Pamper Damper

***Reader discretion: This entry contains somewhat graphic content about bowel issues. Not intended for the weak boweled.

As I said a couple of entries back, there were not one, but two issues that put a damper on our Florida trip. Before I get into all the positives of the trip, whatever I could get out of it anyway, I'm going to go into the negatives.

So everything was going as planned, mucho beach time and eating and some r&r. I say some r&r because what parents can actually get that when "vacationing" with small kids? I read somewhere before where a father said as a parent traveling with kids, it means you're not really on vacation..you just happen to be a parent somewhere else. I make it sound terrible, but we enjoy them. Well, minus the tantrums and dirty diapers...and diseases.

Which gets to my point. One of them got sick the third day in. It was little Rich. The poor guy was getting a slight fever and acting out of character. If you know him, you know he's very laid-back. But for him, being difficult and whiny isn't even that bad I gotta admit, especially compared to his high-maintenance big brother P. Sometimes I think it was good we had the colicky, whiny, loud child first, because all children thereafter will be easy..haha.

Anyway, we started suspecting something familiar was coming around. We decided to check inside his mouth. Sure enough, there were a few canker sores coming up. We then looked at his little fingers and soles of his feet. There were notable white dots that look like mini pimples forming. This was a sure sign of hand-foot-mouth disease. We knew this one all too well unfortunately. P-man had the same exact thing back when he was just that age, around 18 months old. It is common among young children. Much like any other illness, it can be caught easily among children who have it themselves and spread through their saliva and things the sick children touch.

Needless to say, we were in for some sleepless nights. The canker sores were extremely painful for R. (Just imagine it's your first time getting one of these, and you have no idea what they are! Lucky you if you've never had one!) He was flailing his hands randomly when he thought about it too much, while he was playing or simply sitting there chilling. Everytime he drank or ate anything, he'd spit it out, shake his head, whine, then touch his mouth from the pain of consuming anything. This little guy loves to eat, so the frustration from inability to eat and drink was adding to his irritation of the sores and fever. We administered the tylenol/motrin switch-off every 3 hours, too, but the fever and pain seemed to overlook it all. Ugh.

Next comes P. Oh yes, we were in for a shocker this time. After moseying about the Destin Commons, yet another one of those nice, new outdoor malls that are sprouting everywhere, we got hungry and opted on one of the restaurants there. While eating, P goes to a hiding spot near the wall, which only signals one thing - private poo time. I'm thinking, OK, let's just go to the restroom now, so I can clean him up asap so there is no stink coming from our table. I drag him to the rr despite his protest (as he was probably not done), but I really did not want him to stink up the restaurant. In there, I take off his pants and diaper, and *SPLAT* it goes all over the floor...

My jaw dropped, in utter, complete shock and disgust. I have never in my life seen such a mess, not to mention such a liquidy BM! I stare at this puddle of dark green, which had managed to splatter some on me and the nearby walls. I stood completely still for what seemed like an hour. P started whining, thinking he was in trouble. I took a deep breath, snapping back to reality. Thank goodness for the in-stall sink, as I chose the handicap stall to change him since it had the changing table, which was of no use to me now. I chunk the little guy in the sink, wash him down with a bunch of water, soap, and paper towels. I then washed his pants, shoes, and socks as they all got stained. Then I used soapy paper towels to clean up surrounding splatter on me and the walls as best as I could. I looked at the puddle and I just didn't even bother as that would require major moppage. P stood patiently waiting for me. Poor P.

I looked at him, sighed, and finally said, "Are you ok, P?"

He nodded, puppy-eyed, shirt lifted by his little hand, waiting for me to put a new diaper on him.

I smiled at him. "It's OK, buddy. We're all cleaned up. We'll get you some new pants, OK?"

"New pants? OK!" He laughed and gave me the fattest smile. That's a winner in my book if I ever saw one. It was a sign that everything would be fine, and that perhaps whatever infection/virus he had, it was all gone in this one BM...hopefully.

Despite his big terrible-toddler moments, I love him so much, and in moments like these, feel so helpless and like a useless mother as I "got" my son sick by not being careful enough about what he touched or ate. I had already felt it when R got sick (and everytime they get sick), and here I was, feeling it again, not so long after.

Shaking off the feeling, reminding myself that I can't keep my children in a bubble, I put on his new diaper then took another deep breath to compose myself to tell management the situation and imagine how devastated Daddy will be to hear the news.

The gentleman manager was super understanding. As soon as I told him, he merely said, "Oh, no problem at all. We'll get it cleaned up. Just hope the little guy's ok."

