A little background here: My husband gets 9 months off paid for every birth. Yes, I said, "9 months." When people hear that they start freaking out. Either that it's amazing having that much help or that they themselves would go nuts having their spouse with them for 9 whole months. Well, I personally LOVE it! I am a spoiled wife, who receives more than an extra hand. I get two extra hands, both feet, his brain...hell, I get it all! And I am beyond grateful.
Another blessing that comes from his time off, is that we get to do what we call "The Baby Tour". We take to the road (the skies with the first baby...26 flights) and visit family and friends, showing off our new little guy. Along the way, we stop and enjoy the sites and get in some quality family time.
I have just finished planning the first leg of our 3rd Baby Tour. When I say, "planning", I mean PLANNING. I have the dates, the finish line (my parents' home in Iowa for a month), every break, roadside attraction, and zoo, museum and aquarium we want to visit along the way. I have the prices for everything, including hotels, meals, and attractions and even gas. I have even planned out what we will be eating for all of our packed meals!
People may think that is a wee bit anal, but I find you have to be when traveling toddlers and a baby. I can't just "wing" it on the road, hoping that we'll find a place when my 3 year old has to pee. Or my 2 year old is flipping out and screaming because he hates being in the van too long. Or my 2 month old is crying because he's filled his diaper or wants milk or most likely, both. I don't know how anybody could.
I'd like to say my planning is done. It's not. I'll share as it comes together.
Another blessing that comes from his time off, is that we get to do what we call "The Baby Tour". We take to the road (the skies with the first baby...26 flights) and visit family and friends, showing off our new little guy. Along the way, we stop and enjoy the sites and get in some quality family time.
I have just finished planning the first leg of our 3rd Baby Tour. When I say, "planning", I mean PLANNING. I have the dates, the finish line (my parents' home in Iowa for a month), every break, roadside attraction, and zoo, museum and aquarium we want to visit along the way. I have the prices for everything, including hotels, meals, and attractions and even gas. I have even planned out what we will be eating for all of our packed meals!
People may think that is a wee bit anal, but I find you have to be when traveling toddlers and a baby. I can't just "wing" it on the road, hoping that we'll find a place when my 3 year old has to pee. Or my 2 year old is flipping out and screaming because he hates being in the van too long. Or my 2 month old is crying because he's filled his diaper or wants milk or most likely, both. I don't know how anybody could.
I'd like to say my planning is done. It's not. I'll share as it comes together.