Rage Against The Minivan

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A Load of Croc

May 22, 2008

My family has a love-hate relationship with Crocs. My kids love them, and I hate them. I tend to be on board with this other girl named Kristen, who describes them as the bane of modern civilization. I tried so hard to resist buying them for my kids. Friends were raving about their comfort , and all the kids at playgroup were wearing them. Jafta saw them in stores and begged and begged. Finally, I relented with India, because her feet were getting stinky in her Vans and sandals would not stay . . .

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· parenting, Uncategorized

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The Post-Trip Post

May 21, 2008

This is the post where I talk about the culture shock of re-entering the US and all of it's excesses. Cliche? Perhaps. Necessary? Absolutely. Our last night in Haiti, we had a great time with Keanan. He was used to us, and playful and fun. We tried to make our goodbyes casual, so we didn't freak him out with an ugly crying scene. I was unsuccessful with this, but I tried. Our flights were on schedule (yay), and India, the plane-puking wonder, only threw up twice. Props to my husband for his . . .

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· parenting, Uncategorized

Last Day in Haiti

May 19, 2008

. . .

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· parenting, Uncategorized

Mama and Papa Keanan

May 19, 2008

We are back in Port-au-Prince, and focused on getting some quality time in with Keanan. Before our little country excursion, I was feeling really dismayed that Keanan seemed so dazed and confused around us. He was like a deer in headlights - very quiet and subdued - but we kept hearing stories about what a little comedian he was. Well, the past two days he has shown his true colors, and it is a delight. He is hilarious. He is quite the little flirt once he got comfortable around us. But with . . .

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· parenting, Uncategorized

What Happens In Haiti Stays in Haiti

May 19, 2008

Things you do in Haiti that you don't do at home: let your child sit in the front seat of a truck fill an SUV with 17 people, 13 of them under age 10 encourage your kids to drink unlimited soda just to make sure they stay hydrated feed your kids "orphanage style" let complete strangers hold your children cover the pack and play in mosquito netting and pretend it's a tent . . .

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· parenting, Uncategorized

New Friend

May 18, 2008

Jafta made a new friend today. The man was an employee at the airport and he was a "little person", if you will. I think he was in his 20's or 30's, but he was Jafta's height. Jafta was sure that they were the same age and the best of friends. Jafta followed him around for about an hour, talking about his new friend and wondering why he kept having to load suitcases. He kept saying, "where is my friend? why can't he play with me?" . . .

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· Uncategorized

Wherever You Go, There You Are

May 17, 2008

We are loving life in the Haitian countryside. Things are considerably different here than they are in the capital city. We are able to walk around without worrying, so it’s been great to feel like we are drinking in the sights instead of “hiding out”. Today we spent the morning at the school Cara’s parents started 25 years ago. Mark and I were blown away. The school, the students, the classrooms, the academics, the teachers – I am not kidding, this school exceeded American standards on ALL . . .

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· parenting, Uncategorized

Beachfront Property in Haiti

May 16, 2008

. . .

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· Uncategorized

A Reprieve in the Haitian Countryside

May 16, 2008

Yesterday was a tough day. Today was much better. We spent time with Keanan in the morning at the orphanage. We hung back and just watched, instead of being overeager and hovering. He was so cute and fun today.Around noon, we boarded a very, very small plane to head to Port-de-Paix. The plane ride was an experience. Only 12 passengers, and all the luggage was just piled in the back. The pilot had his hand sticking out of the front window the duration of the flight. I think it was a little low on . . .

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Mosquito Fest

May 15, 2008

In my attempt to be more granola, I decided to give the herbal bug repellant a try. This was a mistake. A very bad mistake. It's fun looking at your daughter's legs and thinking about how your commitment to avoiding chemicals on a trip to Haiti has come at the expense of her poor, welted skin. It's great wondering which mosquito bite might have been delivering malaria, or dengue fever, or west nile fever to your 18-month-old, because you slathered your kid in something you bought at Whole . . .

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· Uncategorized

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Hi, I’m Kristen. I’m a mom of four kids via birth and adoption and a writer living in Southern California. Read More.

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Rage Against the Minivan sometimes earns revenue through sponsored posts, which are clearly labeled, and occasional affiliate links to recommended products. I only feature products that I truly like, and my opinions are always my own.

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