If ever I failed to realize how easy it is to travel without children, now I fully appreciate this. We are home at last. We arrived at 4AM Dublin time, 8PM Seattle time. All of us stretched to our limits. I actually told Jeremy not to speak to me and just to go to sleep.
But with the morning came sanity. It would seem we have developed some bad habits while abroad in trying to pacify our poor sleep deprived, schedule deprived child. Such as sleeping in our bed. Which would be fine if Eli wasn't a Kung Fu superstar in his sleep. I end up with just enough room to sleep on my side on the absolute edge of the bed whilst having a toddler crushing down on my neck or with swift repeated kicks to the head. Jeremy mercifully woke up with Eli at 5AM and took him to the out building. Mommy got a solid 3 1/2 hours more of sleep.
Eli has also grown accustomed to breastfeeding constantly, all the time, as often as he pleases. Ouch. Today is his birthday and for his birthday we explained he gets to eat big boy food! Woohoo.
He also has grown accustomed to watching "Ducks" or "Bowt" or "Feesh" whenever he's just too grouchy. Which for those who need a translator that is Cars, Bolt, and Finding Nemo. No more entertainment pacification. Poor boy.
After some sleep all of us are acting sweet to each other again. Last night I was literally holding Eli (he was screaming) and I was sobbing simultaneously. So much so that Eli stopped crying to check on me (such a sweet boy).
Miraculously and suddenly Eli's behavior has become sweet and obedient again (comparatively and for a 2 year old). He is clearly happy to be home and not to be stuffed into a car seat, forced to walk a certain direction, or put into a child carrier.
We truly had an amazing time but I don't think I can exaggerate how difficult it is to travel with a 2 year old internationally. If we punished terrorists by making them take several connecting flights through different time zones with a few kids it might be too harsh.
Peace out for now.
Thank you. No seriously, thank you. For getting out there and giving it a go, and for reporting back honestly about what you faced. I know you're more laid back than I am in general, and I can be so much more high strung when I travel. So hearing your stories helps me gauge what I should do when I have little ones.
ReplyDeleteWe chronically-addicted travelers admire you and completely understanding the sobbing. Enjoy being back home, knowing where each meal will come from, falling asleep easily at the proper times, daydreaming about the wonderful parts of your trip and sharing all your stories with all us excited folks that can't wait to hear them!
You have an "out building" at your house??
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa! I fully enjoyed our vacation but I believe full disclosure where little ones are concerned is best. Know what you're getting yourself into :D Besides, the truth I find is far more entertaining.
ReplyDeleteLog - Yes, we have an outbuilding. Also known as Jeremy's Theater room in transition.