Roadtrips: Are You Prepared?

This week we did the unthinkable.

We were warned against it by many other veteran parents, but we didn't listen. Nope. Instead, we packed the kids in the car and drove 400 miles to San Francisco to visit grandma and grandpa.

It may not seem like much to some, but for those of you that have done it, you know that this is no easy feat. A road trip with just two people is hard enough. I have been known to pack the entire trunk full during the days that it was just me and the hubby. Add two little ones on top of that and you can imagine. We bought a big SUV when we found out we would soon be growing into a family of four. It proved to be not big enough.

With Stella being in 2 years old and Carter being a mere 2 months old, preparation for this trip was a non-negotiable. And that preparation meant packing lots and lots of stuff. Aside from the normal kids stuff (the snacks, books, videos and diapers), I also started thinking about things that I'm not sure enough families think about: emergency things.

A worry wart by nature, I am always worried about driving with the kids. I mostly worry about my hubby's sometimes too aggressive driving nature and unsafe lane changes.

But some recent conversations among friends have led to another concern. When packing for this trip, I started thinking about the possibility of being stranded in the middle of nowhere. A broken down car on some desolate highway could be a disaster for a family. We tend to think that with our cell phones we are never out of touch, but even driving from southern to northern California, reception is spotty.

So I started packing bottles of water and extra food. I thought, sure why not bring some additional layers of clothes, just in case. I checked to make sure the car was well-stocked with First Aid supplies — going beyond just Band-Aids and ointment.

There are so many things to think about when traveling with children. It's easy to accidentally leave something important behind.

To put my mind at ease for the trip, and in general, I've decided that It doesn't hurt to always leave some emergency items in the car.

There are many roadside emergency kit checklists online that can help parents, or anyone, to increase safety, reduce stress and get back on the road faster. Check out this list by Consumer Reports, for an example, and customize it to fit your family's needs.

I Wanna Getaway...Although Not As Much As I Thought

All parents, as much as they love their little ones, dream of a getaway. This mom is getting one.

For a brief one night, I will be jet setting to Dallas with the hubby and my brother to go see the opening weekend concert for my beloved Dave Matthews Band.

As always, I have a tight chest of anticipation. While the hubby has been overly excited, counting down the days until we leave, I have been looking at Stella with a twinge of guilt and sadness — except for this morning when the devil temporarily inhabited her tiny body.

However, I couldn’t pass up this chance to see one of my favorite bands and travel one last weekend before my doctor grounds me with the third trimester no airplanes rule.

What is it about being a mom that ties you to guilt and sadness every time you have to leaveyour children? Am I the only one that experiences this? Many times, I cry half way to my destination. I worry and fret over whether she will be all right, knowing full well that she is in the best of care with grandma and grandpa.

As I getaway, I know I will need to have my phone fully charged so that I can call and check in before the plane takes off, when we land, before we get to the hotel, around dinner time, and one last time to say goodnight. I will plan my events around what time I can say hello via iPad and see Stella face to face.

Yes, I sound like a stage five clinger ex-girlfriend, but, what can I say, I am a mom.

The best part about going away as a parent is the difference in emotion during the return home. Usually it is a feeling of dread with the thought of returning to reality. Now, it is pure excitement to see that little face that you have been missing while you are gone.

It is healthy for all when parents get a getaway and luckily, we get to return to some big hugs and sticky kisses.

Mommy and Daddy Date Weekend

Mommy's Away...

I've been out of town for just a little over 24 hours and I have to laugh at myself. While I have been guiltily giddy over a couple of quiet nights away, I sure have been missing Stella.  I don't miss the chaos, the mess, or the cooking, but I do miss my little girl and her laugh, her smile, her toddler talk, and her smell.  I've got it bad.

This is always a reminder of how much life and priorities change once you become a mommy.  It truly shows me that I was, indeed, ready for being a mom and all of its glories and challenges.  It's nice to have that reinforced sometimes.

The hubby and I looked at one another the other day, somewhere in the middle of Stella running circles around us and drawing on the walls in crayon.  He said to me, "How are we going to do this with two?"  While the thought seems impossible at times, little nights away ease my mind that we can do it and that we are ready to do it.  Well, as ready as we will ever be. 

