I take back (almost) everything bad thing I have ever said about McDonalds. Or, at least I am beginning to see them in a new light. Yes, the food is not what I aspire to feed my kid, or myself for that matter. Yes, their chickens are probably not free range. But, wifi is free and Playland/Ronaldland (depending on where you are) can be a mothers saving grace. Case in point, today's 4-story, padded, netted, totally baby proof (save for the older kids not observing rules of personal space) wonderland where Lilah could play for an entire hour, free from the play pen without being told "No" once!! She rolled around. She climbed some padded stairs. She pulled up on the netting. She flirted with a 4 year old. It was perhaps the most fun we have had in a month. The Ronaldland even had stadium seating with cabaret style tables (though the parents of the other kids where nowhere to be seen, hence my need for hyper-vigilance in making sure that none of the older kids, including her new boyfriend, accidentally kicked her in the face.)
Today we drove through some stunning countryside over the Rhone Alps toward the sea (Cannes). For much of the ride, there was a river to our left which at times flowed swiftly and at times was a tiny stream flowing down a barren rock bed. I think the range was actually named for the river. There are many picturesque little mountain towns, most of which were shuttered and we wondered if they sustain simply based on summer traffic or if there is a Winter season that we are a few weeks early for. The switchbacks were intensely difficult and all along the way were signs talking about chains which we dont have so it better not snow this week. Google Maps said the drive would take 4:45 however it took closer to 6.5 hours (7.5 including lunch). We were going below speed limit for much of the time, partially because we couldnt imagine actually driving faster on those turns and partially because Lilahs separation anxiety forced me into the back seat and I didnt want to get carsick on top of everything else. I'm glad we got through the worst of it before dark, although it gets so dark here that we might have blissfully missed the cliffs.
The villa is everything it was promised to be and the owners son is here. The family is Brittish and it was nice to have a real English conversation with a new person. He used to ski on the British national team, but hurt his back so now he is training to be a stockbroker in Monaco. He is thinking of becoming a trader for an I Bank but isnt sure given all the uncertainty in the industry. I am really looking forward to spending some time here, not only because it is beautiful but also because there are a lot of ex pats here and with that a lot of activities for Baby. There is a playgroup Monday morning which I might go to.
Might because it is at 9am and we have been having truly epic battles every night at bedtime. The past 6 nights have been tough. Tonight esspecially because she wouldnt even play in her crib until she got tired and seeing us in the room did nothing to ease her. We finally gave her Tylenol and thanks to a reminder from a friend, used to Ergo to rock her to sleep, then transfered her to the crib. Never have I loved the sound of her snoring more than right now.
I'll have some pics tomorrow!
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