Travel Essentials with Baby

Last week, we survived our first travelling experience with our 3 month old baby. Sure, we had been on several road trips, but nothing that required air travel. Needless to say, I was extremely nervous for the stress of this experience. I am pleased to say, we are on the other end and we made it through swimmingly! I thought I would share the products that made our trip easier and more comfortable.

1. The Travel Boppy is fantastic whether you are nursing or not. It zips up into a little crescent shaped shoulder bag for easy transport. As soon as we got onto the plane, I unzipped and put it on my lap with baby on top. Even when she wasn't nursing, it was a nice "seat" for her and in some cases, a good "divider" between me and a stranger. Completely washable and totally great. My bonus is that I got it at Once Upon a Child for $8, but it's so great I would pay full price for it!

Travel Boppy

2. I have loved these swaddle blankets from day one. They are thin but sturdy, breathable yet substantial.  I took several with us. They can be used to drape over the carseat for sun/wind protection, wrapped around baby for warmth, or over your shoulder as a nursing cover. Violet almost always falls asleep when I nurse her under one of these. The prints are adorable, too.

Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets

3. I am all about nursing wherever, whenever I have to. These Infinity Nursing scarves make that possible. I have a few of the regular nursing covers with the adjustable strap thing, and I use those in certain situations, but when I'm out without access to my full arsenal, the nursing scarf is so much more convenient and more discreet than a nursing cover. I like how it covers the sides and back instead of just your front. I wore one or had one in the diaper bag every day of our trip.

Nursing Scarf 

4. I cannot say enough good things about the Ergo carrier. I had no idea when I received it as a shower gift how much I would actually use this! I put Violet in it when she was just a few days old and she immediately fell asleep and stayed that way for several hours while I got things done. Umm...magic?? :) This was perfect for wearing her as we walked busy and crowded city streets in New Orleans. I also wear it when I do long grocery or mall trips with her. 

Ergo Carrier (with newborn insert)

5. Disposable Changing pads are perfect for using at places you don't want to use the changing pad from the diaper bag. Yes, the changing pad from the diaper pad is washable, but I don't like putting it on surfaces that are obviously questionable. I had a few of these in our diaper bag for these situations.

Disposable Changing Pads

6. Since we travelled with a stroller and carseat, this carrying bag was essential for us. The airline we took (Delta), required that we gate check the car seat and folded up stroller. They do sell clear plastic bags for $5 at the counter, but the stroller would have ripped through it in an instant (we did purchase one of the clear bags for the carseat, which was fine). When we got to the gate, Tim folded up the stroller and put it in the bag, then carried it to the gate check location. It was a lifesaver to have a handle and sturdy protection. 

Carrying Bag for Stroller

I would also say the obvious things like to be sure you have an extra outfit in the diaper bag, as well as a couple plastic bags for wet items is essential. Hoping our next travel experience goes as smoothly as the first! 

Violet at Three Months

Yesterday, my little darling turned three months old. It sure was an eventful month full of firsts for our Violet. Anyone close to me knows how rough the past few months have been adjusting to life with a spirited and needy newborn. With quality sleep and down time scarce and stress levels high, it has been really hard. I am so grateful for the encouragement and love from friends and family during this transition! I am just now starting to feel as though the fog is lifting and I am actually getting the hang of this mom thing. I am able to read Violet so much better now than even last week. I kept hearing "don't worry, it gets better!" and I am thankful to say that is is indeed true. Every day, my heart expands a little bigger as my love grows for Violet. I still stare at her and can't believe she's mine. I love Tim more and more as I watch him loving and caring for our daughter. I am so blessed.

Violet went on several trips this month. The first one was a drive up to Poppa and Nonna Pierre's house a couple hours north. First, we introduced her to Poppa's restaurant. I think Poppa was dying to feed Violet her first meatball. That day will be here before we know it!  We attended the church I grew up in that Sunday, and it was such a strange feeling to be holding my child in the building where I had been a child in what seems like not so long ago. She got to meet her great Uncle Marty and great Aunt Kyong, too! She had her first piano lesson with Nonna and got to spend time with some of her (many) cousins and uncles/aunts.

The next weekend, we had our annual friend's trip to Hocking Hills. The cabin was beautiful, we enjoyed yummy food, and I think Violet enjoyed having so many arms to hold her during our stay. I was able to get in some crafting (which I have really missed) and relaxation time.  We look forward to that weekend every year, and it was special to have our girl with us this time. Last year on that trip we had no idea that we would bring a baby the next time we returned. We are so excited for our friends' new addition to join us next year!






We saved the biggest trip for last - celebrating Grandma Raney's 80th birthday in New Orleans! I was pretty nervous to take Violet on her first plane trip, but she did amazingly well! We had four flights (two there and two back) and she slept through 3 of them, and was awake but happy for the last one. What a relief! We didn't even need to break into the bag of earplugs we brought for the people sitting around us. The entire Delta staff was very accommodating and helpful for our maiden voyage. Violet received her first wings pin, and even got VIP treatment from the pilot.









We had such a wonderful time with Tim's extended family in New Orleans. It warmed my heart to know that so many people loved Violet before they even met her. Tim's Aunt Vicki planned lots of fun activities including a steam boat tour, delicious meals, shopping, professional photographs, and even a visit to the spa for the ladies! It was totally awesome to get a manicure while my wonderful sister-in-law's tended to Violet. New Orleans is such a cool city with so much history. We had great weather, too. Tim and I are both so glad we were able to be part of such a memorable weekend. I think Grandma knows how much she is loved and it was a wonderful way to celebrate 80 years.

Violet and her great Grandma (she doesn't look 80, does she?!)

Violet and her Grandma

Sweet little girl in eyelet

Walking through the streets of NOLA

Bonding with Daddy

Just being cute

Two peas in a pod

This month's stats:

• 11 lb, 8 oz (approximate from bathroom scale since she doesn't go back to doctor until 4 months)
• wearing 3 month size clothes
• Lots of smiles and coos
• On the verge of giving us a real laugh
• Still kicking her legs like crazy (it looks like she's dancing when she does it!)
• Loves to gnaw on her fists
• Sleeping better, usually only wakes twice during the night.
• Looks over when we call her name
• Rolled from her back to her side (that just happened last night so I have to investigate further :) )