Bad Mom,  Bug,  Family Matters,  travel

Road Trip Warrior

grapevine

We made it! I can’t even believe it myself. It wasn’t the easiest road trip I have ever taken. Not because of the long hours stuck in cramped quarters but purely because of the close proximity of my ear to my toddler’s full volume constant squealing. It was BAD. I think I lost my mind. You all can leave your heart in San Francisco but I’ll be singing about leaving my mind in the San Fernando Valley.

wheeeee!

I guess two-and-a-half is the official age that children stop sleeping the whole way during long drives. (And NO we did not give them caffeine in their starbucks drinks you see there.) Either that or Baby Bug was so wound up because she got to sit right next to her favorite cousin that she decided with her super-strength willpower that she didn’t need to sleep. But she really really really did need a nap. By the time 3 o’clock came around, we were at the point where she was crying because the sky was blue.

Part of me has been wondering if bringing her on this trip was the wisest thing to do. She loves her cousins and she loves her Grandma so I know she will have a good time while I am off in San Francisco having my own good time BUT could she be any more difficult right now? Who is this devil spawn that I have created? Is it normal for the child to be the one in charge? I seriously have doubted my sanity in the last 24 hours.

to Blogher or Bust

My mom assures me that Baby Bug is nothing like this when I am not around. Apparently all the rebellion is for my benefit only and when I am gone she is back to her old angel self. I will just have believe them and rest on the fact that I know my mom and my friend Susan (who we are staying with during the conference) are very capable loving guardians for my little Tasmanian devil.

I know this apprehension to leave Baby Bug in the care of another is mostly my own personal fear. I know I am the one who is struggling and not Baby Bug. She’ll wave goodbye and maybe cry for me for about two minutes at nap time and bed time but other than that she probably won’t miss me a bit. I’ll be the one checking my watch and calling every hour on the hour.

backseat co-pilot

But I’ll also be the one with a little spring in her step because, Wheeeee! I have eight hours to spend on my own for the first time in TWO AND A HALF YEARS!!!!

21 Comments

  • Gingermog

    Wow an update, I wasn’t expecting one until after the weekend really, you are one dedicated Blogger.

    Regarding the playing up thing, I agree with your mom, I’ve looked after my nephews when they were little and their parents were away on a much deserved holiday, and it was fine with lots of cuddles, treats, songs and extra stories at bedtime. Grandma’s are definatley the best people in the world to leave your kids with.

    Thank you for the kind comments regarding my new site I will be really happy to help you with Flash any time. In fact I think Gumball has real star quality as an animated character. Have fun at Blogher :)

  • bethany

    I hear you … I’m told my boys are angels when I’m not around, but I still struggle with it. It’s maddening! Glad you made it though, and woohooX20 for you and CC being out and kid-free!!!! Have a most wonderful time, and keep that spy camera busy :). So happy for you.

  • citystreams

    First day off in 2 and a half YEARS? Wow! I’m going to stop having my pity-party right now. Have fun at BlogHer. You definitely deserve it. Wheee!

  • HeatherIbabble

    It’s kind of funny that her carseat says ‘soft giggles’ if she was full-volume shrieking. Well, funny in that the carseat is way off. Not funny for your ears. :)

  • Jennifer

    I’m in 2.5 year craziness too. Audrey isn’t much of a screamer (Molly takes care of that job around here) but the weirdest things set her off in a crying fit. Crying like I broke her heart in a million pieces. Over nothing.

    Audrey is most likely going to qualify to attend the district preschool to continue speech therapy when she turns 3 (January 2009, whoooo!). I can’t imagine leaving her with anyone else for any length of time. The logical part of me says she’ll do fine. The mushy mama in me has a hard time sleeping at night when I think about it too much.

    I think BB will have a great time with grandma and you deserve a nice break for some YOU time. Have a blast!

  • Ruth

    I know exactly what you mean. Seriously. I have two girls, ages 4 and 1. Oh, the joy of road-trips… Have a great time at Blogher!

  • Meg

    I have the same fear about leaving my Addie Baby too. I bet she’ll have a blast in a new place, with new playmates at her disposal, playing new games. Enjoy yourself at the conference!

  • Kaili

    Fun!
    Sorry the road trip was crappy! It’s so hit and miss with toddlers. Jaia is like that too. Sometimes he is awesome! And I am SO grateful, cause mostly it sucks!
    Have SO MUCH FUN!!!! Wish I could be there to meet you! You rock!

  • Melissa

    Glad you explained that it was not caffeine in the ‘bucks cups…you would have had to answer that question way too many times. Kids love to act up for their parents but still, god bless your soul for taking that cutie on a road trip! I thought for a second you were going to show her off at blogher!

  • amy

    Forget BB and enjoy your time away! If you are only away for 8 hours I would not even call. Your time Baybee!! Have a blast :)

  • BeachMama

    Oh the fun you guys will have!! We just did a nine hour trip in twelve hours, there and back, due to the screaming of the newest member of our family. Hopefully she is cured of any traveling issues and will now travel as awesome as her brother.

  • Susan

    You will all have such a fun time! Bug will be so pre-occupied with cool cousins that it won’t bother her that your busy and away. No worries! Have a blast!