Wow. Some people are just too nice for words. I would have shown some sort of discomfort, but this guy must've been a parent or uncle himself, as he wasn't offended at all. Or maybe because he wasn't doing the cleaning up..haha. I couldn't thank him enough.

Daddy did not like the news, of course. He assessed P, told me and him to make sure he got plenty of fluids, then off we went to the nearest kiddy clothes store to get him new shorts before we went home. Why is it the time we need the extra clothes for the boys, I don't carry any with me? Fact of life, I suppose.

The rest of the vacation went by, the parentals dealing with sick R and now, seemingly well P, minus that fiasco. We kept close watch on P, though, making sure he wouldn't eat anything that might irritate his bowels any further.

The last day at the hotel, we checked out, loaded up the truck, and headed on to the airport so B can drop the kids and I off to fly back to H-town. On the road, P started complaining about "ouchie in tummy, Mommy..."

Oh no. I offered him crackers and whatever else we knew that would calm an upset stomach. It didn't help. He gagged, then vomited all over himself. It consisted of all his breakfast, which he devoured with gusto that morning, so we had thought he was rid of the illness. No such luck, I guess!

We quickly pulled over at a fast food joint. While I cleaned the mess up, B ran inside to buy food. I had to bring P into the restroom to wash him up because the stench was unbearable. Ick.

When all was done, we took off to a drugstore to find something for his stomach issues. He was still not feeling good. Sigh, the poor guy! As we were reading the medications, the guy stood up in the cart, screaming to get down. I said, we're almost done, buddy, hold on. But he wouldn't stop.

I figured I could spoil him, being sick and all, and let him run around. Nothing new there..every shopping trip consisted of the kids running around towards the end..the cart was useless in pushing them around most of the time. But this time it wasn't because he wanted to run around. He vomited again, all over himself and the floor. This time, it was mostly liquid, no solids, as he had puked all the food up in the car.

Management was very understanding here too. The woman who cleaned up sympathized with us, told us to go on our way, and we shouldn't feel bad.

That's when I had enough. I broke down, eyes filled up, the stress of this trip and two sick kids was too much. And then the thought of flying back with them like this. It was already nonstop focus getting here with them healthy, what would it be like going about with them sick???? How the heck.......

B simply bear hugged me.

The woman mopping up P's messed up shook her head, concerned, saying, "I feel ya, sweetie. They seem like strong little guys. You'll be fine."

I smiled at her. Thanks, I managed to say.

I finally calmed down and thought clearly. "How about I go back with you to Miss?"

"Ya know what? I was just thinking that," B said.

"We'll just cancel this return trip, and I'll find a one-way ticket for us to go back when they're better. I simply can't do this anymore."

"You read my mind." He gave me another hug and hugged the boys who were groveling in discomfort in the shopping cart. "Actually, I'm kind of excited. You get to see where Daddy lives and works, guys!"

The boys couldn't contain their excitement either. "Daddy house daddy house!" they exclaimed, jumping up and down, clapping and smiling.

We checked out, got back to the truck, and took the 2.5 hour trek back to "Daddy's house."

Talk about one long, short vacation.

I'll end this entry with some happy faces from the trip though. =)

Traveling with Two Toddlers Solo is a No No if you have heart problems

This is how it all went down the day of departure to meet up with Daddy Bill in FL.

My brother helped me check in, thank goodness. We parked the car, and he helped me with the luggage while I pushed the stroller. Everything was going well so far.

My only dread was going through security, but I went through it even faster than couples who had only one baby and parents who had children who were older and self sufficient. Go me! The red security lights started flashing and party music blared and confetti came down and TSA applauded me and shouted "GO SUPERMOM!"...all in my head. You get it, I was pretty darn proud of my efficiency.

I played it in my mind at least three times before our turn came up: shoes off, in a bin, dvd player and fluids out, in a bin, diaper bag and back pack, in a bin, booster seat, in a bin, unbuckle boys, take them out of stroller, fold up stroller, put stroller on x-ray conveyor table, push all through to the x-ray as I wait for people in front of me to go through while calling out to wandering kids excited about having no shoes on in public, push kids through metal detector one by one, then myself through, go back to conveyor table, put our shoes on, put dvd player and fluids back in bag, take out of bins, open stroller, put boys back in stroller ASAP (as they start wandering again), hang bags on stroller, hang booster seat on stroller on top of bags, and off to the gate we go! Phew.

Unfortunately, there was no way in rushing through the ridiculously long secruity line. I didn't expect it to be so crowded on a Thursday, but I should've known better considering it was Memorial Day weekend. So getting to the gate, I hauled some major ass. I was literally sprinting. (Note to parents: Get there much earlier than you plan on!) Plus, I was in the wrong terminal..just my luck! I could've sworn we parked in the correct area. My brother and I checked twice! Ugh. Well, the boys loved "Mommy going fast! Weee!!" while pushing them through the airport, to an elevator to the tram to the right terminal, then towards the gate yelling "EXCUSE ME! COMING THROUGH!" the entire way.

