Tales from the Mommy Trenches

Today we were invited to go to the High Museum in Atlanta. Apparently, the High has some diverting activities for kids. We weren’t even there for a specific children’s event (which they offer too), but there was still a little room full of fun activities for babies and toddlers. It is definitely worth checking out.

My sister came over to my house in the morning to help my get the kids dressed and ready. I put on their cutest outfits (we don’t get out much, so we like to put their best foot forward) and we headed over to the museum. I was shocked that we were leaving with plenty of time to spare for once. What a difference a helper makes when you are getting three children dressed and fed! My girls have crazy curly hair, so I did my best trying to make their hair look done, at least. We get to the museum parking deck right on time and Rosie’s neat little top knot has turned into a rat’s nest in the 20 minute trip there. Her hair band had disappeared into the Bermuda Triangle of hair bands that haunts the backseat of my van. Never to return. I panicked and pulled Wren’s head wrap off to put on Rosie’s head. It didn’t do much to ameliorate the situation, but I at least felt like I did something.

We wandered around the parking garage that had vague signage like “Club Level” or “Campus Entrance,” which totally blew our chances of arriving on time. Ruthie admitted to us that she was scared. Scared wasn’t quite how I was feeling at the time. Bewildered and frustrated would be closer to the mark. I get lost at every Atlanta outing. And I grew up here! Anyway, we finally asked a kind gentleman for directions, and he led us to the museum.

Our mommy friends had very sweetly waited for us, and we entered the museum, which had a room devoted to baby and toddler activities. It also specified that it was not designed for school groups, which was a relief. School groups tend to be comprised of older kids that run amok and trample the toddlers. There were blocks, magnets, drawing easels, and interactive art. The girls had a blast. Even the younger babies in our group had a good time. It was also small enough that the caregivers could socialize without wondering where their wards went. Ruthie was having such a good time, she ran around shouting, “Help! Help! Hooray!” (I believe she means “hip hip hooray,” because she never appears to be in any distress when she says that.)

The girls just love their “Aunt Emiwee.”

When it comes to blocks, bigger is better. And you can always use the little blocks to stick in the holes of the big ones.

Even Wren had a good time. Baby wearing when you have three under three isn’t a lifestyle choice, it is a necessity! I don’t know what I would do without my handy Ergo always stashed in my car.

What are your favorite places to have play dates?