I don't always see other parents grasp parenthood.  I love a night out with the girls or a weekend getaway without Stella, but those things always bring me to one place.  I am a mom.  No matter how I dress, where I go, or how many glasses of chard I may have (not now, of course), my main role is being a mom to Stella and soon to be baby #2.  I come home happy to get back into that role, missing my little girl. I sure am enjoying this comfy bed and quiet room right now... But as much as I need a break sometimes, I am more grateful for what awaits me at home. 

Tales from the Skies

Because we can't seem to sit still for too long, hubby and I took a quick trip to the Bay Area to attend the Bridge School Benefit Concert and pay grandma and grandpa a little visit. It just so happened that Dave Matthews was playing so I was super excited for the getaway. Because we were just heading up for the weekend, we decided to fly up and take Stella on her first plane ride. I figured, that the worst that could happen was that she would cry the entire one hour and fifteen minute flight.

I must admit, getting through security with the extra pursing hanging around my neck was a little nerve wracking and stepping onto a tiny 2 by 2 seated plane didn't help either. But as soon as we walked onto the tarmac and saw the plane (yes, that is how small the plane was...barf) Stella's excitement took over. She loved the plane, charmed everyone around us (which was pretty much everyone on the flight, did I mention it was a small plane?) and the flight went off without a hitch.

After no more than a couple hours of getting settled, we kissed Stella good bye and headed off for the Bridge Benefit Concert. The event was two days and we were in for tons of music played by Neil Young, Carlos Santana, the Foo Fighters, Mumford and Sons, Arcade Fire, Tony Bennett, Eddie Veder, Norah Jones, and of course, Dave Matthews. The Bridge School is a school that was founded by Neil and Pegi Young for children with severe speech and physical impairments. This benefit concert is an annual event that has been going on for 25 years, and this is the first time we have attended.

It was one of the most touching events I have ever been to. The children of the school are allowed to sit on stage and watching them enjoy the music was life changing. There were touching videos of the children in the school environment that made me understand how wonderful the school is and how it touched the lives of so many impaired children. While I am grateful for Stella's health, I am now also grateful that there are schools such as this to ensure that these children are given an environment in which they thrive.

My 1st plane ride!

Look at all the amazing children on stage!

Ready for my flight home!

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Back from Heaven

After an absolute amazing weekend at The Gorge in Washington, it is back to reality. To me there is nothing better than the Dave Matthews Band. To top it off with a completely surreal venue like The Gorge takes the experience to another level.

Although we left Stella behind for four days, my hubby and I were soon thankful for my parents (who came down to watch her) while enjoying the view and free cocktails from the VIP tent. Friday was the first of three, wonderful, music-filled days ending each night with the Dave Matthews Band. I looked longingly at the small kids that were there and even got my baby fix by holding a few, but was grateful to be able to share the weekend with my hubby and some baby-free time. There were some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities (like a midnight screening of a movie after the concert) that we were able to enjoy, which would not have been possible with Stella. I even met Boyd and Jeff, two members of the band, after the screening!

This weekend taught me that we all truly need and deserve some time off from parenting and that when you do have the chance, take it and make the very best of it. I was so happy to come home to my baby girl and will never forget this weekend. I am not do happy about the extra pounds I put on from endulging myself all weekend but these tight pants are a small price to pay for the weekend. Have any of you had similar weekend getaways? I hope they were as great as mine and if you haven't...take one! A haute mom deserves it!

The Gorge

Me and Jeff Coffin

Hubby and I in the VIP tent

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Hitting the Road

A haute mom is always dreaming about that "escape" vacation where the children are just a loving thought and the concept of time to yourself has returned. The reality of actually getting that vacation is not easy but every now and then a chance pops up and you grab it!

The first time I left Stella overnight was to fly across the country for one night to go see my favorite band Dave Matthews Band. I cried all the way to Chicago (a 5 hour flight) but once I got there I had a blast. Today I am preparing to leave my little sassy pants behind to head to see the Dave Matthews Band in a 3 day music festival at the Gorge in Washington. Did I mention we are going as VIP; haute all the way! Four days is a lot more than 36 hours and I must say the excitement is squashed by anxiety.

