I’m heading out of town tomorrow for 3 days. 3 days with almost no internet access, by the way. While I’m really looking forward to this trip “up north” to see my family, it’s just me and the kids going. Just me. And a 1 year old and a 2 year old. In a car. For 3 hours each way. And 2 nights of potential screaming. In my sister’s house.
Our last trip in February was rather harrowing and my husband was WITH me that time! None of us slept the one night we were there and I’ve been too scared to do it again since then. Now I’m going…………..this shall be interesting. Before my son was born I’d go a lot more frequently, but due to gas prices and the sheer exhaustion of it all, I haven’t traveled as much in the last year or so.
It’s honestly the feeling outnumbered that gets me the most and I HATE sleeping at someone else’s house with screaming children. It’s bad enough at home, but at least at home I’m not worried about waking up anyone else - and most importantly, we have all of our fail-safe tricks right at hand when we deal with night-screamers at home (hello Baby Einstein, the special brown chair, and random MUST-HAVE books that lull the lambs back to sleep). Oh yeah, and my husband is there to help at home when BOTH kids are up at the same time. People tell me the reason it’s so hard for me is that we haven’t traveled much with the kids so the kids aren’t used to sleeping in other places - maybe they’re right. Call me a wimp, but the thought of traveling very often with 2 toddlers is so exhausting I can barely move at the thought of it.
So, while I’m looking forward to all of the family time and my 2-year-old is dying with excitement at the thought of seeing her cousins and all of the other relatives we’ve been naming off for the past week - I’m going to need LOTS of coffee. Lots. And ear plugs.
And seriously, now that my daughter talks INCESSANTLY (thank you Birth To 3!) how the heck am I supposed to listen to audiobooks in the car? No one told me about this part of motherhood, they really didn’t.
incessant talking by kiddo? I’m all over it! I LOVE to talk to my kids. Of course, with the traveling I do, I get my personal space OK, but still, I love the notion of just riding in a car and talking to the boys. We’ve done it all their lives.
Since the storm, I drive an old Jeep CJ-7. It doesn’t have a radio in it. My 13-year old told me one time he’s glad it doesn’t have a radio, since it gives us a chance to talk.
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Kate-
good luck. I feel your pain and anxiety. My wife and I are in the same boat. We now have 3; 3 and under, and get very nervous at the thought of over night trips. People tell us the same thing about traveling more with the kids, but I keep saying when they get older we will. Once the newborn is a little older we will be forcing ourselves out more, just have to get over the hurdle.
Once again good luck! Can’t wait to hear about the adventures when you get back.
Phil
Dear Kate:
Three things -
1. Travel during nap times.
2. Learn to love Kid CDs - I know, sounds harsh, but after the zillionth song about trucks, cars or princesses, you’ll appreciate the listening to the rown-up sounds of Hilary Duff or Hanah Montana.
3. Invest in DVD entertainment center for car - They work, I don’t feel guilty for not talking all the time with the kids and if you got headphones, you can listen to your audiobooks (me, my iPod).
When visiting, the way out of control screamers/criers usually get a “sore throat” so its time for the magic BENEDRYL cough syrup - if you know what I mean.
…….and always pack a wine cooler or 12 for yourself!
SJC
Oh Kate, you’re living my future: I’m leaving next Friday with my 5-year-old son and 12-year-old stepdaughter to drive 5 hours north to the Minocqua area for my family’s annual vacation, and Dan isn’t joining us until Saturday. In other words, I get to deal with both kids and their drama and craziness while Dan gets a nice, quiet, peaceful drive up to the northwoods with nothing but his music to keep him company. Lucky bastard…
Good luck!!
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Wow, that’s going to be quite a trip. And who says you can’t listen to audiobooks? What about the Hobbit or some other kid-friendly classic?
And Stuart’s suggestion of kids’ CDs is a great idea. We have a few that I actually like too, so it’s not too mind-numbing to listen to them.
Yes, our portable DVD player and both kids’ video iPods get loaded up every time we go on vacation. Got us through a 14-hour delayed flight issue just last February. Well worth the $, even for tiny ones.
On the topic of kids’ CD’s must suggest that you pick up a copy of BareNaked Ladies’ “Snacktime” just released recently. All newly written kid songs by the band, not horrid music, and there are jokes in there that only the adults will get. (But nothing inappropriate, just ala Weird Al kind of humor.) My 8yo keeps stealing it out of the van. He got mad that my 15yo beat him to it last night!
I also have to say, invest in a DVD player if you haven’t already! We go on long road trips quite often, and no, it’s not on the whole time, but it sure does help when you know they need some rest time and refuse to go to sleep.
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Wow, thanks for all of the advice! I guess the consensus is that I need a DVD player - will probably go invest in one before our 4 hour trip in July! Oh, and I don’t mind that my daughter talks, it’s just that she’s JUST quiet enough that I can’t hear it over the sound of the car (it’s LOUD! I need a luxury vehicle that’s whisper-quiet) so I’m constantly doing the, “what? huh?” thing and then she gets frustrated.
Thanks again for the understanding and suggestions