Post 14 - 2014 Traveling with an Infant

Traveling with an infant, is like no other traveling i have ever done. When driving, not a huge deal, you can bring toys, most everything you may or may not need, even a pack in play for them to sleep in (for you non co-sleeping parents). If you travel by plane, that is an entirely different story, as well if you are traveling alone with an infant. Especially if you are checking a car seat at the gate (I did that). Flying up not so bad, hubby helped me through to get the luggage checked, security was super nice and helpful. Flight back was more of a hassle, had to get from curb through checking with luggage, car seat and infant, then security line did not have a family line so that was a bear, it was just one thing after another.

Some people feel comfy borrowing or renting a car seat, if you are one of those people, your life will be easier. I am  not. I spent a lot of time before buying our car seat as well as had little bit try it out. He loves his car seat LOVES it. He hated his first seat and made sure you knew it every time he was in it. I had to pack all of the stuff we may need in one large case since i only have two hands. Luckily I am a baby wearer, so I had him in a sling which helped tremendously!  Most of my luggage were things for him. Some toys to keep him happy, clothes, lots of burp cloths and rags as he spits up still, though not as bad as he used too. Diapers gallore!  Which i could have bought up there but I didn't know when we would make it to a store and I packed what I needed with a little wiggle room.

Since we flew the baby and i co-slept (mine is 6 months old, so rolling on him and smothering him, very unlikely). He is a snuggly bunny, you know he is there, and I do not roll around in my sleep. I will say the co-sleeping was my fave part, even though my sleep was reduced, as I slept lighter than normal. It was nice to wake up to his smiles in the morning.

I fared well, I came back with 2 unused outfits, all the rest we went through for him, and only 2 pieces of clothing for me that was not used, and that was only because I bought more while up there. We flew out with luggage, car seat, two carry ons.  We can back with luggage, car seat one carry on :D  I think that scores as a win!.

I was exhausted from making sure the baby was okay, not getting into things, not screaming much, making sure I could get him to sleep either for nap or night time. I was always on. I will say I missed my hubby terribly and since we have been back he has been so much more helpful. I think he missed us too!. I also learned i do not want to be a single parent. Props to those who are! You guys ROCK!

So my advice,
pack what you need now, buy what you can at your destination
Make sure diapers, wipes, rag and a toy are in your carry on and that you can get to it easily.
You do not need a bag of toys, just pick 4 to 5 and take those.
You do not need 5 plus books, take one
Take your car seat ( i saw a bunch of people luggage checked theirs, i thought gate checking worked well, I put it covered on a luggage wheelie thing and had no issues)
Cover your car seat. i was so glad i did, it rained and my cover was wet wet wet!
use a sling to carry the baby instead of a stroller. It will save you a gate checked item and give you extra hands.
Co-sleep or borrow a pack in play
Try to impress on those visiting that the baby needs naps and not to be in a car seat for LONG periods of time. (easier said than done)
Make sure they know what bed time is.. and that it is firm!
Enjoy your one on one time if traveling alone, if not, be thankful for extra hands!

Have fun!

Post 13, 2014 A good mom

I get told often that I am a good mom. I like to think I am. I put a lot of thought and work into it. But in reality the lil' makes it super easy. He is my world. I do not mind getting up at night with him or listening to him cry, helping him through a grumpy phase or making him laugh. I do so love his laugh. I love how excited he gets and starts flapping his arms up and down. I love that he has found his feet and can reach for toys. He has started to wiggle to get to where he wants to go. I love love love watching him learn new things and test his boundaries. He is such a happy baby and just wants to see you smile. He knows if he smiles, you will smile. And he loves to smile at you. His smile melts every fiber of my being. The worst day is okay because of his smile.  I am calm, he is calm. He melts down and I smile. I know some days will be rough but right now, I am just enjoying him. If that makes me a good mom, then why yes, yes I am!