own families, I hope they say, “Let’s play a game. My dad used to have us do this at the dinner table:  We’ll go around the table, and each person has to name a city in South America.” (That’s harder than it sounds – especially if you’re a moron when it comes to geography, like me.

I hope they remember how we value family in our home. And how much I appreciated that they gave up their play time this weekend to go visit their great-grandfather in the hospital, even though they don’t really know him all that well. (I asked The Boy and Bumblebee if they wanted to go. To my surprise, they both eagerly said yes, even though I'd made it clear that it would involve four hours in the car, and two hours in a quiet hospital. Their quick agreement to go made me gooey inside.) I hope they remember the smile on his stroke-ravaged face when I described the picture Bumblebee made for him:

*photo of a picture Bumblebee drew for Grandpa B:

 

I hope they have fond memories of reading with me long past their bedtimes because we just had to finish the chapter.  And maybe one day, they will ask me the name of a book we used to read together. Just like last week when I texted my mom to remind me the name of the gentle flower-smelling bull that she read to me all those years ago. (Ferdinand)

I hope they remember these good, happy, and light things instead of the long workdays and how their stressed out and sleep deprived Mama has a few too many grumpy moods lately.

Odds and ends - and a man's voice

The Boy's youth group did the gospel reading at Good Friday mass tonight.  They read the story of the death of Christ.  The Boy spoke the part of Jesus. He said his lines clearly, without a trace of nervousness. He had a calm, soothing confidence about him as he spoke in his newly deepened voice. I sat near the back of the church with a squirming baby who was teething and not feeling well, her cheeks flushed with a mild fever. I'd wanted to stay home with her, but couldn't bring myself to miss The Boy's performance.  When Goblin heard the voice of her brother from the front of the church, she stopped thrashing about, straightened up and looked around for him.

I thought it was interesting that she recognized his voice instantly because when I listened, it sounded so alien.  When did The Boy's voice become so deep? It sounded like a man's voice; not the artificially deepened voice of an adolescent trying not to let his voice waver or crack. It was a clear, deep, confident man's voice speaking out in front of a whole church full of people.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that it seems like only yesterday when he looked up at me, blue eyes fringed with luxuriant lashes, and asked me to read him a bedtime story in a soft, high pitched cherubic voice.

There is no easy transition to my next topic, so {insert awkward segue here.}

I clearly have the sense of humor of an adolescent boy, as noted in a text conversation between my brother and me earlier today:

Z: You at home?
Me: No, but [The Husband] is... Why. What's up?
Z: I want to measure your deck.
Z: That reads weird.
Me: I apparently have the sense of humor of a thirteen year old boy.
Z: Haha. Me too.

Maybe it was a case of 'you had to be there' but it seriously cracked me up.

I had lunch with a friend today who I haven't seen in a while. It always amazes me how we can pick up as if it had been days instead of months since we last saw each other.  I made some really great friends at my first "real" post-college job. We're all scattered around the area, working for different companies now, but we still get together occasionally. It was good to see her, great to hear about her family, her plans, and her new house. I almost canceled on her because I am very swamped at work. I had a meeting that I had to be back for and knew it would be a rushed lunch. But I didn't cancel. It was a good reminder to me that even though work is hectic and life at home is nothing short of chaotic, continuing to nurture friendships is still important. I know, I know. I can hear you thinking, "Well DUH, Captain Obvious."

This weekend is Easter. I need to get some baskets and candy and Spring toys for the kids, but haven't ventured out to do that yet. Think I'll plan to head out at about 6 a.m. Saturday morning. That way I'll have the aisles to myself.

Which means that I should quit yammering on and get ready for bed. I'm fairly certain I will hear that clear voice of The Boy's as I drift away tonight. "It is you who say I am," He'll say, reciting one of the lines of the gospel... As I fall asleep, I'll hear the words in his newly acquired man's voice.

Fools and Lilacs

April is a bittersweet month for me.  Bitter because of the memories from eleven years ago.  (How can it have been that long ago?) And sweet because it’s when the Iowa landscape opens its eyes, takes a slow look around, stretches luxuriantly, and begins to wake from a long, hard winter slumber.  It always feels good to know that there will be sunlight in the evenings and while it may not be warm out today, it will be soon.  Soon enough to manage, anyhow.

