Toddler Travels

Mathew has certainly been "on the go" plenty with our big move at just four months and then many weekend trips to St. Louis, but we just took our first big family vacation. We were brave and drove to Florida. We weren't really sure what to expect, but luckily he was quite the good car rider. We bought a DVD player and that helped in those moments where he was antsy and in need of some entertainment. Otherwise he did pretty well just chilling in the backseat or napping. We took nice long stops for lunch each day of traveling, and usually stopped at a mall so he could walk, run around, and play for awhile. Unfortunately, he wasn't a great sleeper on our trip. He pretty much boycotted naps and that became rough, but night time sleep went pretty effortless luckily.

Mat and I were so appreciative to have the time off work together and able to take advantage of a family vacation. As a little girl, my parents often took my brother and I to Cardinals Spring Training for vacation, so it was quite special to now go with my own son. My brother and parents met Mat, MJ, and I in Jupiter, FL and we rented a large townhouse that was perfect for all 6 of us! We were able to attend MJ's first Cardinals game, the boys got to watch lots of practice, and we of course enjoyed lots of delicious meals out. I was even able to catch up with a girlfriend that lives in the area. It was definitely a fun filled few days with lots of special memories. I think GiGi's favorite memory had to be taking a nap with her grandson. ;)

After a few days in Jupiter, MJ and I headed to Lakeland for a couple days to see some friends. It was pretty surreal to be back in Lakeland-it still feels like home to me. It was rather bittersweet. It was great to spend time with some good girlfriends and have MJ along to show off and play with all the other kiddos. This is when he pretty much started boycotting the naps altogether, so he was more fussy than normal and I became a little rundown with a sinus infection, but overall it was such a great time! We stayed at my friend Kelley's and I really enjoyed being able to just relax with her family!

We returned home this past Monday night. Mathew was definitely pooped, but so glad to be home. He toddled around playing with his toys when we got home. The next day he napped for 5 hours, and then the following day for 7 hours!!!! Poor guy was exhausted. Unfortunately he's now come down with a double ear infection and head cold. I'm not sure if it was brewing while we were on vacation and maybe that's why he was a little fussy or if it's a result of him just being worn down, but either way he's getting lots of lovin' from mommy and daddy right now. We're expecting a week of gorgeous weather ahead, so hopefully he'll be feeling better soon and up to getting outside to enjoy it.

I posted the link yesterday for all our wonderful vacation pics....SUCH a great first family vacation! I look forward to many more to come.