So I went to Florida...

Parenting is all about lessons.  Every day I learn a new lesson about what I should or shouldn't do, how I can improve, what to avoid, etc.  I learned oh so many lessons this past weekend on our first family plane ride to Florida for cousin Todd's wedding.  And let me tell you one thing, I'm done flying with kids.

But it's not that Lyla was bad, she really wasn't so bad.  When she got really tired, she couldn't get comfortable so she screamed.  We have an unbelievably good baby.  But the stress and all the work that goes with travelling with a baby has definitely just aged me about 20 years.

First of all, the packing for the trip, ridiculous (and remember I have only one...I can't believe people travel with more than one!!)  So that stressed me out.  The first plane ride, Lyla couldn't get comfortable at first so she screamed.  That really stressed me out. Then just keeping her entertained for the 3 hour trip, really stressed me out.

Getting all the luggage, rental car, etc yeah that stressed me out.  I think the best part of the day was driving to Melbourne Beach from Orlando where I knew Lyla was safe and quiet, and sleeping.  Getting to the hotel, feeding Lyla asap, unloading, seeing family - stressful!  Seeing the gorgeous ocean from my room and watching everyone sitting at the pool while I knew wouldn't have time to enjoy it, stressful and sad really.

Going out to a big family dinner and leaving early with Lyla - a relief!  Finally it's bed time!  Lyla not falling asleep until after 10pm because I gave her some of my pulled pork dinner - frustrating!  Waking up in the middle of the night with the babe because she was not used to where she was, sad. I felt awful for making her go and for being uncomfortable so she slept with us for the later part of the night.  

Having a few more big family meals, swimming, and standing in the sand while my little one explores, amazing.  Going to a wedding with a baby, stressful.  Especially since it was past her bed time. I felt like the worst mother of all time.  The wedding was beautiful but the dinners got delayed and we had to stay really late in order to eat.  Finally Lyla fell asleep only to be awoken by a sudden loudness of music.  Running with a stroller in my heels and short dress down the street to get away from the noise and calm Lyla - priceless.  I'm just glad I had put down my cocktail so I wasn't drinking and "driving"!

Packing at 11pm at night, getting up early with Lyla and then finishing packing and rushing out the door to our plane - stressful.  I am exhausted!  I don't think I was able to enjoy one minute of this trip because now I'm a mom.  Jared had said it wasn't a good idea to go with her but I guess I wasn't thinking.  We are so lucky she is good or we'd have had a really awful time!  

Here is what I learned:

1. Never bring a baby to a wedding.
2. Don't fly with a baby unless you and the baby are drugged.
3. Make sure to have an appointment for a massage booked in advance for the day after arrival.
4. Also have a vacation day readily available for after for recuperation time.
5. Don't let your child stay up later than usual and if you do, don't give them pulled pork.
6. If all else fails, just pack everything.

It was a hell of a weekend.  It was so wonderful to see family and to be together but if I'd have to do it all over again, I'd have brought a baby sitter or I'd have stayed home.  Sometimes doing it all is harder then it appears.  I just have to say  I'm grateful for Lyla and Jared for being good sports through this weekend and for my parents for helping out.

Okay, I'm done complaining now!  See more photos here.