Lilacs are my favorite flower. The scent they give off is my favorite smell (ok, full disclosure: it’s really in a dead heat with coffee).  The light purple ones are my very favorite color.  And yet, lilacs will always remind me of the sadness of losing our baby. Normally they are in bloom in mid to late April, which coincides with the anniversary of Joseph’s stillbirth. So I almost always associate that scent, their heady, intoxicating smell, with memories of what happened to our family back then. This year they are blooming a full two weeks ahead of schedule because it’s been a warm and early spring. 

Tonight I think I will cut the blooms off of the lilac bush The Husband gave me for Mother’s Day several years ago and place them in a vase next to my bed.  They will sit directly below the decorative frame on my wall that holds an impossibly tiny pair of footprints.

April is also a fun month. If you’re into jokes. Bumblebee is a jokester. She was eager to test out her April Fools’ Day tricks on the family.  I have to announce with smug satisfaction that I FINALLY didn’t get hit with the sink sprayer this year.  My kids have gotten me with that trick for a few years in a row now.  Bumblebee had a rather interesting April Fools’ Day trick up her sleeve, though. 

She told me that she thought I should probably change Goblin – that she smelled stinky.  Hmmm… Something was up, because she wasn’t stinky, but I figured I’d go along with it.  Turns out that Bumblebee thought it would be great fun to put brown sugar into Goblin’s diaper. Why? Maybe to simulate a poopy diaper. Maybe not. Who knows, really.  What she didn’t take into account was that a really wiggly baby sweats a little, and the combination of sweat and pee turned the sugar into a sort of syrup.  Which was fun to clean up right before we left for Mass.  But hey – it was funny, and I have no doubt that Bumblebee’s tricks will become cleverer over the years.  She has a knack for that sort of thing.

In other news, our house is in exciting planning mode.  We’re full steam ahead graduation and trip central these days.  Planning, planning, planning for Hollywood’s big day, and our trip to Italy.

It's getting real, y'all...

I'm working on Hollywood's graduation party announcements.

She graduates in less than two months.

Which means she leaves home in less than five months.

What happened to this little girl?

*photo of Hollywood at about age five, eating Thanksgiving dinner:

Traveling with a baby - Part 1

So have I mentioned that we're going to Italy the first week in June?  (Squee!!) A few years ago, I told Hollywood that I'd like to give her a trip for her high school graduation gift. She wanted to go to London initially, but has since decided upon Italy as her trip of choice.  It'll be one last hurrah, if you will, with our daughter who will be flying the nest in August. (The Boy and Bumblebee are already planning out their graduation trips.)

When I first 'promised' the trip, I had no idea that we'd have a baby in our family the summer of Hollywood's graduation.  At first I considered leaving Goblin home (after all, this is Hollywood's trip. I want her to be the star of the show.)  But as the time grew closer, I realized I wouldn't be able to do it.  I'm still nursing Goblin, and plan to until she's at least a year old, maybe longer. I know that leaving her for nine days would not be easy on me either physically (can you imagine pumping to keep up with supply while on vacation?) or emotionally.  It's just hard being away from a baby for that long.

So I asked Hollywood what she thought, prefacing my question with the caveat that a trip to Italy with her baby sister in tow would be a different kind of trip than if we went without the baby. I offered Hollywood the choice of going next summer without Goblin, or this summer with her along for the ride.  She eagerly chose this summer.  Part of me still worries about this. Of course she chose this summer - she wants to go on her trip, and she wants to go now! But it's not something I'm dwelling on. The kid's getting a trip to Italy, for goodness' sake. Having to put up with her baby sister and all of the inconveniences she will bring is a small price to pay, right?

Several weeks ago, I started a thread on a message board talking about the trip. I was in search of tips or ideas on how to make travel go more smoothly. I was surprised by the reactions I received.  More than half of the folks who responded to my post thought I was completely, 100% batshit crazy for even considering international travel with an infant.  But there were some like-minded people who thought it would be doable, if I planned accordingly and had a flexible itinerary. I've always been a 'go with the flow' kind of mom. Seriously, I cart my kids everywhere.  I realize some parents aren't this way, and that's cool. Different strokes, and all of that... So the thought of bringing her along doesn't freak me out. The flight scares me a little (ok, a LOT) but actually being in Italy with her doesn't.