My parents are landing from San Francisco in a couple of hours to hold down the fort for four days. The hubby and I take off at the crack of dawn until Monday afternoon. I have some guilt mixed with that pang in your heart you get when you know you will be away from a loved one. My husband keeps reminding me how much I need and deserve this trip but the mommy in me wants to be home with Stella. I keep reminding myself that Stella is going to have so much fun she probably won't know we are gone but I still can't shake that feeling.

I know we will have a fantastic time and that the feeling will pass. I am already changing our flight so that we get back earlier Monday then originally planned even though it will involve us waking up at 4 a.m. This is just a reconfirmation that even when you can grab that kid free vacation the mother in you never goes away. :)

"It's just me and you doggy."

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Haute Moms Make Wine Too!

I have tons to share about my birthday trip to Napa. One of the BEST parts of the trip was visiting one my favorite wineries, Honig. Honig makes two types of wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. I love Honig because not only are these wines very drinkable with a variety of foods but they are affordable. Their wines have received a number of awards including "Best Sauvignon Blanc under $20"! I mean, part of being haute is being money savvy and it can be done with Honig. What haute mom sits around drinking $30 bottles of wine everyday, right?

The Honig winery is family owned, environmentally and family friendly. If you have ever been to Napa, you know that not all wineries are created equal in the kid-friendly department. Many wineries hosted Haute Mom so that I could share the family-oriented atmosphere that these wineries have adopted but Honig topped them all. I was graciously met by Stephanie Honig who showed me around personally and is a haute mom herself (3 little ones under the age of 4)! I was lucky to have a chance to ask her a few questions, mom to mom.

1. How did you get so involved with Honig? Did you being a mother have an impact of how family friendly the winery is?

I have been in the wine business since 1997 in various capacities but mostly handling sales and marketing for wine companies from all over the world. I worked with wines from Champagne, Burgundy, Tuscany, The Napa Valley (to name a few) and I also imported my own wine label from Argentina (where I grew up). I had also been studying for my Master of Wine and completed my Diploma for the WSET in 2004. When I married Michael Honig, who has been running the family business for 28 years, I organically became very involved in the business handling National Sales, International Sales and Public Relations.

Our winery has always been family friendly but Michael and I have become parents, there's definitely been a more significant emphasis on this demographic.

2. You are a career woman as well as a mother of 3, including one under the age of 6 months! What are some things you do to help you balance your family and your career?

It's great to have a career that revolves around alcohol because I definitely need a few drinks at the end of the day with 3 kids ages 4 and under...ha-ha. The truth is that our business life and our personal life are extremely intertwined. Our children come with us on many of our trips and participate in some events. I don't like leaving them for long so we find ways to have them close. Our 4 year old, has been an American Airlines Gold Card member since she was 2 years old. It's not easy and it's not perfect but my husband and I are always looking for creative ways to prioritize our family and do what's best for the business.

3. What are some things you do to find time for yourself?

We have been fortunate enough to find a nanny who is now like part of our family. She stays with the children when Michael and I spend time together without the kids. She also steps in when Michael is traveling and I'm home alone with the kids. My mom lives far away but we see her often and she gives me a few hours here and there. My in laws love playing with their granddaughters and they sometimes give us a little break on the weekend.

4. All moms need a little pampering to restore their sanity. What is one thing that you so to pamper yourself in your busy schedule?

I practice yoga about 4 times a week. It's great for both my mental and physical health. It makes me a better mom and business woman. I also enjoy entertaining and spending time with friends. Once in a while I get to squeeze in a massage or a pedicure but that takes a little more planning these days.

5. What would be one piece of advice you would give to busy moms trying to stay "haute"?

Take care of yourself! Being a mother is more fulfilling than anything I've ever done. However, it is important for any woman's self esteem to have adult interaction, feel challenged and do things they enjoy (regardless if women go back to the work place or not after becoming a parent). Aside from the business, I make an effort to meet friends, have date nights with my husband, be involved in a book club and an investment club. I don't think I've ever met a mom who doesn't struggle with how to balance her needs, the needs or her children and her profession. It can be stressful but it's also a ton of fun!

