Diapers! Check. Oliver‘s favorite toys! Check. Back up diapers and toys! Check and check. I haven‘t even packed my clothes yet and the luggage is already half full. (At least I am feeling optimistic.) This was the first Dooley family vacation by air. For months I was feeling excited and stressed over the details of this trip. The one thing I hadn‘t planned for was arriving late at the airport with our over-weight luggage, and had to tell Oliver in my most cheerful voice ―We are going to race and see who gets to the gate first!
Luckily, we did make our flight and had little drama on the plane. (Our luggage made it too.) Installing the car seat in the heat was a drag. And although we arrived too early for check in, we were just happy that we could finally start this vacation. It was a wonderful week of enjoying the sea breeze and warm waters of Kauai. And we all returned a bit more tanned, and much more relaxed.
Sometime during the trip, I thought about how different traveling was like before the baby. Not only the preparation has changed, but what activities you choose, how the day is scheduled, and how you experience your surroundings. It‘s a big production that can feel scary and overwhelming. Actually, it‘s not much different from those early days trying to go anywhere with my newborn. I was a nervous wreck, concerned about where to feed and change him, and how to keep myself together when he cries in public. And either I stuff the diaper bag until the zipper won‘t close, or be ready to stop by the drug store because I‘m one diaper short.
After two years of practice, I still find it a hassle to go out. To add to the dreaded exit procedures, Oliver now informs me that he‘s ―done sitting‖ after 10 minutes of driving time. Yet, we go out sometimes twice a day, and I‘ve learned to keep some extra diapers and clothes in the car. What I have found was that if I just get out of my comfort zone and leave the house, I get a huge pay off in the end. The world outside of our 1100 sq ft house can provide way more stimulation and entertainment than I can ever come up with (or have the energy for). And it‘s such a treat to see your child being fascinated by all the things that grown ups can no longer see. I always notice changes in Oliver after visiting a new place. It‘s feels like his brain has made new connections from the experience, and fast-forwards to the next milestone.
Maybe it‘s because of my sheltered childhood that I didn‘t develop an adventurous spirit until I was in college. I think I missed out on a lot of opportunities because of it, and that‘s probably what motivates me to go out nowadays. By not focusing so much on my own stress, I‘ve allowed myself to enjoy our outings. I feel rejuvenated when there are other grown ups that I can socialize with. And I feel therapeutic when I can use my imagination and play pretend, or be intrigued by the mundane. I never would have imagined having a good time while sitting in the middle of the sidewalk to watch street construction with Oliver.
Lately, I remind myself often that Oliver is not the only person who needs to be out more. I‘m also making efforts to have more ―me time‖, to catching up with old friends, and pamper myself whenever I can. It makes a huge difference in my energy and my emotional wellbeing when I break the routine. It‘s all about finding more balance in life as a stay at home mom. With that in mind, I invite you all to the great outdoors with your children. And will continue to plan club activities that will invigorate your spirit.
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