That said, I want to make the trip as enjoyable as possible, so I'm doing all of the research I can to find tips, tricks, and ideas that will help make traveling with a baby as easy as possible.  The first item that I'll focus on today is the one that I think will help me the most during the trip.

Babywearing -
For those of you reading who might not be quite granola-y enough to know what that means, it's basically carrying a baby around in a sling, wrap, or baby carrier. Goblin loves her Moby wrap - here's a picture of her in it. When she was tiny it was honestly the only way I could get dinner prepared or do anything productive.

*photo of me wearing Goblin in her wrap

 
I also have a cheaper snap on carrier that I keep in the car for grocery store trips and errands. I may have mentioned before that Goblin hates being strapped into her car seat. It makes her mad.  She's getting better about being in a stroller - as long as we're moving and if we're outside. But she prefers to be worn/carried best.

The Moby is great, but it gets hot, and, since it's a stretchy fabric, with heavier babies, it can get saggy after a while. So I don't think it's ideal for the kind of use I'm envisioning in Italy. So I researched soft structured carriers (they're like a backpack for a baby, made out of softer material.) and came up with my choice of the Boba 3G carrier. Of course I chose the Lila print, which is a cute purple design.  I plan to wear Goblin for most of the trip. The Boba has both a front and back carry option, but Goblin's still pretty little so I'm not sure if we'll try the back option yet or not. This carrier is designed to distribute her weight evenly between my shoulders and waist, so it's supposed to be pretty comfortable. I am going to get into shape for our trip (lots of stairs and walking in Italy, from what I hear) by taking Goblin out hiking on the trails in the area. But the carrier is also adjustable, so if I get really tired or sore, The Husband can take a shift carrying the baby.

Another advantage to babywearing in a soft structured carrier like this is that I can nurse Goblin while out and about and people won't even be able to tell. There's a sleep hood that can be used to cover the baby while nursing, although I don't even think that'll be necessary. I saw several YouTube videos that showed how to nurse in a Boba and you can't see a thing, even without the hood. That will be nice and it even means I can nurse her while walking or waiting in line for a tourist attraction.

I haven't decided if I'm going to bring a stroller with me. I kind of think it might be just an extra hassle, but we'll see.

As I continue to research, I'll post my thoughts on what might make the trip easier.  And then after the trip, I'm sure I'll laugh at myself because of course some things will come up that I couldn't predict.

Today I want to talk about my mama.

Here she is. Isn't she adorable?

*photo of KK in front of the IDB office in Des Moines.

She's an amazing woman, and an exceptional role model. She's also blind. I tend to quickly dismiss that particular attribute of hers, not because I'm blase about all that she's done in spite of her disability but because although it's definitely shaped her, being blind doesn't define my mother. If I had a nickel for every time I've been asked, "What was it like growing up with a blind mom?" I'd be a gazillionaire. I like to tell people of the fun my brothers and I had typing naughty words into her computer so that the screen reader program would say it back to us. I don't care how stoic you are, it's funny when a computer says "shit" and "damn" and "bastard" in its robotic, monotonous voice. Another response to the 'what was it like' question is the classic reply-with-a-question-of-my-own maneuver: "Dunno. What was it like having a mom who can see?"  It's all I've known. And really, you guys, it wasn't all that weird.

The reason I'm writing about her today is because she's moving away. Far away. Like 1,019 miles away to Washington D.C. where she's landed a sweet gig.  She's accepted the position of the Director of the National Library Service. According to the press release that announces her appointment:

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in the Library of Congress administers the talking-book and braille program, a free library service available to residents of the United States and its territories and American citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical handicap makes reading regular print difficult. Through its national network of regional libraries, NLS mails digital audio players and books and magazines—in audio and in braille—directly to enrollees at no cost. Music instructional materials are available in large-print, braille, and recorded formats. Select materials are also available online for download.

It's a great service, and I can't imagine anyone heading up that organization better than my mom. She clearly has the skills, education, training, drive, etc., but she's also a user of the services, and understands the value of having these materials accessible. A very clear memory I have of my mom when I was growing up is of her surrounded by a giant mound of laundry, (she had six kids, people!) folding away, while her talking book played in the background. If it was a good book, we knew not to interrupt her.  (Now that's been repeated in the next generation. My kids get barked at if they interrupt me while I'm deep into a book. Right or wrong, books have that power over us, don't they?)

