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Category Archives: Travel
Happy Fall!
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The Monday Snapshot – Best Of Vacation
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Wordless Wednesday – Matthew’s First Roasted Marshmallow – The Evidence!
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Vacation
We’re on vacation.
With a toddler and a 9-week old.
We must be crazy.
B is always (ALWAYS) saying he needs a vacation. Before Matthew was born, we booked a trip for when he’d be 8 weeks old exactly, and we hopped on that plane at the end of August, and off we went. Just like that, for four nights to Colorado springs, complete with super fancy meals and busy activities at the Broadmoor. It was wonderful. Traveling with a baby was EASY!
This time, we said we’d take a vacation when “the new baby” was 8 weeks old but we didn’t book it. Bryson is a fussier baby than Matthew was (Bryson is sooooo gassy) and 3 weeks ago, there was no way I thought we’d make this happen. But B said he needed a vacation, so I started planning.
Vacationing with a toddler is hard. Not the baby – but the toddler. Bryson goes wherever we go, just like Matthew did 2 years ago today. Matthew, however, has opinions about what we do, and don’t, do. Matthew has a shelf-life at restaurants of about 45 minutes. Matthew NEEDS his daily nap. And now, Matthew needs an adult beside him in the big bed. Bryson’s quirk right now is that at night, he’s too gassy to sleep. That’s not a big deal… I can function on little no sleep.
We’re in a two bedroom townhouse and B is sleeping in one room with Matthew, and I sleep in the other room with Bryson. We come back for naps, eat quickly, trick Matthew out of the pool to avoid crazy fits, and I nurse very publicly in 95 degree heat. This is hardly a vacation!
So why are we doing this? To get away from it all? No – we brought “it all” with us. To relax? No – no one besides the boys are relaxing. To spend quality time together? No – we’re doing a lot of “dividing and conquering.”
We do it so that our boys learn to adjust away from home. We do it so the boys can learn early what it’s like to see, and experience, different places. We do it for our own sanity, because even with the chaos, we’re not bored at home. We do it so that we can say we did! And we do it for moments like these – the moments that become family memories.
THIS Moment in Time (#23)
This is one magical moment!
The Monday Un-Snapshot – Vacation?
I had a whole post written, but not yet saved, on my mobile WordPress app when I added pictures and it crashed. I hate, hate, HATE the mobile WordPress app on our phones. Gah! It was a REAL post too, and not just a post of photos.
But now, this post is just a post of photos. Because its 5:05 AM and I’m tired. And my nursing, fussy, gassy baby may be nursed enough to sleep to sleep in his rocker and not with me.
The gist? We’re on vacation, but it doesn’t feel like a vacation since we have the complexities that come with traveling with a toddler and a newborn. But we are having fun – as evidenced by the storage space being used on my phone to document said fun. 😉
(I keep getting upload errors when trying to attach images, so there will be no snapshot to this edition of “The Monday Snapshot!”)
Travel Day – Oh Boy!
I’ve decided to try to chronicle our trip for Matthew for when he gets bigger – since he won’t remember this trip at all. Please feel free to skip these posts as I know that other people’s vacations are far from exciting for other people to read. HA!Â
Oh, Matthew, what a day we’ve had!
We were so ready for this trip! You and I were packed three days ago, but our bags and belongings were planned long before then. I set out your shorts and t-shirts two weeks ago and got them all washed up and ready to go so that we knew if there was anything we were missing. Because I buy so many clothes for you a year in advance while they’re on clearance, we didn’t need to purchase anything but sandals. Hooray!
Daddy and I both did a lot of things prior to the trip to make it go as smoothly as possible. There were a LOT of things to do prior to the trip, holy smokes! Below is what we did to make the trip easy for all of us. Both Daddy and I planned ahead for your happiness on the plane…. we wanted you to enjoy it as much as possible!
- We took your big stroller due to storage space and planned to just gate checked it at boarding time – having your favorite stroller kept you comfortable, especially while at the check-in counter
- I got the Britax travel bag with wheels and backpack straps for your car seat so we could drag it and carry it – depending on what we felt like at the time. That bag had lots of space in it so we used it to store your blanket, food bag, backpack leash, etc. without having to claim another carry-on item
- I read the manual the day before our flight on how to install your car seat on a plane, and checked out all the connection points prior to leaving the house so that I’d know how to install it very quickly once on the plane
- I loaded up the car seat manual because everyone insisted that the airline people would want to see the documentation that your seat was FAA approved for airline use
- Daddy got you a backpack leash to keep you close to us, but to let yourun around as well. Your backpack leash is in the shape of a cute lion and you LOVE it!
