Double Fisting

I've learned a lot the past 3 months about doing things with 2 kids of significantly different ages. How do you keep Peanut, an almost 3-year-old, entertained while his 3 month old sister, Rocky, is sitting in her carrier? Unlike the first few months of Peanut's life, Rocky does not have the luxury of sleeping in her crib for as long as she wants and lounging around the house with mommy all to herself. She has an active and demanding older brother to contend with. So, I've figured out a few great places and other disasterous places to take both kids by myself. Motherhood is very different now that I'm double fisting it.

Double Fisting Approved

Fenced in local park. There's a park near my house that is absolutely fantastic. I'm leaving the name out on purpose because, sorry folks, it's my little secret getaway and I don't want a bunch of people descending upon it. With two age appropriate playscapes, level ground, and a small open grass field, it's my little slice of heaven. What I most love about this place is it's entirely fenced in, preventing wannabe escapees from fleeing. You've got to think about this when you have one sitting in a stroller while the other can sprint almost faster than you.

McKenna Children's Museum in New Braunfels. I was a little anxious when I agreed to met up with a friend here, but was surprised at what a good time Peanut, Rocky, and I had. Many children's museums are poorly designed, but McKenna's is different. It's all one level so I can chase Peanut while Rocky's cozy in her stroller. Another perk is it's not very crowded. We went on a Wednesday morning and there were lots of people, but compared to other museums, it was manageable. There is a spacious outdoor area called The Great Outdoors with garden, rock pit, and Peanut's favorite, a flowing water table. Tip: when I take Peanut to places with large crowds, I dress him in the most obnoxious colored shirt possible. It makes him a lot easier to find.

Hoppin House. This indoor inflatable playground is not too big, not too small ... it's just right. It is just the perfect size for Peanut to have a good time. Most importantly, it's small enough where I can sit and feed Rocky while feeling I haven't lost track of her big brother.

YogaYoga Parent & Child class. I took Peanut and Rocky to this class when Peanut was at home during the winter holidays. It's catered toward kids ages 2-4 so it's lively. There's no downward dog here, but lots of songs and a little stretching.

Don't Even Think About It

Austin Children's Museum. I wish our museum was more like McKenna in New Braunfels. Luckily I went with a friend who only has one little rugrat and was able to help me keep an eye on Peanut as he went wild in this colorful, stimulating multi-level sensory overload kids palace. There would have been no way for me to run up the steep stairs after Peanut with Rocky in my arms. Also, the sea of people made it really hard to keep track of my speedy son. We may try it again in a few months when Rocky's head and neck are solid enough where I'd feel comfortable with her bouncing around in the Baby Bjorn.

Zilker Park playground. I love riding the Zilker Zephyr but the 25 minute train ride is not worth spending 45 minutes loading up two kids and all their accountrement, so I tacked on a little fun on the playscape. Big mistake. This playscape is hard enough to maneuver on my own, it was a disaster trying to push a stroller through the loose gravel with a 12 lb baby and diaper bag.

Any restaurant where you have to carry your own food and high chair. After 3 months, I figured it was time for this restaurant lover to venture into the world of eating out with two kids. Our first time was last week and it wasn't as bad as I imagined it could be. We went to eateries where there was a hostess to seat us and waitstaff to take our food order. In other words, I had help. Tip: feed the infant right before you go. She'll be happy and hopefully sleeping so you can enjoy your meal. Another tip: immediately after your food comes out, ask for the check. It'll save you time in the end when your older child gets restless and younger child starts waking up.