A Week of Firsts and More Disney Fun

Owen's First Trip to the Movies

Last week was Father's Day, and we didn't really have anything planned. I asked Ralph what he wanted to do, and all he said was that he wanted to sleep in...and because we normally get up at 5:30am, "sleeping in" meant waking up at 7am. 

While we were eating breakfast, I asked Ralph if he wanted to venture in taking Owen to the theaters for the first time so we can all watch "Finding Dory". Surprisingly, he said yes. We went to the first showing (10am), and we packed Owen's favorite snacks (Cheerios, blueberry snack bars, and Doritos...which we don't normally give, but we made an exception).

We let him explore the movie theater and run around before we had to settle in for the movie.

He sat here for a good 5 minutes!

Once we were in our seats, the previews started...and there were like a bajillion of them. Ralph and I were stressing that Owen would soon get restless, but he just sat in his seat and clapped his hands after each preview. After the movie started, Owen feasted on all his snacks. He was doing great for about half an hour, and then he started to get squirmy and whiny (it was his nap time). So I sat him on my lap, and before I knew it, he was passed out in my arms. I'd say his first time at the movies was a success. Couldn't have gone any better!

As for the movie itself, it was cute, but I like "Finding Nemo" better. Best part of the movie was any scene with Gerald the sea lion. He reminded us of our spaz-of-a-dog Wendy.

Look at his fingers - all orange from eating Doritos!

Owen's First Haircut at Home

Fast forward to yesterday, Ralph and I decided that it was time to shave Owen's head. At home. By us. Here are the reasons why:

1. It is hot, and it's only going to get hotter. The poor guy's head is constantly soaked in sweat, and he doesn't like it when I tie his hair in a ponytail. 
2. Owen doesn't exactly have the greatest track record when we take him to the hair salon. The first time he had a haircut (at 6 months), it was a total breeze. He just sat there in the firetruck chair and played with the steering wheel. He probably looked at the stylist once, and that was it! But his second and third times at the salon were the complete opposite. He cried the whole time, even to the point where he was gagging, and was fighting tooth and nail to get as far away from the stylist as he possibly could. There was no consoling him, not even with cartoons or Cheez-its.
3. This kid's hair grows SO fast. He's had THREE haircuts, and he's not even 1 year and a half yet. And each haircut is like $25!

And we figured that if we messed up, his hair would grow back by the end of the week.

Before we began, we made sure that he was in the best mood possible and that everything was set up. We had my laptop on the bathroom counter playing his favorite movie ("Inside Out") and a box of Cheez-its on standby.

We let Owen sit in the chair, watch the movie, and get comfortable. The plan was to cut his hair and then use the clippers (No. 4). We even turned the clippers on and off so Owen would get used to the sound.

Then, Ralph placed Owen on his lap, and I picked up the scissors.

SNIP SNIP!

No reaction from Owen. Whew! But there was no turning back. We had to keep going. I grabbed another section of his hair, and right when I was going to cut it off, Owen moved - I pretty much cut it too short. Crap. And then Owen noticed what was going on, and he started to freak out. Double crap. I couldn't continue cutting his hair with scissors with the way he was flailing about, so I grabbed the trimmers and began.

All HELL broke loose - Owen cried and screamed to the point where he was gagging; the movie kept freezing for some Godforsaken reason; AND Owen would constantly reach out for me to pick him up. So Ralph and I switched spots, but I continued to use the clippers. Ralph went on YouTube and started playing Owen's favorite video (Super Simple Songs), which, unfortunately, did absolutely nothing to help with the crying/screaming; but it must have been divine intervention or something because Owen was suddenly calm and quiet about five minutes later. Either that, or shock must have taken over.

Since he was behaving so well, I switched the clipper size to a No. 2 to better hide my little slip up. I wanted to even out the back of his neck and his sideburns, but Ralph told me not to push our luck with how well he was doing.

And then it was time for a bath!

Let's hope that Owen has learned that getting a haircut isn't so bad. No doubt he'll be needing another one in 3 months.

Last Sunday Trip to Disneyland Before Blockout!

Today was the last day all three of us could go to Disneyland before we're blocked out until the end of August. As usual, we left early and got to the park around 8am.

We actually went on SEVEN rides this time. Now THAT is the new record. We went on Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Pooh, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Alice in Wonderland, and It's a Small World ALL BEFORE 11AM.

"Look, Ma! Absolutely nothing!"

His favorite place.

Waving "Baaaaiiii" to the Pooh Bears.

Took a quick 5-minute nap while waiting in line for the Alice ride.

Annnnd he's awake.

He looks like a Shaolin monk, lol!

Before we left, we had lunch at Rancho Del Zocalo. (Not the best photo because someone kept pushing me *ahem*OWEN*ahem*.)

We stopped by Downtown Disney on the way out, and I found more cute mugs that I want. (Just shut up, and take my money!)

He passed out like this, and when we tried to lean him back, he'd start crying and resume his position.

You do you, boo.

I may or may not take Owen to Disneyland tomorrow, but I will more than likely take him on Wednesday, since Ralph's family will be there. We'll miss "Datton", that's for sure.

Until next time!

Taking a Toddler to Disneyland...ALONE

Summer is coming, and that can only mean one thing for a ton of Disneyland Passholders - BLOCKOUT! We're completely blocked out the entire month of July and most of August, so we've been trying to go as much as we can these past couple of months. And since it's still relatively cool, I had this crazy idea of taking Owen to Disneyland today...all by myself.

