Goodbye January, Hello February

Was it just me or did January fly by this year?

I looked at the calendar today and was shocked to see that it had slipped right by without my noticing. December brought vacations, family birthdays, day trips to play in the snow, visits to grandma’s houses, decorating, Christmas festivities and more! So many wonderful events were crammed into that short 31 days that I honestly felt a bit exhausted when January rolled around.

I started the month with wonderful intentions and goals—some of them only made it to theory. I feel a little bit like I was sleepwalking and just woke up shocked to find that February is just around the corner. Luckily, February is just as wonderful a month for making positive changes as January.  I pulled out the neatly written list of goals I started at the beginning of the month and did a little review to see which I was on track with and which needed more attention. It was a nice chance to re-motivate myself and get excited again about the goals I had set. I think goals are such a wonderful thing. I always love to have something I am working on to improve myself—Isn’t that why we’re here??

Anyway, January wasn’t a total waste. In fact, even though there were “bursts of busyness” throughout the month, there was a lot of much needed down time and it was nice to just be home. Looking back, last year held some kind of trip almost every month starting in June. That was wonderful but, I appreciated a month to complete some projects, do some cleaning, and spend some time together in our own home. 

A few things that happened in January…

Emma cut her first tooth! FINALLY! I mean, not that I was in a hurry for it to happen or anything, but I was starting to wonder if she was going to need dentures at some point. We’ve been affectionately calling her “toothless” (Like the dragon on How to Train Your Dragon) for the past few months. We couldn’t see it until the day she turned 9 months (on the 28^th) but it’s there, barely peeking through those cute little gums! Our little toothless is toothless no more. (P.S. Teething is NOT our favorite thing…teething blog to come soon.)

I took on a big project—not just a wedding cake but a wedding cake, grooms cake, and dessert order for the reception. I was so grateful to my parents for spending the day in Cedar City on the day of the wedding so that they could watch Emma while I baked, frosted, stacked, and decorated all day long. It was a bit nerve racking and there were a few bumps but, overall successful.

I also had 2 other small cake orders this month; one for a smash cake photo shoot and another for our wards baptism preview.  They were a lot of fun-I always enjoy a chance to be a little bit creative.

Lots and lots of fly-tying for Sam. It’s that time of year; too cold to go fishing but nice and cozy inside for fly-tying. Sam got a new desk this month and excitedly worked on his new setup for hours. Framed pictures propped up on the shelf of different catches and memorable fishing trips, unique flies arranged just so, equipment and materials perfectly placed within reach--He can be really organized when he wants to be. He then proceeded to spend hours at a time tying flies in preparation for this year’s adventures. I think he’ll be pretty well stocked. I’m amazed at how his talent has developed over the last couple of years.

Sam also worked lots of extra hours this month at both of his jobs. We were sure grateful for the work because, like many, we are playing “catch up” from Christmas but, Emma and I have spent lots of days and nights on our own missing daddy. We took walks, cleaned the house, played with blocks, and watched “I Love Lucy” and basically all of the Disney princess movies to pass the time. Sam also got recognized at work as the featured employee of the month. They make a board all about him so that his patients can get to know him better. 

We took a few trips to St. George to visit both grandmas this month. We had a wonderful time celebrating Grandma Mary’s birthday with dinner at Black Bear Diner, cake, and a fun game of cards with Mary, uncle Jake, and Jake’s girlfriend, Skylie. At Grandma and Grandpa S’ this month, Emma discovered Grandma’s curio cabinet, read stories with Grandma and aunt Livie and spent some time with uncle Beau and Grandpa. We always love to visit.

Daisy visiting her Sister, Lily at grandma's house

Emma learned how to clap! That was a lot of fun! She claps often and for all kinds of things but consistently claps when she sees daddy in the morning. She also learned how to wave and does it with her own little flare. She doesn’t actually move her hand but instead just holds her arm up high, stiffly outstretched towards the person she is waving too—often showing the number four with her fingers. She’s a funny one. At the end of the month, she learned how to point too! She points at her snacks as if to count them when I give her a few. She can also point out noses on the faces of her toys! It’s so cute.