- I packed yours and my stuff 3 days in advance so that I wasn’t rushing at the end
- I cut fruit and put each thing in small containers that you could handle on the plane
- I packed a whole avocado and banana since you love them sooooo much
- I packed an empty water cup that we filled once we got through security
- I took a regular size diaper bag and loaded it with your food, diapers, my wallet, ID’s, our boarding passes, and an extra shirt for you (just in case!)
- In my carry on, I loaded up mini tubs of play dough, a mini etch a sketch, and wonder markers and paper – but we never had to pull those out for you
- Daddy bought lots of little toys and put them in his carry on and we kept them hidden until we were in the air
We thought about getting you up early today so that you’d sleep on the plane, but I worried that we ran the risk of you not sleeping on the plane, and then you being extra grumpy later on because we got you up early. So we let you sleep until 7:30. Once up, we fed you quickly, showered, and got ready! Daddy loaded up the car with the bags that we all had packed and ready the night before, and I made sure not to forget your sound machine and favorite blanket! We got Lily loaded up to take her to the vet (spa) and you sure enjoyed taking her in the car with you! We left the house just 12 minutes after I’d planned, so I was pretty happy with that.
We got to the airport and Daddy and I executed on the plan I’d come up with with help from my mom friends who have travelled a bit with toddlers. Daddy and I talked about my plan the night before, so we were set and ready to go once we got to the airport.
- Daddy dropped us off at the airport drive, put you in your stroller, and unloaded luggage while I bagged up your car seat. I hadn’t practiced the process of bagging up your seat, and that was tricky, but we got it! I put your car seat on my back and we were off!
- You and I waited inside for Daddy to park the car. This worked out great because the line was long, and there were ample things for you to look at. Daddy met us just as we were getting ready to check our 3 checked bags, so that was perfect (and went according to PLAN!)
- At security, I went first and got out all of our liquids ready for inspection (your food pouches count as liquids, so we had to have pouches that were 3 oz and no more) and unloaded stroller. The folks at the security line were SO helpful! They offered to take your car seat from me and also the stroller for a hand-check, which meant we didn’t need to deal with it. Daddy kept you while I finished unloading stuff and then I took you through the scanner. You waited like a good boy for me to come behind you. HA!  Daddy went to get your stroller and car seat while I reloaded bags with the leash attached to you. That was AWESOME! We loaded up the stroller and were off! It took less than 5 minutes
- We kept you on the leash but let you run wild and look at the planes and trucks!
- At boarding time, I went first with your car seat to get it installed and ready for you. I am so glad I prepped the day before on how to install it, because it would have been hard not knowing what to do! And for the record, we were asked by 4 people if your car seat was FAA approved, and it was so handy just pulling out the manual, open to that page, and presenting it to them for inspection.
- Daddy brought you on the plane once your seat was installed. You were so excited to see your seat that you hopped right in! We strapped you in and you were ready to go.
You did fuss on the plane here and there, but we gave you toys throughout the flight and you were just fine. You even fell asleep! We did feed you on the way up, so that you were swallowing and clearing your ears well, and then again on the way down. Your ears didn’t seem to bother you at all. You were just so good! Once we landed, Daddy took you off the plane to get your stroller and change your pants while I loaded your car seat back up in the bag – and that was it! Your first flight since you were 8 weeks old was a success!
Daddy went to get the car seat while you and I got luggage. Daddy got your seat loaded up and you were such a good boy during the drive – but you didn’t fall asleep at all. We got to the resort and you LOVED it! You still weren’t done exploring the condo when it was bed time – you just loved running around so much! You enjoy opening the main door way too much and we need to keep the safety lock on it so you don’t escape. You watched the kids playing in the pool 12 floors below and you thought that was a hoot. Your favorite part though? Your favorite part so far is that Curious George came with you for the trip! Daddy bought a special cable to hook his Surface up to the TV and we can freely stream CG all day long, if needed. It’s like you’re still at home!
We did grab dinner and groceries, and you had a great time at Walm.art with Daddy while I got a few things (divide and conquer!).  You watched some CG before bed time and then we did our normal routine in your own room here at the condo – and you went to sleep without a peep. I cannot believe it! I know you’re super tired, but still!
So I would say that your first day of vacation is a success, my handsome boy! You made things so easy for us, we can’t believe it!
Tomorrow, we go to the Magic Kingdom! You’re going to LOVE it!
Quick Updates!
It has been a while since I’ve blogged – we’ve been super busy. Between my grandpa’s funeral and getting ready for our trip, it seems like there’s never a moment to just sit and “do nothing.”
