So our 1400+ mile road trip to Minnesota was a success. In an effort to not write a novel and keep your attention, I am breaking it up into parts.
Aurora was an amazing baby. I mean, we knew this already, but she is a trooper! The first day out we left after work, so it was only about a 4 hour trip. She is relatively used to that, since the trip to CT ranges from 2.5 to 4, depending on traffic. No biggie the first day. Day 2 and 3 were 12 hours and 10 hours respectively. She only started crying really the last hour of each day. Honestly Brandon and I can't blame her, there are adults that would do the same, and maybe earlier.
On the way out, our hotel stays created some interesting memories.
On the first night, we stayed at an Holiday Inn and for some reason were given a two-bed room. With two queen sized beds, there was absolutely no room to put the playpen up, which served as her crib during the trip. So, we decide to divide up. Aurora and I in one bed and Twizzle and Brandon in the other. Needless to say, only a few hours into the evening the dog decides that she wants to come cuddle and sleep with me too. I was laying on my side and she curled up in the crook of my legs while the baby slept on the other side in the middle of the bed. Aurora, as small as she is, still managed to take up way more room than necessary. She is a sprawl-er, or at least was that night. It was not a restful night for me, but at least I know I am loved. :)
I learned my lesson, however, and requested a single bed in the next room. Even if there were two beds though, this room would have had PLENTY of extra space - we got a handicap accessible room. Sleeping was much more comfortable, since there was a chair for the dog to sleep in, the "crib" was set up, and it was a King sized bed. What happened that night that is worth note was an event I like to call: "Return of the Poopinator!" That evening, I was sitting in the chair with the baby on my lap while Brandon was setting up some plates of food. After a bit, I stood up to go get a drink, and when I moved Aurora my hand was slimed. Gross, but nothing new, so I go about getting the portable changing pad and items to change her diaper. When I open the diaper, noticing all the poop on her leg, I was surprised that it was relatively clean. I looked down at my lap to see if there was more, and there was a little on the bottom of my sundress, but not enough it seemed. After a quick clean up of her bottom, I decided to let her air dry for a bit before a more through check and diapering. I turned around to check the chair and make sure my dress didn't get spread the wealth around, and notice a puddle of poo on the cushion of the chair. I sigh and grab some wipes and a wet towel to clean it with. When I pick up the cushion, i can now see that it was
everywhere. Surprise! It puddled on the cushion and slid down the side of the chair, got on her leg, my dress and hand, and missed most of her diaper. I hurry about trying to clean it up... soapy water and a wet clean towel is the best I can manage. I left the cushion sitting upright when we left, I hope they notice and clean it with a wet/dry vac!
On the third day we rose again (haha) and managed our last leg of the trip. We arrived at Bill and Angel's in the early evening. I don't remember anything too noteworthy from that part of the journey, but we were sure happy to get to our destination and run the dog(s) in the backyard some. Twizzle was intimidated by the shy young puppy that Bill and Angel have, but she joined us anyway. (If anyone knows how to teach a dog to have at least a little backbone, let me know!) Mom and Dad had flown in on Wednesday so a bunch of folk, including Bill, Ang and Chelsee had gone to the State Fair that day (Thursday). We were all pretty tired that night, but decided to go over to Tony and Karin's for a relaxed BBQ with my parents, Kathi and Brian, and my bro's and their families.
