Winnie's First Road Trip

Our sweet pea had her first road trip to Delaware this past weekend to surprise my dad for his birthday! I could not be more proud with how well she did. God answered our prayers that she would do well/sleep during travel time. Winnie slept the entire 7 hours, with the exception of 1 feeding when we stopped for gas, on our way up to Maryland to my brothers. And slept for 7 hours on our way back to Charlotte, then off and on for the last 2 hours of the trip. We were amazed and so thankful!! 

Here are some simple tips I'd give when traveling with an infant:

1. Make a list. Check it twice! I end up making a general list a day or 2 before our trip and then add things to it as I remember what I need. This mommy brain works best with lists. haha

yes.. that says 'break milk'... clearly i was tired
when i started this list. haha

2. If you are breastfeeding, pump your milk to have a bottle or 2 on hand so you don't have to make multiple stops for feedings. We didn't need to use the milk I pumped until our ride back during the last 2 hours when she was starting to fuss. I was glad to have it on hand.

3. Change their diaper before you leave. This should be a no-brainer, but some may not think to do it.

4. Dress your baby in their "jamas". The goal was for Winnie to sleep, so it only made sense for her to be in her jamas ready for bed. (That is what I am calling her nighties, my nephew says jamas and I think it's adorable).

5. If you can, travel at night. We found it worked best to travel during bedtime hours. Winnie actually slept longer in the car than she usually does during the night at home. We left by 7ish pm and arrived at my brothers by 3am. With Winnie waking up once to feed. Such a blessing! Though, be prepared for your babe to stay awake for a little bit once you get to your destination.... Winnie was up until 5am.

all snug ready to go :)

6. Expectations. Expect your little one to not sleep and to fuss most of the trip. We really went into this hoping for Winnie to sleep majority of the trip, but expected her to stay awake the whole time, especially traveling during the day back to Charlotte. And when your babe ends up sleeping the whole time, thank God!

7. Be patient. It will serve you, your husband, and your baby.

8. Pray! Pray pray pray!!! God hears our prayers and wants to bless us in answering them. He was so kind to Taylor and I with Winnie. We felt so blessed and lucky to have such a good travel.

I am sure there are many tips with traveling a long distance with an infant... this is what worked for us. I hope these are helpful for you. :)

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Our trip in pictures:

meeting her Memaw

her other namesake :) 

meeting Aunt Beth

daddy's little girl

attention... this is worth noting!!!
i vacuumed out my own car.... by.my.self.

4-wheeling with my love

we had a blast!

Winnie's first time in a jumper

Trish's prego pillow... isn't that hilarious?!

getting their Winnie fix :)

i love my parents <3

celebrating my wonderful dad!!!

Happy Birthday!!

hanging with daddy on the beach

Winnie's first trip to the beach!!

we love the beach :)

We put Winnie's feet in the freezing water....
she wasn't a fan. haha

Taylor, Dad, & Ocean playing football

Winnie & Grandma Sandy

our cute beach babe <3

mom & dad going to dad's birthday concert :)

so happy!!!

CRABS!!!!!!!!

this is becoming a family tradition! 

Tay tay swimming with Cami

Yes, she has an Eagles & Panthers Jersey :)

Bumpa got to feed his girl <3

Real excited for baby tron-girl to arrive!!!!
WHAT'S HER NAME?????? ;)

We had a grand time in Delaware. I love being with my family! But now, we have a busy week ahead of us preparing for Jon, Julie, and Josh to MOVE IN!!!!! We know this move is bitter-sweet for them and Orlando, but we are thrilled. :) See you very soon!