$3.69 / Gallon

Driving around to help a baby fall asleep is a time honored tradition among desperate parents. I remember going with my family on long random drives past a particular big brick house in our town to get my sister, Sara to fall asleep.

This tradition, however, takes on an entirely new meaning in the days when gas costs $3.69/gallon. Despite the outrageous expense, yesterday, I was willing to pay it. Ella had a poorly timed doctor's appointment right in the middle of her naptime. There was no way to get in a snooze at home before or after, so . . .

we hopped into the van an hour and a half before the appointment and took the longest most circuitous route possible to the doctors office. Upon arrival, we sat in the parking lot while she snoozed.

She was well rested when it was actually time for the appointment.