The time has arrived for us to make another road trip with Sam and Anna. The last two times we're visited family, we've had disastrous car rides. Having a little one awake extremely past bedtime (11:30 pm!) is not something I ever want to go through again. This time, the length of the trip is double our usual expedition- a 7 hour distance away, and a 5 night stay versus our usual 2 night standard.
I'm afraid. Very, very afraid.
Sam and Anna are not good car riders. Anna has not fallen asleep in the car in a very, very long time. Sam will only fall asleep if he is way past his typical nap time. This is unfortunate, because we live a state away from all of our relatives and drive over 3 hours several times a year. They also are not stellar at self entertaining in a confined position, even if I keep giving them new toys to play with. I often end up sitting between the car seats reading books, singing songs and interacting with them if our ride lasts over an hour. For the record, our dog is not a great car rider, either. Our dog is also coming with us on our 7 hour drive. Can you just imagine the fun we will be having all smooshed into our Pilot with all the stuff 2 toddlers require for that many hours? Yeah, I don't really want to think about it either.
Tomorrow we will embark on our most adventurous trip yet- heading to my mother-in-law's cabin for the 4th of July weekend. It will be Sam and Anna's first trip there. I am excited to see them play on the sandy beach. I have been itching to finally see them in their summer swimming suits and get them in the water. I know they will have fun during the day.
But I am not looking forward to upholding their sleeping needs and of course, the ride there and back.
Keeping my fingers cross that we make it there and back with minimal tears... myself included!
9 comments:
As you know, I'm in a similar boat! I really hope that it goes well for you. I really hope it goes well for us both! I hope all of our fears will prove unfounded.
A girl can dream, right?
Yikes-- that is intimidating, but if anyone can do it, it's you. I wonder why Anna won't sleep in the car? That's so interesting. I'm always fighting to keep Camden AWAKE in the car so he doesn't get thrown off his schedule. The movement makes him so sleepy. Anyway, have a great trip and take lots of pictures!
I have no doubt that you can do it! You are truly a supermom!!! I really do hope everything goes well with the actual car ride and Sam & Anna's sleep schedule while you're away. Hope you all have a great, relaxing weekend! I'll be praying for your sanity! :-)
First, thanks so much for your advice on feeding! Among the comments were a lot of, "don't stresses", so I have been a lot more relaxed. And I like the whole, veggie-meat-fruit order. I've been starting with the meat and I think that is perhaps a bad way to get started!
I hear ya on the trip! We've had one 8 hour trip in December which was AWFUL, and two four hour trips, but one was when they were only 7 weeks - so they did ok then, but the 9 month trip was a little rough. I've been in the 3rd row of our minivan trying to keep them happy - not fun! Tomorrow my dad is driving 4 hours to my house, leaving his truck, and riding 4 hours with me and the girls BACK to his house, so the girls and I can spend the week! I told him I could do it alone, but he insisted - which I am very grateful! And also, even with a minivan we are cramped with all of their stuff. Pack n plays, high chairs (the portable kind, but still), clothes, toys...
Hope yours goes a lot better! Maybe being older will help?
We are about to have. 20 hr car ride (one way) with 18 month old twins. Let me know if you find anything that keeps your kids entertained.
Have fun! We just flew into MN for 2 weeks to enjoy some cabin time with our families. I so miss the lakes! Just remember, the drive will be worth it to see those two little cuties playing at the lake!
We're making the trip from Minneapolis to Chicago in July. The last time we did it, Nugget was 3 months old and slept the entire trip. I doubt that will happen this time.
The only ammo I'm planning is a portable DVD player. And I anticipate plenty of stops to let him stretch his legs.
Let me know if you get any good suggestions of ways to keep the kiddos entertained.
I know what you mean...trips havent been the same for me since LB came along because I always worry too much about her not getting enough sleep (because she is sooooo excited to be on a trip she wakes early and takes short naps when we are on vacation).
Try to enjoy this week for what it is. The good news is that because your babies are on a good schedule when they are at home, after a couple days, they will bounce right back to their normal routine.
I hope the week goes by without too much stress, especially in the sleep department!
good luck!
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