Going out

I know that all of you are just dying to hear how Cielle is managing these days. So, I thought that a glimpse into "how the Salazars go out" might be interesting and somewhat entertaining. Today, I had a doctor's appointment. I, by the way, am sick of going to the doctor's office and don't plan on doing it again for at least a year. My appointment was at 11:40. So, last night, I called my visiting teacher to see if Alex could play at her house. No answer. That meant that all three kids had to come with me. This morning, I showered while Alex watched Rudolph (we still haven't put away all of Christmas). He watches a show every morning while I shower and for the last three days Rudolph (or as he says, "Roof-doll") has made the cut. Then, I packed the diaper bag while the girls ate their bottles and Alex pooped his pants. Potty training is no fun some days. Because Alex pooped in his pants, we couldn't go to McDonald's for lunch, so I packed a lunch (at least the doctor will think I'm a good mom and never feed my children toxic fast food). By eleven, we were all clean, dry, fed and loaded in the car. I actually found a parking spot at the doctor's office and didn't have to embarrass myself unloading one toddler, two car seats, one double stroller and a diaper bag in the valet parking lanes. (Valet parking is free at this office because parking is nightmare!) Even more exciting than finding a parking spot was that I was actually on time for my appointment. Alex was so well-behaved that no one even stared at me. I usually get a look that says, "What are you doing out? Don't you know you have a double stroller with babies in it and two-year-old who is on a leash?" Alex, by the way, likes his leash and one woman once told me that she wished more moms would use them. (Whatever that's supposed to mean.) All the nurses at my doctor's office were very nice to Alex and he introduced himself as "blue Sonic" the whole time. (Thank you, Nintendo.) The girls slept the whole time, Alex ate his lunch while tied to his chair and my appointment was over in no time. Alex did not fall asleep on the way home, thank goodness. He spent the whole time looking for airplanes (which he's quite good at spotting) and talked to me so much that I got distracted and missed our exit. Oh well, we just had to take the long way home. And that is how we do it. As you can see, outings are no small feat, but they also don't scar anyone for life. Tomorrow, we are even going to attempt to go to a wedding reception. Wish us luck!