France Perparation

Preparing for a vacation with a 2 month old is COMPLETELY different from Micah's and my previous, child-free, vacations.  Our typical vacations include many locations, lots of hotel room changes, rugged terrain, small towns, lots of driving, jam packed days,  etc.  While these types are a blast and we get to see lots of places and do lots of things we realize those days may be over for a while.  The idea of having to pack all 3 of us up every day to switch locations does not sound fun.  Also, the idea of a remote location with a 2 month old is a little scary.  So we decided on a location not too far from home, very civilized, and minimal traveling during the trip.  We have one hotel in Paris for 4 days and one hotel in the Normandy area for 4 days.  In Paris our days are somewhat planned but with no "group tours" and with flexibility in mind.  We understand that everything might not go as fast as we are used to or as planned.  I mean, we have to stop at least every 3 hours just to feed the little guy.  In Normandy we are renting a car and driving to Mount St. Michel for a day and doing a D-Day tour.  The D-day tour is the only group tour we have planned that I'm a little nervous about.  I don't want our baby to put anyone else out so I've already been praying.

Another thing that is different is packing.  Typically I pack either the day we leave or the day before but with little man, I started packing days ago.  There is just so much more to think about when taking a baby along.  For example, I'm bringing a couple of bottles which means I need dish soap and a bottle brush to wash them. Then there is the question of how much of everything do we need? I was so consumed with packing Jacob's stuff that I was forgetting lots of my own.  I thought I was mostly done packing myself and realized I didn't pack make-up or jewelry.  Both of course I could live without but I'm happier to have them.  I'm just hoping I didn't forget anything important for Jacob. At least if I do, we will be in Paris and I'm sure we can buy what we need. 

Although getting ready with Jacob now is difficult, I can only imagine that it will get more difficult in the next year or so when he starts to have more needs.  Right now he is still pretty happy with eating, sleeping, and a little bit of play time. 

All that being said, I cannot wait to be in Paris and have my hubby and my baby all to myself for a week. I can't wait for the family photos with the Eiffel Tower, wearing normal clothes, sipping wine, and being outside in pleasant weather. 

Au Revoir!