Twofer

We recently visited friends in Oregon and Washington. I tried to choose flights that would best fit my baby's sleep schedule without major interruptions. We flew from DFW to Portland with a layover in Houston each way. Ayomi was content for most of the journey, sleeping or playing. However, upon descent at DFW, he cried for about 10 minutes until we landed. 

I was concerned about possible delays with TSA because of the government shutdown, but everything was smooth for us. Our flight from DFW was delayed for about 15 minutes due to air traffic control shortages. 

I used my previous packing list, and I checked a large suitcase and carseat. I forgot to add the stroller cover (for rain) to my list. I knew we needed cold weather clothes for the trip, but I didn't prepare for rain.

When I was looking for travel tips, I read that there's no vacationing with kids, you're just parenting in a different place. I believe that we will be able to enjoy trips together as he gets older, but it's very difficult right now. I already have 2 future trips in mind that I think will be great for us.

Boarding 1st on the plane

Vancouver, WA Waterfront 

 

Travel Buddy

My new travel buddy drools and wears diapers. In the past few months I experienced my first trips with my newborn son. We went to Houston for 3 nights for our first roadtrip when he was 3 months. He slept the entire 3.5 hour drive and most of the drive back to Dallas. He did the same for our second trip to Houston (1 night), which made it an easy drive for me. His first flight (at 3.5 months) was to my favorite American city, New York. Again, he slept the whole way there and most of the way back. Before driving and flying, I fed him and changed his diaper to make sure he was comfortable. The motion put him to sleep. There were some significant changes to the way I traveled with him versus my previous solo trips. 

1. I overpacked. I took everything that I thought we would need and more just in case. I took my biggest suitcase to Houston (the 1st time) and NYC, which led to #2.
2. I checked a suitcase. I'm team carry-on, but I needed more space for all the stuff I took. Plus, it was easier to check the bag instead of trying to navigate in the airport with a baby. 
3. The baby bag was my carry-on bag. I put a few essentials, including a change of clothes for me, in his bag to lighten my load.
4. In the airport, I alternated between wearing him on the front and pushing him in the stroller while carrying his backpack. 
5. I borrowed a pack and play in each location. 
6. I felt very vulnerable. I feel this way whenever I'm moving around with him, and even more so in new places. I hated that I needed help going up and down stairs for the subway, but New Yorkers helped me most of the time. 

Lessons learned:

1. Pack less. My second trip to Houston was lighter, because I understood what I could leave at home and it was a shorter trip. I should have diapers and formula delivered or purchase upon arrival, when possible. 
2. Travel where I know people who can help me. I'm grateful for friends and family who took care of us.
3. Go with the flow. Don't try to do too much.
4. NYC is not suitable for people with mobility issues. Elevators and ramps were not always available. 

First view of the clouds

The Met

Shared suitcase: baby stuff 

 

Packing list