First Family Vacay

Short and incredibly sweet! That's the best way I could describe our first official vacation as a family of three. Hubs and I have done this many times before (traveling to NY to visit the fam). We know the drill. You never get to do everything you want to do and see everyone that you want to see. Add a baby to the mix and it's even more difficult to squeeze everything in! We sure did try!

After our flight landed on Friday, Stephens parents picked us up and spent the rest of the day with us at my parents house - my brother was there too. It was a nice laid back and relaxing day after our hectic adventure at the airport earlier that morning. Lots of family came by that night to see us meet the baby.

On Saturday we spent a lovely day at Stephens parents house on the North Fork. Up until a few months ago it was a Bed & Breakfast. They have since retired - but the house still has that charming and quaint feel. Lots more family came by to spend the day with us. Ella had a chance to meet some of her cousins too.

Sunday morning the Sergi's (the kids that I used to babysit) came over. They are so big now, and still adorable of course. Ella loved meeting "Aunt Kaci and Uncle Joseph"! Afterwards we went to my adorable little cousin Gianna's first birthday party. More family, more cousins and of course more good times!

Monday was a chance to relax. Stephen and I probably needed it more than Ella. My dad has been SO busy this tax season...but he was able to get a little extra quality time in before heading back to the office. The Sergi's came over later that night again to play!

Tuesday we were able to spend time with my mom, Stephen's parents, and my brother before our flight home that afternoon. As usual, it wasn't easy to say "goodbye" so instead we said "see you soon". We miss everyone already! This was the first of many trips Ella will be taking up to NY...it was certainly memorable at least for Hubs and I!

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Ella Flies The Friendly Skies

After all of the anticipation, it's over...and we survived! What was I so nervous about? Honestly, I thought she would scream the entire flight. Thankfully, that was not the case at all. She wasn't great, but she was good. I'll take it! Overall she was better on the way there. She took two short 20 minute naps on my shoulder. Towards the end of the flight she was fidgety and got a little whiney, but nothing major. At least we got this cute photo sesh in!

Not going to lie, on the way home there was some screaming.  Our only saving grace was the fact that the plane was barely half full. Stephen had to stand with her a few times. One of the flight attendants walked her up and down the aisle. Obviously everyone loved her. Between her cute face and our "I'm sorry" bags....how could you be annoyed?! 

I'd still say our first time flying as a family of three was a success. Next time I won't be nearly as anxious. Although I'm not exactly chomping at the bit to do it again in the immediate future, I'm happy to know next time will be more relaxed. 

Leading up to the trip I did a ton of research on flying with babies. Here are a few tips that I found most useful...

1. Give baby a bottle (or nurse) on take off and landing. It helps with the ear popping (and kills some time if you use a slower nipple). 

2. Be careful not to overpack! Keep the load light...necessities only in the carry on! This made it easier to grab the things we needed. I HATE digging around and searching for stuff (especially when time is of the essence). 

3. Bring one favorite toy, one new toy and a book. 

4. Try to time your flight around nap time if possible. This could be why the flight home was almost a disaster. 

More details on our trip coming soon! 

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