to travel with a baby

there were some firsts on this trip. 

first time falling asleep in the stroller, for example. 

we were in whole foods picking up a couple things and moon walks over to me with the stroller. he whispers, "hey, ellyn." and i'm wondering why he is whispering when it is the loudest, craziest, downtown san francisco whole foods... there was noise everywhere. 

and he was like, "he's asleep." and then i think i probably started whispering too.

that was an exciting first. 

and then watching our little guy run around the hotel room in a diaper and onesie. 

he was happy as could be... picking up whatever new little items and things that lie around. 

learning how to child proof a hotel room was also a first for us. 

and then there is the learning to "figure it out" component that is so healthy for us as parents. to roll with the plans you've made. remembering they might be changed. 

we didn't get to see the MOMA. he just wouldn't have enjoyed it. so we'll do that later (like in our 50s?). or never. it's ok. 

there were melt downs. well, from 2 out of 3 of us. 

but even that was, dare i say it, good for us. 

we learn to push ourselves when traveling. 

we aren't in a comfortable place all the time. 

on public transportation. 

in hotel rooms. 

on the busy streets. 

but we must learn to be patient, to show love, to care deeply for the people who matter most, even when we have no idea what we are doing or what to do. 

airplanes do this to me. 

but that was also a gift.... eli did great and slept both ways.

the return flight in particular was special. 

eli was so, so tired before boarding. 

moon put him in the ergo and just walked around with him. 

(now for the first many months of this kids life he could fall asleep in seconds in that thing, but now he's older and i can't remember the last time he fell asleep in the carrier. we use it all the time still, but not for getting him to sleep.)

he fell asleep. 

and he transferred to my arms on the plane. and just kept right on sleeping. 

and it felt like a gift. 

and then the airline gave complimentary drinks (it was thanksgiving day). 

and so to push ourselves a little. or a lot. outside our comfort zone. and then to remember that it's not my doing. sure, i can plan, bring all the right gear, do my best to know my child well and know what they might need. but i can't control. i can't guarantee. he could fall apart. 

so learning to let go. to co-parent with my amazing partner on this journey. 

and opening myself up to some really beautiful moments. 

some great memories.

i guess that's why we travel, and will keep doing it, with our little guy.