Honig is also part of the Napa Sustainable Winegrowing Group which really focuses on the "big idea" of sustainability. They practice everything from using solar energy to installing bird and owl boxes to help keep the insects and rodents under control. For all of us with children, we know that taking care of the earth is most important for future generations and I was impressed with the amount of leadership and commitment Honig has dedicated to this.

A BIG thank you to Honig for not only hosting Haute Mom, but to Stephanie for taking time out of her busy day to show us her home and business. It is refreshing to find that there are places like Honig who allow us haute moms to enjoy what we love, without having to compromise being a family. We will definitely be returning to Honig with Stella and drinking plenty of their wine in the meantime! You should too! Us haute moms gotta stick together right?

Haute Mom Stephanie Honig

The main tasting area at Honig.  Plenty of shade and space for the little ones!

The "kids" cabinet complete with sidewalk chalk and puzzles!  Genius!

A separate "family-friendly" tasting area

A bird box in the vineyard - all but one were inhabited!

On the Road Again

As I sit in the backseat of our car and watch the dog sprawl out in the front, I can't help but think about my left leg that is cramping. That and, more importantly, the fact that we had such an amazing week in Northern California with my family.

Stella enjoys her grandparents so much. It is so apparent when she runs to them to give them hugs almost everytime they walk into the room. There were even a number of times she refused to leave her grandfather to come to me! We spent some time with my brother before he left for Prague and Hung out with my sister who won Stella's heart after she shared her make-up brushes. The weather was beautiful and we got out to enjoy some pool time and baseball games. Stella even had her first train ride into San Francisco for the ball game!

The biggest treat was being able to getaway for my 35th birthday (to Napa) and for a romantic night out for our anniversary yesterday. Not having to worry about who is watching your baby (and not having to pay) makes a world of difference! My hubby even surprised me with an iPad2!

Although we have been there for a week, it never seems long enough. I am sure my poor mom would disagree. I love having family close by and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm heading home with something missing.

Stella enjoying the pool

Our anniversary dinner

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Haute Mom Dilemma # 49~ Take Me Out to The Ballgame

After a wonderful adult trip to Napa for my birthday (with TONS to share), we are back in the bay area and have relieved grandma and grandpa of all babysitting duties. My brother left this morning to the Czech Republic and my heart feels a little heavy. Well, more than a little. What better to pick me up than a trip to see the San Francisco Giants play the Dodgers in their home field! A trip that was as easy as blinking...without a little one.

The tricky thing about San Francisco is the weather. Where it may be 80 degrees at my parents house (just 30 miles south) it can be a foggy and cold 65 degrees in San Francisco. To add a little more chill, the ballpark is right on the water. Dressing in layers is key and with Stella, a few blankets on hand will also be necessary. Additionally, while they allow strollers in the ballpark, they must be checked in if you want to go to your seats. My parents have season tickets and AMAZING seats but this puts up the question as to whether or not the stroller is even worthwhile. We normally take the train up and a stroller on the train may also be an additional hassle.

I haven't broken the good old Ergo carrier out recently but think it may be time. I used to easily carry Stella in front of me but since she is a walker, and well over 20 pounds, I have a feeling the "easy" may no longer be part of the scenario. The thing that I like about the Ergo is that I can always change it to carry her on my hip or my back if she no longer likes the front position. I guess I will have a little bit of experimenting to do. The best part is that the only diaper bag I brought is my haute, black, patent leather Tim and Leslie. No matter what happens, it will be a treat to see my hubby carrying that through the ballpark all night. :)

Ready for the game!

I Will Wine...I am 35

Today is my 35th birthday and I am off to Napa with the hubby for a couple days of wine tasting. Stella is staying with grandma and grandpa in the Bay Area where we have been since Friday. After a seven hour road trip with my poor little walker (not as easy as it used to be) I am ready to relax and wine-d on down.

This is the first trip to Napa that I have taken with my husband and I am excited to visit some of our favorite wineries, many of whom are hosting us for complimentary tastings and tours. I have been welcomed by some wonderful people, one who is a fellow haute mom. I will be meeting her personally, and she is not only the owner of one of the wineries but has also agreed to do an interview for this blog! I can't wait to share more about the wineries when I return.