Emma has moved up into mostly 12 month clothes which meant that I spent some time this month packing up her old clothes into boxes—I always get a little (okay, a lot)  sad as I fold her little things and put them away, realizing that she will never be that small again. I also spent some time baby proofing our little house! I may have known our house was small before but it has never seemed so small as it does now as Emma is crawling in hyper-speed around the house pulling movies and books off of shelves and getting curious about outlets and cupboards-I’ve still got plenty to do. Anyone have any great baby-proofing hacks up their sleeves?? I wish I could get that girl to stop growing so quickly!

I started a few “home improvement” projects this month. I have decided that my house needs a little “face lift” this year since I honestly haven’t paid much attention to the house at all since the first day I woke up with morning sickness about a year and a half ago. I finally painted the frame of the mirror in our bedroom, painted our coffee table, switched around some of our wall hangings, and reorganized a few of the rooms. I still have a lot I’d like to do but, one step at a time. I wish I had more of a “knack” for decorating. I know what I like but, I have such a hard time figuring out how to execute it. Of course, money is sometimes the issue. Unfortunately, I’m not usually very good at the DIY type stuff. I’m learning as I go.

Daisy May got another groom-FINALLY. Poor thing was ignored during the busy holiday season. 

Sam and I met our new primary class and I’ve gotta tell you, that is one amazing group of little spirits. They are incredibly insightful and tender-hearted. I teach every other week by myself because Sam works in St. George on those days and I was so worried that I would have a tough time with trying to teach the lesson and keeping Emma happy at the same time. Our kids listen and participate so reverently. They are excited about the Book of Mormon and that excitement has really strengthened my own testimony. To top it off, every week after I wrap up the lesson, the kids immediately help me gather Emma’s toys, erase the chalk board, and clean the classroom. On the weeks that Sam is absent, I find myself walking out of the classroom with my hands completely free because each child has grabbed something of mine to carry; my scriptures, lesson manual, diaper bag, and even Emma. This is all without being prompted! They are amazing and have made my Sundays such happy days.

January was a month of planning, goal-setting, relaxing, family time, and keeping warm inside. I am looking forward to a fresh, new month to refocus on my goals for self improvement, continue to watch Emma grow, and create new memories. Goodbye January, hello February.

A Few Tips From Me To You For Traveling With A Baby

In Emma’s little life, she has been a whole lot of places. She’s been to three national parks, accompanied us on at least 20 hiking and/or fishing trips that I can think of, and visited seven different states. She’s hiked to  5 different waterfalls, driven through at least 6 canyons, and seen several different state parks. She’s stayed in three hotels, two cabins, and at grandma’s house countless times. She’s been on three major road trips and on many day trips and long drives up the canyon. She has been on a week-long trip to a theme park and been shopping in big cities like Vegas and Salt Lake City.  Shortly after Emma was born, Sam got a job that requires him to stay in St. George quite often throughout the month. In order to be together, Emma and I have traveled with him most of the time. Emma has been back and forth from Cedar to St. George on overnight and weekend trips for much of her life so far. Her first day trip to St. George was at just 9 days old.  

All of this traveling has been a blast. It’s been one of the most memorable times of my life and I’ve been so grateful for every opportunity we’ve had to travel and have adventures together as a young family. Emma has loved it too! She loves to be around water (which many of our trips revolve around) and is at an age where she is excited to touch, see, hear, and experience new things. These trips with Emma have been such an exciting adventure. However, traveling with such a young baby comes with many challenges. It takes a lot of careful preparation and is not without worry or mistakes. Regardless of this, it can be done! Traveling with a baby is not impossible and can actually be a lot of fun.

I feel like before Emma was born, I had it drilled into my head that once I had children, I wouldn’t be able to take trips. I once had a conversation with an acquaintance of mine who has two young children. She and her family had recently returned from a vacation to the beach and I asked her how she had enjoyed her time away. “Well, the kids were with us so it really wasn’t a vacation, you know?” I was surprised. Was it really not possible to have a relaxing, fun vacation as a parent if the kids were there too? I thought back to the vacations I’d taken with my family as a child. They were a blast! Of course, I was the child so everything was provided for me and they were nothing but fun all day long. I tried to think about my parents and how they’re experiences had been.  It was hard to remember because I could only remember my experience through a child’s eyes.