Anyway. Mom and books go together like macaroni and cheese. Or peanut butter and chocolate. (Hmmm... I'm kind of hungry.) And it's a great accomplishment for her to take on this job.

Last week, she had a going away party given to her at work. (She's leaving her role as the Director of the Iowa Department for the Blind.) Many people went up to the podium to say nice things about her, they spoke of her accomplishments, shared laughter and tears. It was interesting to see that side of her. As her daughter, I've not seen her professional side very often. I know about it, of course, but watching her peers and subordinates sing her praises was something else.

Oh, and the governor too. He attended the entire program, and spoke of her accomplishments. This is Iowa's Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds, speaking at mom's going away party.

*photo of Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds speaking:

They also gave out hugs before they left:

*photo of Lt. Gov. Reynolds hugging Mom:

*photo of Gov. Branstad hugging Mom:

It was a highly organized, proper sendoff for a revered leader.

The family threw her a send off of our own on Saturday. But it was highly disorganized and not terribly proper.  My brothers (except for the one who lives in California), sisters-in-law, and nephews all met at Mom's to hang out on St. Patrick's Day.  My aunt and her family were able to make it. And my grandparents were there too, along with Grandma's dog, Tiny:

*photo of Gpa and Gma with Goblin:

As is usually the case with our family get togethers, it was informal, there was a lot of food, and plenty of beer. Oh, and basketball. And baby holding (This is Hollywood with Simon and a weird shadowy effect that my camera kept creating):

*photo of Hollywood holding my nephew Simon:

And Auntie M with Goblin:

*photo of Aunt M holding Goblin:

It was a day of cousins playing together:

*photo of Bumblebee playing with Izzy:

And of The Boy hanging with his baby sister:

*photo of TB with Goblin:

And my brothers and the dogs goofing around:

*photo of Erik and Korey on the tandem with the dogs running in the foreground:

We never really got into talking about what her leaving means to our family. We have so many memories of time spent at Mom's house. She's keeping it, though, and plans to return when she retires, but for a while things will be different. But, along with this change, new traditions will come. Certainly there will be visits to her out East. I'm hoping we get a chance to spend the holidays in DC one of these years, and for sure we'll head out there in the summertime.


I wish I had time to write more about my mom, what she means to me, and how proud I am of this achievement in her life and career. She will help so many people with this new position because when she faces a challenge, she attacks it with all of her will. She'll tackle D.C. like she has everything else in her life: with strength, determination, grit, and her trademarked charm and wit.  Look out, Washington.

We'll miss you, Mom. Congratulations and love you.

Spring Break Time!

This is spring break week for the kids. We're not traveling anywhere, but we are having a fun time. And it's only Monday!

The weather has been great, so we've been able to get out and play some softball:

*photo of TH playing ball with Bumblebee:

I splurged and got myself a jogging stroller, so we've taken that out for a few spins. Goblin isn't a fan of being confined, so we're working on that. But she was happy in this picture!

*Photo of Goblin in the jogging stroller.

Today we had a day on the town. Iowa has a fabulous science center and the current traveling exhibit is called Lost Egypt. Lots of cool stuff including a real mummy and some really cool ancient artifacts.  Oh, and a camel to take pictures on:

*photo of TB, Bumblebee, and Goblin on a camel:

Then, of course there are the fun things like a pin wall:

*photo of Bumblebee's face pushing through a pin wall:

And the static electricity ball:
*photo of The Boy and Bumblebee playing with the electricity ball:


Hollywood and The Husband got off work and joined us at one of Des Moines' most interesting restaurants: Zombie Burger.  It's a fun place to go, with an undead theme.

For example, my burger was called the T-Virus (ick!) and Hollywood got the Dead Moines. But it was tasty.  And the basket of bacon and bleu cheese fries was to die for!

*photo of the fam at Zombie Burger:

I have to go back to work tomorrow, but that's ok. It's supposed to be in the mid to upper 70s this week. That is so awesome. And I have Friday off, so it'll be a short week.