Tales From the Mothership: The Trip

I've been meaning to update everyone about our trip but I keep running out of time and energy. But really, if you've talked to Steven then you've heard about the trip already! I'll just keep it short and sweet. (well, sort of short)

Last trip in the infant car seat. On the way to the airport

At the airport. Tried to get a plane in the background but it didn't work.

We didn't take any pictures on the flight itself since it was an overnight flight and we didn't think our fellow passengers would appreciate the flash at midnight and after! But we're happy to report that John did FANTASTIC on the flight out. There were some fussy moments but for the most part he slept, nursed and coughed his way thru the entire flight. Yes, unfortunately he had a cold. In our defense, we thought he was getting better.

Our very first stop after picking up our rental (and spending nearly 20 minutes trying to install our car seat) was to visit Steven's godfather Nicholas, his daughter Marie and her husband John. I felt really bad about dropping in at 9am on Easter Monday but they were the picture of kindness and while shocked, welcomed us with open arms. Big John "stole" little John and cuddled and walked him. I'm sure if I had turned my back, Big John would have kept him!

We decided to get a hotel since neither of us had gotten any sleep on the flight and John was sick and very cranky. Next time I'm not going to listen to Steven and I'm going to pre-book a hotel so I can get a cheaper rate.

I tried to feed John but he was coughing so much that he ended up throwing up almost everything. So at this point, he really hadn't eaten anything for more than 24 hours. We tried to go swimming at the indoor pool, but unfortunately it wasn't heated. Holy crap was it cold. So we sat in the hot tub for a bit. Then back in the room, John fell asleep again. It was the most difficult night ever. He cried and coughed. He would only sleep if I held him and only for short durations. The longest night. I alternated walking him, rocking him, holding him on my chest while laying and holding him while sitting in a chair. Again, I got NO sleep.

As soon as it was light, I took his temperature and discovered it was 102. Eep. Feel like a bad mother, much? So we bundled up (have I mentioned how f***** cold it was?) got directions and drove to the Children's hospital. On a side note, I'm absolutely amazed that we found it considering how bad the map was.

I am a little sad that I didn't get any butt crack in this picture. But aren't these the most saddest yet adorable pictures ever? It makes me sad that they have to make gowns this tiny. We were grateful for the amazing staff. We were in & out in under 2 hours, they gave us free parking and calmed me (us) down. John had a cold. A bad cold. And the start of an ear infection. Since he still had wet diapers, they weren't too concerned that he wasn't eating but only breastfeeding. They recommended pedialyte and motrin. We also got a prescription for antibiotics for his ears but with the strict instructions to do 2 days of rest, motrin and pedialyte first. And only if he wasn't getting better then to get the prescription filled. As far as hospital visits go, it was incredible considering what we're used to here in our emergency rooms!
We returned to our hotel to pack up & check out. Instead of sightseeing the south shore, it was time to head to Grandma D for a bit of home comfort. And of course, we got lost. (One funny thing, about a block from the hotel there was this "bing" and the message "tailgate is open" popped up on the dash. At the next red light, I hopped out of the SUV and ran to shut the back. Could you imagine driving on the highway and suddenly the stroller and all our luggage flying out?) So after a visit to the drugstore to stock up and a visit to cousin James to prank him, we hit the road. You saw the travelling pictures in the previous post. I sat in the back with John since he was so sick. At the causeway, we did the obligatory pull over and took pictures.

I took this picture over John from the back window.

Meeting Grandma for the first time. Note what is on her lap! She didn't expect us until the following evening!

Thanks Grandma for the metal pot and spoon! (hopefully he forgets since all he gets at home is plastic containers!) And that's Bruce's old highchair. We had to use a belt to secure him.