So, after celebrating with my family last night, I look forward to a very beautiful and lazy Sunday in the wine country. As always, it will be difficult leaving miss Stella behind but I know she is in good hands. Will the guilty feeling of traveling without her ever go away? I will have much to share when I get back as well as some words of advice from a fellow owner of a wonderful winery! Hope all of you haute moms are having an equally wonderful Sunday!

Stella made me a birthday cake at day care!

Haute Mom Dilemma #48 ~ We Are Family

Family is always that double edge sword; you love them so much but they sure can drive you nuts. No matter how we feel about our family growing up, the importance of family really does come out when you have your own child. Most of my family lives 400 miles away with the exception of my brother. It never gets old watching Stella interact with her grandparents, aunt, and uncle.

It has been weighing heavily on me knowing that Stella is about to lose regular time with her Uncle Jordan. He is moving to the Czech Republic next week to play in a European hockey league. This has been his dream for many years and as big sister, I am so happy and excited for him. There is a huge part of me that feels as though a part of me is going away and I ache that Stella will no longer have her uncle around on a regular basis.

As a first time mom with no immediate family nearby, I work to get over the fact that Stella does not have my family close. She does get to see my parents once a month and we all try to Skype on a regular basis. The thing I've come to learn is that family is all around and blood relation doesn't have to be the most important factor. Stella has "relatives" all around her and thanks to our fantastic friends, we have that same support as those with family close by. We sure will miss Uncle Jordan though (me especially). I guess a European vacation is in our future.

Stella and Uncle Jordan

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Haute Mom Will Travel

Now that it's July, summer is definitely under way.  Our summer plans for traveling are less than usual but there are a few fun trips that we have planned this summer; both family and adult only.  I just got back from our first trip of the summer, a work trip that I was able to combine with a small family getaway.  Haute moms always see the potential in work travel right?  Well potential and a kind boss...

I always have been an overpacker.  The sole reason for this is because I never know what I am going to want to wear.  A one night trip can easily call for three possible outfits and at least two pairs of shoes.  Add your little ones clothing options as well and we almost need cargo van for me and Stella.  I know that I have to get used to traveling with a little one and it is a learning in process thing for sure. 

Stella enjoying her very LARGE and rather
 PRICEY bowl of morning fruit.

Some things I learned from my trip to San Diego:

• Bring some of your own food for your kids - hotel food is expensive and they definitely don't have those healthy options readily available like you have at home.
• Consider asking for a corner room - we brought Stella's Pack and Play and this was Motel 6 compared to the comfy king size bed hubby and I had for ourselves.  Poor thing had to stare at us all night because of the room constraints.  It was torture for her to sleep in there when we were close by in a bed of our own.  We almost thought about putting it in the bathroom...not kidding.
• When or if you (haute mom) have to work, do not leave hubby in charge of packing up and getting ready for check-out.  I did this only to come in 15 minutes until check out time to find him napping with Stella and NOTHING had been packed.  I shoulda known better...

The next trip we are taking is in a couple of weeks for my birthday so Haute Mom will be traveling again and learn a few more things I'm sure!

Stella's First Camping Trip

I have been a little absent from the blogging world for a few days but with good reason. I had to prepare for Stella's first camping trip to beautiful South Carlsbad State Beach!

You may be wondering how a slightly compulsive mom like myself could deal with not only camping (dirt) but beach camping (sand) and I must say, it challenged every part of me. It was, however, totally worth it to see Stella run around and explore, smile and laugh. Her greatest thrill was sitting in the dirt and running her hands back and forth to create a dust cloud. How she is my child is still a wonderment sometimes. I got through it by bringing Stella plenty of clothes and shoes (5 pairs) so that when the dirt got too much for me, I just changed her. Stella was nicknamed Imelda Marcos by surrounding campsites. You gotta take a little bit of the haute mom camping, don't you?

The sun came out for the weekend so we were also able to get Stella to the beach. My brave little girl had a blast standing in the surf, letting the waves wash up. She had so much fun that I finally had to pull her out after noticing that her lips were turning blue.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip. We camp in our 1969 Apache Pop-up Trailer that belonged to my grandparents, so this trip marked the beginning of the third-generation of campers. Although I was still scrubbing dirt out of Stella's nails last night and a pile of sand fell out of one of her pairs of shoes this morning, I see a future of many more trips to come.