Panting and gasping for air, I approached the lady at the gate, who was announcing "...cancellation fees will apply. This is the last call for flight...(gets off the mic) Ms. So?" her eyes concerned but smiling.

"YES!" I panted.

I handed her our boarding passes, which she quickly scanned.

I hurried down the gangway, unbuckled the kids, took them out of stroller, took the bags and booster seat off the stroller, folded the stroller and left it on the gangway so it could be checked in.

I had bought two tickets, one for me, one for P, and R was to sit in my lap. It turned out differently though. Despite his uber excitement to get on the plane, P suddenly became terrified of it. (Toddlers' bipolarism is and will forever remain a mystery.) As we went down the gangway, he started bawling in the stroller, gradually getting louder and more scared the closer we got to the plane door. When we got to the door and as I took the boys out of the stroller, P jumped up and down wanting me to hold him. With hands full holding the diaper bag and booster seat, the backpack on my back, and another wandering toddler already exploring the gangway (the wrong way, away from the plane door!), I was up to here with my patience. But the flight attendant immediately came to the rescue and was so kind as to take the booster seat out of one of my hands, so I can hold P.

R, on the other hand, just strolled right on into the plane upon seeing us entering. He had no reservations whatsoever. He practically ran down the aisle, without so much as a nod from me to go all the way to the back.

I would've chosen seats closer to the front, but the last row were the last seats available. We probably bumped every passenger in an aisle seat going back. At least some smiled and the flight attendant helped get us there. I probably said sorry and thank you a gazillion times before finally getting to the back row.

Excited little R even went so far back that he reached the lavatory door. Passengers who watched him let out some laughs and awwws, which made me smile, which felt surprisingly really good after all that we just went through.

Not done yet though! In the window seat the booster seat went, on the booster seat went baby, on my lap went big brother, and under the chairs in front us went the diaper bag and backpack as I sat down in my seat and seatbelted us in.

We made it. Finally.

Well, not so fast. We had the 1.5 hour flight to look forward to. During take-off, they were predictably entertained for quite awhile...maybe five minutes. From then on, it was pure entertainment from Mommy. I had to bust out the new cheapy toys earlier than I wanted, which, to my huge relief, they loved for about 30 minutes. Then I had to bust out the dvd player, which occupied them for another 30 minutes. Awesome, 25 more minutes left! This last bit was filled with ordering drinks, getting them, and letting them enjoy their pretzels and drinks, which they both whole-heartedly enjoyed.

Thank you so much to the nice flight attendant off duty who sat next to me the entire time. He was this older man with three grown kids, and he desperately wanted grandkids. He complimented me for being a brave, patient mother, which always feels great to hear, and complimented my kids for being some of the best kids he's seen on a flight. Kudos to Mommy and sons!

Next thing you know, we were descending. This was where it was most challenging as the boys started tugging their ears. They were tired of the drinks and pretzels by now, as well as their sippy cups, so they wouldn't suck anything to relieve their ear pressure. This was probably the only time I was relieved P is a thumbsucker, as I encouraged him to do so. As for R, he just was super antsy in my lap. He wanted to crawl around my feet, but I wouldn't let him because he had to be in my lap during descent. Needless to say, he got whiny.

And then, I see land out the plane windows. Praise the Lord - we are here! The kids were just as excited about seeing the land, and this occupied them until the plane stopped.

Getting out was much easier, as the passengers around me, having gotten to know the "sweet, cute" little guys, helped me out quite a bit. There was someone for both bags and booster seat, so I just guided the boys out of the plane. Our stroller was right outside the plane door already propped up and ready to go. The passengers were so kind as to wait for me to buckle the boys in before I took my belongings from them. Such nice people - never take help for granted, Moms!

Off we went to see Daddy. There he was...waiting, arms out-stretched and a smile that would light up any rainy day.

So, that all said, here is advice for those who are willing to take up the challenge: (I googled "traveling with two toddlers.")

Flying with kids

Mothering discussions on flying with kids

Making travel days with kids work

Month Three

We're in our final countdown..the last month..three more weeks..and Daddy will be back..or will he? The wonderful Armed Forces are considering keeping him for longer, maximizing their use of him most likely. Pardon my sarcasm for a government organization but you can't help but become bitter when such sacrifices are required by citizens and when the sacrifices are met, they get milked and unappreciated in the end.

