Readjusting, a request for ideas, and the zoo

I knew I shouldn't have posted about Kate sleeping in. She has been up by 6:30am the past two days. But her afternoon nap seems to be back, so I guess it's a trade off? I used to have a window from about 12-12:30 for putting her down, and if I made it, she would sleep beautifully. Now my window has moved. I'm trying to figure out where it has moved to, because having her play in her room for 2 hours before she finally falls asleep seems a little much. And when she does that, she doesn't wake up until 4-4:30pm (or sometimes closer to 5pm) and then bedtime is all messed up. I suppose this shift could also have something to do with the fact that we have been cooped up for so long that she just has excess energy.

We went to the zoo today, where she got to run around and climb on things, and what do you know: I put her to bed and she stayed there and fell asleep almost immediately. Huh. So I bought an annual pass. We'll be going at least once a week until it's triple digits. And next time I'll bring my camera.

We are headed to Michigan in 2 weeks to visit family and friends. I know several of you have a plethora of experience taking toddlers on airplanes, and so I ask you - no, I beg you - please tell me how you do it! We have 2 flights each way, and it's sure to be painful if I don't have a plan.

My Angel

Claire and Tim sleeping on the sofa.

Tim is fabulous. He is The Most Fabulous Person in the world. Not only did he get me See's chocolates for Valentine's Day (which I asked for; you gotta take 'em when you can get 'em and right now my metabolism is as high as it'll ever be =), he got home after flying, ate some leftover pizza (do I know how to treat my husband for Valentine's Day or what?) and told me to go to bed. I gleefully accepted, knowing that he would take care of Claire while I got some rest. He gave her a bottle before coming to bed, which allowed me probably 4-5 hours of mostly-uninterrupted sleep. Blissful. After the night before's antics, sleep was the best thing anyone could give me. Thanks for taking one for the team, Tim. My turn tonight.

As for Kate, she did much better last night. She woke up a few times sort of whimpering, but Katie is right: Motrin is the way to go when it comes to teething. So Motrin it will be, with lunch and with dinner.

Those are some granny pants.

McLaren's first trip to the zoo, 2 weeks old.

Grandma and Kate watch the elephants.