Because Matthew will wake up in a matter of minutes, I’m sure, I’m going to do a big bullet list update. I apologize in advance for this 😉
- B was out-of-town all last week until last Friday, and goodness was his return wonderful! Matthew missed him like crazy but also wasn’t surprised to see him Friday afternoon when B went in to get him from his nap (he came home while Matthew slept). This made me feel WONDERFUL knowing that Matthew was secure the whole time, knowing that “Daddy will be back soon.”
- We spent the weekend running errands for the trip, and also found some time to meet B’s mom for lunch on Saturday. It was nice to see her – Matthew puts on quite the show for B’s parents because they truly focus on HIM the entire time we’re with them. It’s fun to watch! It is not like this with my parents, which is sad.
- We went home Sunday for my grandpa’s funeral and the visitation and funeral were very nice. There is a whole post to write about this, as my parents are just so strange and handled things with little to no communication, leaving all of the grandchildren confused about goings-on for the weekend. There were some very disappointing moments, but all-in-all, it was wonderful to see the family come together to send Grandpa off. He looked terrific, and it felt good knowing that he’s with my grandma in heaven right now!
- Lily (the cat) seems to be doing just great – as if there’s nothing wrong with her at all. I forget that she’s a possibly very sick kitty. I’m having a hard time believing it. 😉 She’s snuggled up to me right now and loves spending time with all of us, including Matthew. I am not worried about her dying while we’re gone. Not at all.
- We go on our trip TOMORROW! I have never been so prepared for a trip in my life! Matthew has been packed for over a week and I’ve been packed for days. Everything is ready to go – we just need to get there!
- I think we have a name for BB2. YAY! On the drive home on Sunday, I asked B if he could commit to a name that he really seems to like. He agreed as long as we can change our minds if something else jumps out at us (it won’t – I don’t believe it’s possible). BB2 will be “Bryson Lawrence” or “Bryson Theodore” unless something else grabs our attention. “Lawrence” is my dad’s name, and his mother’s maiden name. “Theodore” is my paternal grandfather’s middle name and goes back a long way in the family. Tough decision. I wanted to name BB2 “Theo Lawrence” but B said no 🙂
- BB2/Wilson/Bryson is very active – way more active than Matthew was. He’s beating me up on a regular basis. He is all over the place and likes to make his presence known and remembered!
- B scheduled a “man trip” to Kentucky with his best friend (men don’t call them best friends, but I do!) the weekend after we get back. I am really excited about this! He needs a road trip desperately – and he needs to just go with no commitments and reservations to be held to. I expect him to come home VERY happy!
- I MUST get started on figuring out the “room situation” for the boys the week after we get back. Move Matthew into a new room, or put BB2 in the new room? I prefer to move Matthew into a new, awesome room! Lots to do… lots to do…
- A HUGE thank you to all of you who have left such nice, supportive comments on both my Lily and Grandpa posts! This community is so wonderful, so caring, so important. I appreciate every word I read from all of you. Thank you!
And in the spirit of quick lists and updates, here are some photos of the most recent happenings in our house.
The Monday Snapshot – BOOKED!
It’s been 2 years since we took a REAL vacation. We took a “Babymoon” to Cap.tiva Isla.nd in March 2011 and had a great time. I was 5 months pregnant at the time which was great timing. This time, I’ll be 6.5 months pregnant, which will be different, but I think it will be JUST FINE… because WE ARE GOING TO DIS.NEYW.ORLD!
I have tried to get B to go to Disne.ywo.rld for years, because I think it’s super fun for adults. It’s never been very high on his list (in fact, it’s at the very bottom of his list). BUT – I want us to take a trip that is super FUN for Matthew. And it needs to be easy for B and me. Traveling with a toddler is hard work, so direct flights are a must. We have one to Orlando from central Iowa (amazing). Traveling with a toddler is exhausting for us and said toddler, so a comfortable place with lots of space is a must for naps and regrouping. Traveling with a toddler is messy, so laundry in-unit is pretty important. Traveling in general is expensive, and cutting down on meal costs would be AWESOME! Our unit has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and in-unit laundry. I am so excited! It’s not on Disn.ey grounds, but it’s very close and just getting a mile off the grounds saves so much money in accommodation costs.
So yeah – we’re going to Disn.eyw.orld, Baby… in just over two weeks! I don’t think I’ve been this excited about anything since the FET worked back in October!*
“Can I take my blueberries with me? Yes? Then it sounds good to me, Mom!”
* I am revising this…. I haven’t been this excited since we found out that BB2/Wilson is a boy!!!!! That still takes the cake for excitement for me!
This is my contribution to the Monday Snapshot at PAIL Bloggers. Check it out!
All the Sun For You 