And even though Disneyland is like my second home, I knew going solo would be "a whole new world"; however, after going today, I can tell you that it IS possible! (I'll be sharing some tips later.)

I like going to Disneyland early, so we left as soon as Owen woke up. We were in the park by 8:30am, and my first priority was to get some food; and, for me, there's only one place to go for a great breakfast - Carnation Café!

He was definitely hungry, and so was I!

He will always yell "POH!!!" whenever he sees that silly old bear, without fail.

We got a great table - outside and right on the edge, so we could see Main Street.

Eggs Benedict, seasoned potatoes, and coffee for me. Silver dollar pancakes, turkey bacon, and fruit for Owen.

I gave him a small piece of turkey bacon to try, and he just snatched the whole thing from my hand and began to eat it like so, lol!

We were lucky enough to meet Chef Oscar! He's been working at Disneyland for ALMOST 60 YEARS, making him the longest tenured cast member. Such an honor!

Between loading/unloading Owen from his stroller, going on rides, and walking around, I wasn't able to take many photos. From 9:30am to 11:30am, we managed to go on four rides: Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. I would say that's an all-time record, especially with Owen!

After we went on the "Poh" ride, we headed to Fantasyland. I was hoping to squeeze in a couple more rides before we headed home, but Owen passed out on me. Kid can't hang.

So we headed home...Owen was OUT, so I took advantage of this time by going to Irvine Spectrum AND The Shops at Mission Viejo to do some Father's Day shopping. Owen was asleep this whole time, and as soon as I was done, he popped his eyes open. This was around 2pm, so we stayed a little longer at the mall to have a late lunch.

CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!

And now we're at home, watching "The Good Dinosaur" and snacking on some blueberries. Needless to say, I am EXHAUSTED.

So after my solo trip to Disneyland with a toddler, this is what I've learned...

1. TRAVEL LIGHT AND SMART

Ralph and I typically bring Owen's regular diaper bag when we go to Disneyland, but I knew I needed something easier to carry around - a diaper backpack. In it was his changing pad, a change of clothes (or two), a small bag of toiletries (powder, hand sanitizer, sunscreen), a couple of snack bars, a sippy cup, a water bottle, diapers, and wipes. Now, I THOUGHT it'd be smart to also use it as my "purse", but - EHH, WRONG! - because I had to carry it with me EVERYWHERE, including the rides. So, in the future, I'll be taking the backpack and a small crossbody bag for my own stuff.

2. TAKING THE RIGHT STROLLER

This was my biggest concern. With Owen only being a year and a few months old, a stroller is a must; however, there was no way I could use our trusty Graco one-fold stroller. It's too big and bulky to carry on and off trams/shuttles while also having my hands full with a toddler and a backpack of stuff. Last week (when I first started thinking about doing this solo trip), I purchased a Cosco Umbrella Stroller at Target (and it was on sale too...yayuh!). It's easy and quick to fold up, AND it's super lightweight. 

Funny thing is, on our way to the parking structure this morning, we were forced to go to an alternate parking area, which was right next to Downtown Disney...which didn't require us to use a tram or shuttle at all. Soooo...we could've just used our regular stroller. Heh. 

(Also, you could also just fork over $15 for a rental stroller, but I wasn't going to do that, knowing that I'd be at the park only 5 or 6 hours max.)

(UPDATE!!!)

I've taken our Graco one-fold stroller, and I have to say that it's worth taking...even though it's heavier and bulkier; HOWEVER, only take it if you're absolutely comfortable transferring it on/off trams/shuttles while supervising a toddler. I trust Owen enough to follow directions, and there is ALWAYS someone close by who is willing to help you out. To be honest, I only used the umbrella stroller once.

3. MAP OUT YOUR DESTINATIONS FIRST

Get a map of the park, and identify the rides/attractions you want to (and can) go to. After that, plan your route so you can tackle all those rides/attractions and make the most out of your time. Today, I just stayed on the left side of the park because I knew the rides there were toddler-friendly, and the lines are typically short. If I had gone to Fantasyland first, I probably would've been able to go on just one ride. ("Curse you, Peter Pan!" Always a 10-week wait!)

And last, but not least...

4. PACE YOURSELF

When we first arrived (at the parking structure), I jumped out of the car and was so PUMPED about getting the day started. It was probably a 10- to 15-minute walk from our car to the security check-in, and I zoomed past everyone to get there; and as I was standing in line (and already a little sweaty), I asked myself, "What's the rush?" I had to remind myself, right then and there, that I had to slow down and pace myself for the rest of the trip. After all, there wasn't going to be another adult to carry Owen when he decides to start wandering off while we're waiting in line; or deal with a diaper blowout; or, my personal favorite, monitor Owen's every move during a meal so he doesn't do the following: steal your fork and use it to stab everything within arm's distance, grab his milk cup (by the straw) and turn it upside down because he thinks it's a sippy cup, shove 10 bites of food in his mouth at once, draw on the table with the crayons that come with the kids' menu, etc. So, with all that said, just "relaaax...enjoy the trip". (Yes, I'm quoting Disney movies in a Disney blog post. I can't help it.)

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And I know I'm a little late on my weight loss update, so here it is:

I lost 3.8 lbs last month, making my total weight loss 17.8 lbs since January 1st of this year. I've also dropped 3 pant sizes, so I'm pretty stoked about my progress. Another crazy idea that I had this week was to include a workout before I go to work. On Tuesday, I woke up at 5:15 in the morning to jog for 30 minutes. Let's see if I do it again tomorrow.

Until next time!