And it's been something we've battled for her entire 14 months of life. She's simply never, ever been a fan of getting buckled up and asked to sit in one place for extended periods of time. The same goes for her baby swing, stroller, jumperoo, exersaucer, high-chair.......this gal has a strong desire for FREEDOM and we've yet to find a suitable solution for her phobia of buckling up. [The unexplained phenomenon that happens in the Ergo is something I should write-in about. It's the ONLY restrictive device that she has embraced. It's the ONLY restrictive device that we do not regret paying big money for.]
In terms of the car, we've tried just about everything to make the four-wheeled journey a little smoother. We have tried it with me in the front seat, completely out of her view and silent as all get out so as not to alert her of my presence. We've tried with me in the backseat, entertaining in ways that would make you think my life depended on it (or that I was a complete WACKO). We've tried mirrors for her to have a better view of the road ahead. We've tried soft music, loud music, adult music, children's music, and NO MUSIC. We've tried the iPad and the iPhone and the "whatever else is around us and somewhat baby-friendly". We even had a portable DVD player installed in the backseat once we reversed her car seat (ANOTHER FAIL) and have, yet again, had ZERO LUCK. Her maximum level of tolerance in such a scenario continues to be EIGHT MINUTES. Roughly. If we're lucky.
Anyways, yesterday we went to the Avenues. The drive usually takes a mere 10-15 minutes, which means we don't hear too much fussing until we reach the parking lot. (Totally) manageable. HOWEVER, we don't typically go to the mall on Mondays and we weren't expecting to hit such heavy traffic at 8:30 in the morning. Who knew the highway was such a parking lot at this time of day? Who didn't think to look out the window to assess the traffic situation prior to departing the house with an almost-14-month-old who has "car seat" as their MOST HATED ITEM OF LIFE? (That would be me. The Mom. WHOOPS!) As you can imagine, I had visions of THIS last night (see above) and I'm convinced that nobody should EVER, EVER, EVER leave their homes at 8:30 in the morning, in Kuwait, if they are me. Does that sentence even make sense? (I'm tired. Bad dreams will do that to you.)
When we arrived at the mall (thank goodness!), we were in the elevator when I turned to Phil and said, "I'M 100% CRAZY." I went on to explain that I am FAR MORE AFRAID (and that's me NOT being dramatic) of the 2 hour car ride home from the airport than the 20 hour journey home to Canada. It makes ZERO SENSE but I kid you not, I mean it! Barring any severe turbulence that makes that evil seat belt light go on, I think the airplane will be a much happier time than the car on arrival (sorry, Grandpa!). [I've also planned ahead and told Phil that I am willing to get hollered at by airline staff, sign a seat belt waver aboard the plane, and pay a fine for failing to comply despite their efforts - in the instance that the seat belt light remains on for the entire journey.]
Ah. Hence our decision to stay one night in the airport's Sheraton hotel once we land in Toronto. Gotta build up strength somehow!
Congratulation to all of you who have quiet car travelers. I'm welcoming any tips and tricks ;) (Or similar horror stories. I'd enjoy those, too!)
In terms of the car, we've tried just about everything to make the four-wheeled journey a little smoother. We have tried it with me in the front seat, completely out of her view and silent as all get out so as not to alert her of my presence. We've tried with me in the backseat, entertaining in ways that would make you think my life depended on it (or that I was a complete WACKO). We've tried mirrors for her to have a better view of the road ahead. We've tried soft music, loud music, adult music, children's music, and NO MUSIC. We've tried the iPad and the iPhone and the "whatever else is around us and somewhat baby-friendly". We even had a portable DVD player installed in the backseat once we reversed her car seat (ANOTHER FAIL) and have, yet again, had ZERO LUCK. Her maximum level of tolerance in such a scenario continues to be EIGHT MINUTES. Roughly. If we're lucky.
Anyways, yesterday we went to the Avenues. The drive usually takes a mere 10-15 minutes, which means we don't hear too much fussing until we reach the parking lot. (Totally) manageable. HOWEVER, we don't typically go to the mall on Mondays and we weren't expecting to hit such heavy traffic at 8:30 in the morning. Who knew the highway was such a parking lot at this time of day? Who didn't think to look out the window to assess the traffic situation prior to departing the house with an almost-14-month-old who has "car seat" as their MOST HATED ITEM OF LIFE? (That would be me. The Mom. WHOOPS!) As you can imagine, I had visions of THIS last night (see above) and I'm convinced that nobody should EVER, EVER, EVER leave their homes at 8:30 in the morning, in Kuwait, if they are me. Does that sentence even make sense? (I'm tired. Bad dreams will do that to you.)
When we arrived at the mall (thank goodness!), we were in the elevator when I turned to Phil and said, "I'M 100% CRAZY." I went on to explain that I am FAR MORE AFRAID (and that's me NOT being dramatic) of the 2 hour car ride home from the airport than the 20 hour journey home to Canada. It makes ZERO SENSE but I kid you not, I mean it! Barring any severe turbulence that makes that evil seat belt light go on, I think the airplane will be a much happier time than the car on arrival (sorry, Grandpa!). [I've also planned ahead and told Phil that I am willing to get hollered at by airline staff, sign a seat belt waver aboard the plane, and pay a fine for failing to comply despite their efforts - in the instance that the seat belt light remains on for the entire journey.]
Ah. Hence our decision to stay one night in the airport's Sheraton hotel once we land in Toronto. Gotta build up strength somehow!
Congratulation to all of you who have quiet car travelers. I'm welcoming any tips and tricks ;) (Or similar horror stories. I'd enjoy those, too!)
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