When Emma was born, I was determined to not only give Emma the kind of experiences that would give her lasting memories like I had growing up, but also to create those joyous, exciting memories for myself. Sam and I are adventurers. We like to get outside, get away, see new places, and try new things. I didn’t want to lose that about myself or about us and I didn’t want to stop loving it. Rather, I wanted to share that important part of my life with my own children as a parent. I want them to learn to love that joy that comes from exploring and seeing the beautiful things that our world has to offer like I do. 

As very new parents, we started taking these trips with Emma. We have learned along the way and every part of every trip has not always been seamless.  It takes a lot more work than before she was born to prepare, it takes longer to arrive at our destination, and there are often bumps along the way but, we have had so much fun with Emma, learned so much, and made memories with her that will last a life time. It has been more than worth the effort.

Here are just a few little tips that I’ve learned so far. (maybe a few fellow travelers with young children can benefit):

#1. Make a list. Even with a carefully prepared list, it’s likely that you’ll forget something. So, the list is really a must especially for long trips. After all, you’re packing for yourself plus one now. And trust me, the “plus one” requires A LOT. For such a tiny being, you’d be surprised how much trunk space they need. Everything from the stroller, bath equipment, clothes, EXTRA clothes, portable crib, food or breastfeeding equipment, to blankets, wipes, diapers,EXTRA diapers, teething toys and books, and pacifiers. The list goes on and on. Add it on to your clothes and hygiene items, camera, bedding, and snacks and it’s a whole lot to remember. Not to mention that if your husband is anything like mine, you might have to make sure HE has everything too!  It’ll be much easier to remember everything when it’s written down for you to look over, check off, and add to.

#2. Pack extra. There have been many times where I was SURE I was prepared. I’d packed my diaper bag with an extra outfit thinking, “If the one she’s wearing gets dirty, she’ll have this one as a back up.” I leave the house or hotel and the day goes on. We’re walking through a mall, and Emma has a monstrous dirty diaper that completely destroys her clothes. Thank goodness I have that extra outfit. I change her into it, patting myself on the back for my preparedness. 20 minutes later, I pause on a bench to feed Emma her peas. She snatches the bowl out of my hand when I’m least expecting and the peas cover the front of her onesie. If only I’d brought two. You get the idea…

#3. Realize, you can never pack enough. To completely contradict tip #2, don’t go TOO crazy with over packing. There is absolutely no way that you can predict everything that will happen along your journey. There have been trips to St. George where I thought I’d packed enough diapers, but hadn’t. I just had to run to the store and buy more. No big deal. I’ve also forgotten certain clothing items or gone through more than I thought I would. I just hand wash clothes in the sink or use a washer and dryer if it’s available to me. Not a problem. See what I’m getting at? You will ALWAYS forget something or be underprepared with something. Just improvise. Things happen and you just have to roll with it. No use stressing yourself out about every possible scenario because it’s just not possible to predict everything that might happen. Besides, eventually you will run out of room in your bags.

 #4. Give yourself PLENTY of time to prepare. Before our weeklong road trip to the family cabin and our road trip to Island Park, I made sure I had the entire day before cleared. This gave me plenty of time to bathe Emma, check off my list as I pack, Prepare food, load the car, and do a little housework all without feeling rushed. With this extra time to prepare, I’m not stressed, I’m less likely to forget things, and I can come home to a nice clean house. (Isn’t that the best feeling after a long roadtrip??)

#5. Find joy in the journey. With a baby in the car, you’re gonna have to make stops. Whether it be to change a diaper, breastfeed, or just spend some time outside of the car. This is especially true if your baby doesn’t do well in the car. Emma has usually been pretty easygoing about car rides but occasionally she decides to hate the car and will cry much of the way. When this happens, I pull over, give her some time outside of the car, feed her and put her to sleep before continuing on. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going and plan a few stops along the way. You may even find some interesting places along your route to take advantage of.  There’s no rush if you’re having fun as you go.

