10 Things That Changed After Baby #2

I have always wanted two children. Two and done. One child for each hand. One child for each parent so we're not outnumbered. And here I am with my two wonderful children. As grateful I am, I can't help but think back to how simple life was with only one baby. Here's 10 ways life has totally changed after my second was born.

1. Snuggle time

Back when it was just K and me (and the cat), I spent hours just snuggling with her while she slept. I would just sit there and stare at her, breathing in her wonderful newborn smell. When R was born, there were no snuggle times to be had except for the times after the midnight feeding when everyone was asleep. I had a two year old who was in gymnastics, dance, and swim lessons. On top of that, I had errands to run, a house to keep in order, and mouths that preferred hot meals over cold cereal. Snuggle times with R weren't spent peacefully on the couch; they were spent with him asleep in the Ergobaby carrier strapped to me while I jugged daily life with a toddler.

Packing Lunch vs Buying Lunch at Disneyland

When we visit Disneyland and California Adventure, I usually pack all of our snacks and lunches. Every once in a while, I will just pack snacks and buy lunch there. I have friends who don't pack anything and buy everything in the park. That got me thinking. How much am I saving when I bring our own food and drinks?

I did a little research (and I mean little, so some of my prices are estimates) to find out how much it would cost to buy everything compared to how much it costs to bring it from home. I do the majority of my shopping at Ralph's (Kroger) but I also shop at Target and Costco. When I pack lunches, I usually don't pack a full lunch for myself since my kids don't ever eat all of their lunch so I eat their leftovers.

How to Beat the Heat at Disneyland

Let's face it. There's nothing worse than being at the Happiest Place on Earth with the other 40,000 people in 95 degree heat. Oh wait, there is...being there with two miserably hot toddlers. Here are some attractions that you can check out to help beat the heat.

Disneyland

Catch the Parade

Currently, the parade is Mickey's Soundsational Parade, but there is word that a new parade will make its debut for the 60th Anniversary Celebration. No matter what parade it is, kids love seeing their favorite characters pass by. It may be tough for the little ones to sit patiently for the parade to start so maybe grab a special treat to help distract them. I always try to find a shady spot close to the bathrooms. One thing to keep in mind is that the parade doesn't run every day so check the Entertainment Times Guide.

Watch a show

9 Perks of Having Young Children

1. There's no need to have an alarm clock

My alarm clock...thank goodness he's cute

There's nothing that gets me out of bed quicker than the fear of my four year old being woken up by "MMOOOOOMMMMMMMMYYYYYYY" screeching out of my two year old's mouth at 6 o'clock in the morning. My son is up at 6am, sometimes earlier like this morning, every single day...6:30am if I'm lucky.

2. You'll always have time to work out

Bubblefest (and Lego Travel Adventue) at the Discovery Cube

We just got back from the Discovery Cube in Santa Ana where we checked out the Bubblefest exhibit and the Lego Travel Adventure exhibit.

Let's start with the Bubblefest
The Bubblefest runs until April 15, 2015 and there is an additional $7/person admission fee to enter the Bubblefest area. General admission to the Discovery Cube is $16.95 for adults and $12.95 for children 3-14 years old. Children 2 years old and younger are free.

Mega Bubblefest Laser Show

The absolute best part of Bubblefest is the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show featuring Deni Yang, who is bubble scientist wizard extraordinaire. This guy is amazing! Bubbles in bubbles, "smoke" filled bubbles, splitting bubbles. Crazy, it's just crazy, what he can do. The kids are able to sit on the floor so they can be up close to the action. The show is about 45 minutes long but he definitely keeps the audience in amazement the entire time.