Thursday, September 27, 2007

On the road again...

Well, we're loading up The Viper (that's our minivan) and leaving tonight for a quick weekend trip away to celebrate my father-in-law's 60th birthday. I'm not looking forward to the drive, as Miss G is not quite the stellar traveler that her big brother is. He really doesn't mind being in the car, especially when he knows that the DVD player will get fired up for long trips.

Georgia? Ummmmm, not so much. Here's a typical 5 minute segment with her:

Minute 1: We put her headphones on and she giggles and kicks her little feet because she's so excited and proud to be doing big girl stuff. Constantly looks at the screen and then over at her brother to make sure she's not missing any new big kid stuff to imitate.
Minute 2: Watches the video with her eyes bugged out of her head.
Minute 3: Starts playing with her headphones, eventually pulling them off.
Minute 4: Tries to put them back on herself, which never happens, and proceeds to screech and scream at the top of her lungs so that I will do it for her.
Minute 5: Says "Kay" when I ask her to please use her words and not scream to ask for help. Says "Peez?" and holds out her headphones to me like a little angel.

Minute 6: See Minute 1.

Oh well, we went to Walmart (ick!) yesterday and stocked up on snacks and stuff to keep her (Ha!) occupied in the car. Hopefully something will work for awhile, and maybe she'll even sleep a little bit. Who knows! Our neighbor let us borrow a stack of their DVD's, so I'm hoping that the novelty factor kicks in and buys us some time. I also bought an iPod car thing so that while they're in DVD-land, we can be in iPod land.

Of course, I'm also semi-dreading the whole "Georgia doesn't DO sleeping in hotels" thing, but it will all be worth it in the end. Maybe she'll surprise me and decide to actually just put her head down in her pack n' play and go to sleep.

*wiping my eyes* Hahahahahaha...ohhhhhhh, that was a good one, Tara.

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful, safe weekend! I'll see you next week!

13 comments:

Earen said...

Have a great trip friend! Can't wait to see you at MOPS soon!

Alana said...

When was your last road trip? Maybe she has progressed? Here's to hoping.

I think I would just forget the headphones and endure the kids videos if it meant I didn't have to turn around every 6 minutes to adjust them.

Just a thought ;-)

BethAnne said...

The Viper? That is hilarious!!! We dont even try the headphone thing with our kids. We know every word to all their movies but have never actually seen them. Hope the new movies and snacks work!

Terri said...

Oh I can so feel your pain. My daughter Shaelyn was adopted from China 4 years ago. She still is a horrid traveler. We used to try to blame it on her never having to be in a carseat. Why can she sit and watch a dvd at home with no problem, but put it on in the van and it's terrible? And no - she doesn't get carsick. I hope your trip goes okay. Maybe she'll fall asleep right away and you'll get a few hours peace!

Sittintall said...

Your little Georgia sounds a lot like my little Katie (also 18 mo). We don't have a DVD player (which who knows might help), but try keeping her occupied with books and toys. And even though we usually travel when it's their bedtime, she hardly ever sleeps and screams a lot. I think our record was 3 hours screaming. Good luck!

Renee said...

So.. I'll be praying for a safe trip...movie watching kiddos, and a little Hurricane that will sleep in a hotel. Got it. Have fun!

Short Stop said...

LOL! You had me laughing all the way through this one! We have taken 11 trips home in the last two years...and they are 12 hour car rides! UGH! I could really relate to this one!

I hope you have a great trip and that Miss G surprises you with how amazingly well she does. Looking forward to hearing about it when you get back :)

I'm Tara. said...

Thanks, ladies! I know we're not alone with the less than stellar travelin' kiddo.

By the way - our DVD player won't play through the speakers, only headphones, so there ya go.

Oh, and the iPod thing won't work. Off to a rockin' start and we haven't even left yet!

Sarah Markley said...

Goood luck (I can hear my Naomi in all of that )!

Anonymous said...

Have a great time at the 60th B-day party! I pray grace for your trip. Think of the fun memories you can look back on and enjoy, even if it doesn't seem so pleasant at the moment!

Mari said...

Hope your trip goes well and Miss G surprises you! Have a great time.

Rebekah said...

Have a safe trip.

Janelle said...

I hope you have a blast! Headphones are good in theory, but reality is so different!

Funny stuff.