I've gotten used to not having him around, keeping ourselves busy and entertained 24/7. Sure, I'm burnt out to say the least. Shoot, I'm burnt out even when he's home. 'Tis the life of parenthood.

I can't complain too much because we've been able to see each other more than expected. We took a quick get-away back in April for the weekend. I met him up in NOLA for a long weekend sans kids. Talk about much needed. It was chillax and worry-free, especially knowing the kids were in good hands and were doing well the entire time. Of course, Daddy missed them and wanted them to come along but I was still not mentally ready to travel alone with two small children. (You'll see what I mean in my next blog.) We intended to go to the Jazz Fest, but it was so stormy the first night we were there, that we didn't bother buying tickets. Well, turned out, the entire weekend was sunny and beautiful! We could've easily went to the Fest still, but we decided on walking about town doing touristy stuff like Jackson Square, Cafe du Monde, and the French Market, hitting up Harrah's, Bourbon St., and of course eat, eat, eat.

Then come Mother's Day, he sent me a small gift, stating that it wasn't much. But then he revealed he was heading back home for five whole days! How he managed to get away so easily is beyond even him, but he did. Driving up to the pick-up area at the airport, P exclaimed "Daddy here?!! Where Daddy? Mommy, I see daddy in plane!! Mommy, look up there!" As Daddy came through the doors, P jumped out of his seat and R flailed his arms and kicked his chubby legs in excitement, clapping and crying out "Daddyyyyyyy!" right along with big brother. I felt my eyes fill and even more when I saw how happy the boys were. Daddy's time here was much too short.

Next, Memorial Day crept up. We planned a trip to Pensacola/Destin, FL, upon hearing about the great beaches and activities for children. Bill drove the 2.5 hours out there to meet the kids and me. Yep, you guessed it - I sucked it up and hopped on a plane with both kids solo! Imagine my stress and anxiety come closer to the day of departure. To-do lists, what-to-pack lists, schedule lists. I was able to keep it together until 3AM to make sure all was in place and packed the night before we were to leave.

Surprisingly, they were pretty decent on the plane. Of course, I had to entertain them the entire 1.5 hours flight, but it was quite doable for a whole 1.5 hours. If it was any longer, I might have started pulling my hair out and asking if anyone was looking to adopt. Thank God for understanding and helpful passengers and flight attendants! I don't know how (and hopefully won't ever have to know how) moms fly solo for trips longer than two hours (i.e. overseas..eek!) as I have read on various forums. If you're wondering, I most definitely did my research before taking on such an extremely tiring, challenging, and trying task!

We landed in Pensacola. Bill stood waiting in the terminal to greet us. The boys were beyond estatic upon seeing Daddy. I felt my eyes fill up again. With all the craziness in my life handling the kids alone, I forget how much I miss him. I wasn't even able to greet him because the boys were practically tackling him. Later, B told me people around us smiled and spoke among themselves as they watched an army family reuniting. It must've been a vision, now that I think about it. Being in the actual situation, the entire world is non-existent - your whole world is in that big group hug, as one, as it should be. Seeing B in his army attire was another reminder of why he was away from us - for our nation. Soldiers need to have their teeth fixed too! =)

We stayed in Pensacola for one night. We were quite pleased with our hotel, as they gave toys to the kiddos and had a great location on the beach. The view from our balcony was incredible, too. Since it was late in the day that we checked in, we didn't get to go on the beach that night. We drove around to check out the area, had dinner, and called it a night, since the boys were worn out as were we.

The next morning, we hit up the amazing clear blue-watered, white-sanded beach for a few hours, checked out of the hotel, and then destination Destin. There, we stayed at a resort on the beach. We weren't quite as pleased here, as it was far more crowded than Pensacola. Plus, the water was still blue but far from how clear and clean it was in Pensacola. Both huge minuses!! If we had known of these setbacks, we would've stayed in Pensacola. But one thing Destin had was more to do for the kids. And the resort had awesome kid play areas and activities. So, I guess it was fortunate for the kids that we went to Destin. Besides, traveling as a family is always about the kids, right? We would hit up the beach in the early morning, have lunch, take the afternoon siesta (whilst it rained everyday..blah), hit up the kids area, have dinner, hit up the beach or pool again, then call it a night. Oh yeah, the resort also had free unlimited dvd rentals - this ammenity was great for parents who were bound to the hotel room with their kids at night. Bill or I would go downstairs to rent something out of their huge selection and bring it back up to the room to watch while the boys slept. Most of the time we were too tired to even bother finishing it, or even starting it. But at least we had the option. The balcony was a huge plus, too, since we could stand out to get some fresh beach air..love!

One major, or should I say two major, occurances did put a damper on the family trip. 'Til next update though...