Sunday, December 27, 2009

A Filipino Wedding Featuring Two People We Don't Know!

Yesterday we went to a wedding where we did not know the bride and groom. The wedding was more like a 25th anniversary, actually, a renewal of vows. We got all gussied up:

And off we went. As soon as we entered the church it was clear that my son was NOT going to sit through the ceremony. But the church happened to have this amazing playroom! First of all, it was pleasantly decorated and featured an elaborate mural with various forest animals and trees. There were a million toys, a crib, a changing table with diapers sizes ranging from New Born to 5, organic animal crackers for snacking, a TV/VCR/DVD combo with kids videos and DVDs just beside it. We were set. Boredom issue was solved, for now.

My nieces even joined us to help with the toddler entertainment process:

All was well, until we had to go to the wedding reception. We arrived at the Army Base where the reception was being thrown. My son could not sit still at the circular dining table. He was grabbing at forks, knives, spoons, asking for "wa wa" or water out of a glass every three seconds, throwing items from the table onto the floor at warp speed.

My only recourse was to remove him from the scenario and retreat into the hallway next to the dining room.

He zoomed up and down that hallway over and over again. He veered toward the "Gentleman's Bathroom," and almost entered it. But thankfully I grabbed him and redirected his 25 lb self before he got there.

During the course of his travels he managed to break a votive candle, shattering glass all over the Base hallway floor. At this point, my boyfriend and I decided, it was time to leave.

I honestly don't know how people with toddlers attend to fancy events, aside from getting a babysitter. Please share your stories, suggestions and advice for these occasions. I need a game plan for next time!

10 comments:

  1. babysitter, or taking turns with entertaining the baby. you can rope relatives in with this if possible.

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  2. Yeah, I hear that. The relatives did help out. And Wil and I took turns running him up and down the hallway, but it is tough!

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  3. Babysitter DEF or don't go. We've had to go to family weddings with them because they were family, etc, but I hate it. Sometimes they are ok, but you can't sit still for one second. Also you have to worry about them eating and you never get a bite. It would be nice to relax for a LITTLE BIT but nope. This age sucks. :P

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  4. Yeah, this age is absolutely insane!

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  5. oh, and I actually just send my husband to go alone sometimes, if they don't understand TOO BAD! Someone has to put my son to bed and I want it to be me!
    If we do go we usually leave early. Its too much hassle otherwise and its also not fair to the little one. Maybe like age 6+ we could stay later.

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  6. Thanks to pinkbluff for all the helpful ideas. I guess those were some of the things we used to do. Oh and the major wink. You know that means I have had it you take over NOW!

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  7. Ms. Pinkbluff- I hear that. I feel like 6 is a good age to sit through events, maybe even five.

    Mom- The wink is so useful!

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  8. I think while i was there my foot slipped and i cut my foot on the glass.... and i just realized it!

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  9. Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you're foot is better!

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