"Relaxing"

Wow! What a view to wake up to!

Heading to the beach

Lovin' the surf

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Lazy Sunday - Disneyland!

I was never sure when it would be appropriate to bring Stella to Disneyland but figured we had a few more years to wait. That is until I spoke with my friend and mommy blogger Lisa Robertson over at Babes in Disneyland. She assured me that all ages can enjoy Disneyland and that there were plenty of places for the littlest ones to enjoy. Being that we live 30 minutes away, my husband and I braved it out.

Stella had an amazing time! Watching her face light up as we went on the rides was one of those moments as a parent that I will never forget. Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and Stella's personal favorite, Its a Small World. She danced a clapped through the whole thing!

The experience was so amazing that my husband and I bought season passes so that we could take her more often. That is where we spent our Sunday aftetnoon yesterday. I must admit that I had a little help with me on my first couple visits; a book Babes in Disneyland written by Lisa to help families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

The Babes in Disneyland book is a great guide for how to plan your time at Disneyland and includes tips and hints to the best places in the park for families with little ones. She writes about the services and amenities in each "land" including the most family friendly restrooms and restaurants. The book also has details for guests with special needs including special accomodations and food allergies.

Lisa knows the ins and outs of the park - she is a former tour guide and writer for the Disneyland Resort and continues to work very closely with them. She wrote the book with first time visitors, families who visit the resort infrequently, and those fans that have to switch from sans kids to baby mode (me) in mind. The book is a MUST for making the most of your Disneyland visit!

Stella had a great time!

She just couldn't let her balloon go!

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Lazy Sunday

This lazy Sunday post is coming from Mammoth Lakes, CA. We took our first family ski trip to one of our favorite ski resorts. I have been a passholder at this mountain for years and sat out last season since I was pregnant. It was good to be back. Hubby and I struggled with the logistics of skiing and watching a nine month old. Many of the couples we know simply take turns watching the baby and skiing but what fun is that? I know beggars can't be choosers but it was important to us to ski together since that is one of the hobbies that we enjoy doing together. At the end of the day, we decided to bring the nanny with us. Although our price of travel increased, it was well worth it. We got to have a great weekend skiing together without worrying about the other person watching the baby. Stella was in good hands while we were on the mountain. This is definitely not something we could afford to do all the time but I guess in the spirit of the weekend, we splurged. Happy Valentine's Day weekend to all you haute moms. I hope you find some quality time with your significant others...or at least a fabulous box of chocolates.

Haute Mom Dilemma #31 ~ Bringing Baby

Now that Stella is just about nine months old we have gotten to the point where we are taking her with us to most places. The usual shopping and restaurant experiences can be done without a hitch and hubby and I are venturing on to more daring outings. This weekend we are going skiing for the first time in two years and I can’t wait to get into my ski outfits. Yup, I said outfits.

The most recent grand outing was to the Farmers Insurance Open, which is a golf tournament that is held in San Diego. This is one of those tournaments that’s worth going to even though golf can be a total snoozefest to watch if you are not a fan. The ladies are dressed in the most non-golf course friendly outfits and all the big dogs play, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods (dirtbag), you name it. I had questioned my sanity in bringing Stella considering golf is one of the QUIETEST sports on earth and we had to park 15 miles away and shuttle in. There was to be no quick getaway car in case of emergency.

We got down to the tournament, which was a little over an hour away and things went without a hitch. The stroller, diaper bag, Stella’s mood, and the weather were all aligned perfectly. It was an amazing family day.

This got me thinking…what places are truly “kid friendly”? I thought it may be inappropriate to bring a baby to a professional golf tournament. After looking up details, I learned that they actually do a lot to accommodate kids. What about things like wine tasting? I know people that bring their kids to wineries and then I have others say how inappropriate it is. Concerts? Plays? Movie theaters? I am not saying I would bring Stella to any of these but I would be lying if I said I had never thought about it. When does bringing baby cross the line?

 

Thirsty girl

View of the fairway

Tuckered out

Enjoying the fun

Haute Mom Dilemma #19 ~ Leaving Baby - The Final Installment

So less than 24 hours ago I was in Boston and now I am back in my role as mommy. The grandparents are on their way home to San Francisco and the only remnant of mommy's trip away is my beloved backstage pass to the Dave Matthews concert. One of the things that is most comforting is how quickly mother and baby can come back together without a hitch, as if they were never apart.

