Emerson's First Vacation

Jesse had a work event in Galveston this week so Emerson and I joined him one evening.

It was more like a mini vacation because we were only gone 24 hours, but it was a vacation none-the- less. There were several firsts on this trip. 

First time to:

- drive a "long" distance in the car (1.5 hours)

- stay the night in a hotel

- go to the beach

- leave the house/normal routine (gone longer than two hours)

 In the car and ready to go to Galveston. He did great on the drive down.

Where we stayed, Hotel Galvez.

 

There was a gift shop within walking distance from our hotel that was right on the beach and had a huge porch with rocking chairs. For hours E and I sat in those chairs listening to the ocean and letting the sea breeze cool us, perfect for napping, which is what E did.

We also walked on the beach, explored our historic hotel and did a little shopping. E slept most of the time, which I fully expected. When he was awake, he loved listening to all of his new surroundings.

First time at the beach and he missed the whole thing : )

 

We purchased Emerson's first Christmas ornament. Jesse and I started the tradition when we got married that we would always buy a Christmas ornament when we took trips to new places and we wanted to do the same for our kids. Let the collection begin!

While we were there, I wanted to do my best to keep his nap and bed time routine the same as it would have been at home, this includes bath time, which was interesting. Thankfully the hotel had a tub, but next time (if he fits) I will just bathe him in the sink. He hated his bath in the hotel and I found it challenging as well. Any tips from the moms out there on bathing without a baby bath while traveling?  

My in-laws bought us this neat travel bed for Emerson which we were planning on taking, however after Jesse evaluated the size of our room (super tiny!), we opted not to take it this time. So guess were baby slept? In bed with us, yes I said it. For one whole night we co-slept with him and he did not die. In case you don't know, co-sleeping is one of those controversial parent topics. We don't co-sleep at home because we don't want to create the habit for him to only know how to sleep right next to me or on me, but my goodness it was super convenient to have him right there and not get up and down all night long. I now know why some parents are all about it, but sorry kid, it's back to the crib when we get home : ) 

The whole time we were in the hotel room I was so conscience of what our neighbors thought of his crying. He was a good boy, but anytime he made a peep, I rushed right to him to comfort him. Emerson probably loved all the extra attention. 

With all of these firsts, new environments and changes in his schedule, I was afraid the little guy would be a nightmare at night, but no! He actually slept "through the night"! And by "through the night" I mean five hours straight. I could not believe it! He slept from 8- 11:30 p.m. and then from 12-5 a.m.. Way to go, Emerson. I am one happy momma. The only downside was that he was wide awake at 5 a.m., but I would rather him do that then wake up every two hours all night long. He actually slept through the night at home the night before, so let's all hope and pray this continues. 

We have a few more vacations planned coming up this summer, one to my parents house for the Fourth of July and the other to a family reunion with Jesse's family in AZ. Can't wait for both of them!