#6. Take turns. Sam and I look out for each other when we’re traveling. When we were staying at a cabin in Island Park, Sam would take Emma for a walk or to play downstairs while I would take a hot bubble bath or a nap. Then, I would watch Emma while Sam would go fishing. This way, we both enjoy some quiet, relaxation and are more energetic and positive while taking care of Emma. Even a few minutes can make all the difference. When we were walking through Jackson Hole, Sam noticed that I looked a little tired and he took Emma from me to carry her for a while. That gave me a few minutes to shop around hands free. It’s important to watch out for each other’s needs and take turns when you’re traveling (Just as it is at home.) And accept help when it’s offered!  I was so grateful to my nephews who helped carry my bag or took turns carrying Emma on one trip, and my mother in law who snatched Emma from me one day on our family vacation when she could see I was nodding off so that I could take a nap.

#7. Plan ahead for nap times and feeding times.  Emma is a happy traveler as long as she is well fed and well rested. To really enjoy your vacations, you need to provide time for your baby to eat and take good naps. If you have a full day planned, make sure to think about the best times for baby to nap (Maybe during a meal or on a car ride.) and try to stay on schedule with eating. Try to keep to your routine if you can. This will keep baby happy which makes your traveling much easier.

#8. Be flexible. Obviously, things aren’t going to go exactly as planned all of the time. You might be on a trip in the city and planning to go out to dinner or go shopping one night and your baby just isn’t feeling up to it. Change your plans! Put baby down for a nap and take a bubble bath instead. Or go for a walk through the park and then drive through somewhere or order a pizza for dinner. Maybe there is a particular site you’ve been excited to see that you’ll have to postpone till tomorrow or later in the day. You just have to go with it and be grateful that you’re spending time off with your husband or family rather than folding laundry and doing dishes at home.

#9. Don’t take things too seriously. On the way home from one vacation, we stopped to feed Emma. We drove through somewhere and ate, fed Emma, and changed her diaper before hitting the road again Literally right as we were getting onto the freeway, Emma had a major blowout which dirtied her car seat and her entire outfit. We had to pull over onto the shoulder of the road and clean her off the best we could. Sam was gagging from the smell and I was laughing hysterically. It was just so funny that I had to laugh. Things will happen-unexpected things-and you just have to laugh at them. Parenting is a dirty job and it doesn’t stop just because you’re on a vacation.

#10. Improvise! On our family vacation to Idaho/Montana last year, Sam and I decided to go on a little fishing trip at a stream that was about an hour away from where we were staying. I checked and double checked that everything was in the bag. Up until that point, I had been strictly breastfeeding Emma but, while on vacation I had to go to the hospital because of a kidney stone (another story for another time). Because of the kidney stone, I was on narcotics and couldn't breastfeed Emma. I wasn't used to giving her formula so I was careful to pack a bottle and the right amount of formula. Well, we made the drive and I got Emma out of the car to feed her before hitting the stream. Unfortunately, I had forgotten the nipple of the bottle!! Ugh! I thought we were gonna have to turn around right then when I spotted my nephew's water bottle with a squirt top that he had left in the car! I cleaned the bottle and mixed her formula inside of it. It wasn't ideal but, Emma was a trooper and made it work! We were able to fish for a few hours and we ALL had a blast. Sometimes you forget things or mess things up and you have to improvise to make things work. 

Oh and....#11. Take pictures. Seriously, this one is so important. You’re making memories. Don’t get too caught up with the craziness of it all that you can’t stop to take a couple of pictures and just enjoy the moments. After all, these are memories that they will only know through your stories and the pictures you take.

So there you have it. Eleven tips for traveling with a baby. Of course, you know your baby and what your baby needs better than anyone, so you might travel differently than I do but, this might give you a few ideas if it’s your first time. The most important thing is to just not get too caught up in the stressful aspects. It’s a vacation! Enjoy the time with your family.

Good luck and happy traveling! 

P.S. Please feel free to share any helpful tips that you've discovered! I am still so new to this and just learning myself!