Grady's First Road Trip
Destination: Houston (Richmond, TX)
Miles: 299
Duration: 5 hours
Stops: 2
Other Firsts this Trip:
Our nephew was baptised today. We traveled down so that we could be part of the fun and to spend some time with the family. Lewis's parents made the trip from Wisconsin so we felt the least we could do is make the trip from Dallas! Even with a one month old baby.
I was very nervous about traveling with an infant. Grady eats every three hours like clockwork, sometimes more, so I was not sure how the ride in the car was going to go. But he did really well. He slept, as predicted, and woke up about two hours into the drive so we stopped to feed him. He made it about the north side of Houston before he started getting fussy. He had been in the car seat for 5 hours, I don't really blame him.
But, to add even more to his day, we were expected at dinner with Lewis's friend, so Grady had to behave at dinner too! He did really well. He cried some, but the restaurant was really noisy so I don't think he disturbed anyone.
Notes for traveling with baby:
I honestly think number one on this list is the most important. That and the baby wipes. :) He really has been a terrific little trooper. I am concerned about the trip home (because that's what I do) but I'm sure if I stick to number one, we'll be fine. And worst case, we stop a lot. So what?
We have a busy travel schedule ahead of us. He and I travel to Pittsburg, KS soon, then Louisville for a wedding. Then I think we may come back to Houston at the end of the summer, and now we are looking at going to Wisconsin to see Lewis's parents and to meet his Grandmother there. Then Denver in October.
We travel. Which mean Grady is going to have to travel. Cranky or not, happy or not, screaming or not. Blessedly, so far he's been terrific. And I think that children can't exceed our expectations unless we test them. And if I stayed home because I'm afraid he won't "do well" then I'm only limiting his potential and, really, his life experiences.
I mean how is he going to travel to Mars if I don't at least start him off with a trip to Grandma's?
Pictures are pending and more about the baptism when I get home. But it made me think of this ... and my story. I can not fully express the wave of awe that came over me when she stood up. I can still think of it and cry. This was a BIG church, with a long aisle, and it was Easter Sunday, the church was full to the rafters. There were crickets when I shook my head and said, choking, "there's no one there."
It gives me shivers. Everyone needs a friend like Amber. I hope Grady finds one, and that someday when he needs someone, when he feels alone and is doing something so important, that person will stand up for him.
Miles: 299
Duration: 5 hours
Stops: 2
Other Firsts this Trip:
- met cousins (some of them)
- met Aunt D
- first church service
- first hotel stay (first bed time in pack 'n play)
Our nephew was baptised today. We traveled down so that we could be part of the fun and to spend some time with the family. Lewis's parents made the trip from Wisconsin so we felt the least we could do is make the trip from Dallas! Even with a one month old baby.
I was very nervous about traveling with an infant. Grady eats every three hours like clockwork, sometimes more, so I was not sure how the ride in the car was going to go. But he did really well. He slept, as predicted, and woke up about two hours into the drive so we stopped to feed him. He made it about the north side of Houston before he started getting fussy. He had been in the car seat for 5 hours, I don't really blame him.
But, to add even more to his day, we were expected at dinner with Lewis's friend, so Grady had to behave at dinner too! He did really well. He cried some, but the restaurant was really noisy so I don't think he disturbed anyone.
Notes for traveling with baby:
- Go into it with no expectations and he will exceed all of them.
- Bring two (full) boxes of baby wipes.
- Bring changes of clothes, but not his entire closet. Also - carry an extra shirt for mom. Spit up is not attractive.
- The pack 'n play is great.
- Hotel rooms are a luxury - but definitely worth it. When he's older this will be different. But this trip it was definitely the right decision.
- It is okay to say "goodnight" when you would normally say "let's go!"
I honestly think number one on this list is the most important. That and the baby wipes. :) He really has been a terrific little trooper. I am concerned about the trip home (because that's what I do) but I'm sure if I stick to number one, we'll be fine. And worst case, we stop a lot. So what?
We have a busy travel schedule ahead of us. He and I travel to Pittsburg, KS soon, then Louisville for a wedding. Then I think we may come back to Houston at the end of the summer, and now we are looking at going to Wisconsin to see Lewis's parents and to meet his Grandmother there. Then Denver in October.
We travel. Which mean Grady is going to have to travel. Cranky or not, happy or not, screaming or not. Blessedly, so far he's been terrific. And I think that children can't exceed our expectations unless we test them. And if I stayed home because I'm afraid he won't "do well" then I'm only limiting his potential and, really, his life experiences.
I mean how is he going to travel to Mars if I don't at least start him off with a trip to Grandma's?
Pictures are pending and more about the baptism when I get home. But it made me think of this ... and my story. I can not fully express the wave of awe that came over me when she stood up. I can still think of it and cry. This was a BIG church, with a long aisle, and it was Easter Sunday, the church was full to the rafters. There were crickets when I shook my head and said, choking, "there's no one there."
It gives me shivers. Everyone needs a friend like Amber. I hope Grady finds one, and that someday when he needs someone, when he feels alone and is doing something so important, that person will stand up for him.
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