I left off with trying to figure out how to get my pumped BM back to Los Angeles. I pumped all day Wednesday and packed my BM in a lunch sac filled with Ziploc baggies of hotel ice. I store my BM in the Medela storage bags so I already had those with me. I was able to fit five bags in the lunch sac, surround them with the ice. I then put the lunch sac in the dry clean bag from the hotel and tied it up. My homemade package was tucked neatly in my suitcase. I got to the airlines and the Grinch-like American Airlines employee checked us in and threw my suitcase on the conveyor belt. My hopes immediately diminished - Operation BM was not looking so great. I had called American Airlines prior to leaving and they assured my that there were outlets on the plane which would allow me to pump and at least bring that BM home with me. This was NOT true and the flight was agony. The good news is when I landed, my suitcase was completely dry. Operation BM was a success and I was able to bring almost five bottles worth home.

Overall, my quick trip across the country was a good one. I missed Stella terribly but know that the night away was good for all of us. I intend to write a few letters to both American Airlines and TSA about this situation. I know they have to do what they can for security but moms who BF should not have to deal with this in any situation. In the meantime, I will not be flying without Stella, and I think she is happy about that!

Haute Mom Dilemma #19 - Leaving Baby Part 2

It is Wednesday morning and I have been away from Stella for over 24 hours. Yesterday I snuck away in the early morning darkness to catch my flight to Boston. I stole a couple kisses from my sleeping baby and disappeared into the night. I felt sad on the way to the airport but with the craziness of checking-in and airport security, my mind was filled with other thoughts. I had a video of Stella laughing on my phone and decided it would be helpful to watch her while I was waiting for our flight to board. BIG MISTAKE. I immediately started crying. Not sniffly crying, like when you get choked up about something but CRYING like when you are PMS-ing and you see a Hallmark or Folgers commercial (Remember that one where the college son comes home and surprises his family on Christmas morning? Yea, I have goosebumps right now.) My brother walked up to us and said he saw me and thought, "Oh, oh. Something just happened while I was gone and I am not going to say one word." The tears were flowing while I boarded, during take-off, and still three hours later when I was landing in Chicago for our layover. Once I checked in with my parents, and they sent some pictures, I finally was able to relax. I am sure the beer I had during lunch didn't hurt either.

I went wandering through the airport looking for a place to pump...yes, and dump. According to American Airlines I am not allowed to carry breastmilk on the plane unless I was traveling with a baby. TSA did say I could take milk on the place but it would have to be frozen. Since I didn't happen to bring my freezer with me, I decided I was going to have to dump this liquid gold until I could figure something else out. Since airports aren't exactly private, I chose to wait to pump on the plane. The nice flight attendants allowed me to use the back row and once they figured out how to turn the outlets on I was good to go. (Did you know there were outlets under each seat? I didn't. Pretty cool though.) Thanks American Airlines flight attendants for making it the friendly skies!

After checking in to the hotel, we went to a nice dinner and then partied like rockstars at the Dave Matthews concert (enter teenage fan scream here). I love Boston! We were able to have access to the backstage area, the VIP lounge, and also had amazing seats. It was a great time! After the show I checked in on grandma and grandpa who assured my all was good on the homefront.

Fast forward to now. I am getting ready to pack up and head back home. Who thought it would go this fast? I am so excited to get back to Stella and feel very fortunate having my family to take care of her while I was gone. It was a good test for me, and for her. Looks like mommy and baby passed. Now, I am off to go formulate a plan to bring home some breastmilk. I am actually considering packing it in my suitcase in bags of ice....Hmmmmmm.

Here are a couple pics from the side stage viewing area:

Haute Mom Dilemma #19 - Leaving Baby Part 1

Haute moms, I need you now. Please come in full force and bring your haute powers. I am leaving my baby tomorrow for approximately 40 hours and I am feeling a little, well, panicked. This post is labeled in parts because I know that there will probably be a number of entries in the next 40 hours where I will feel the need to blog. My flight leaves in 12 hours and I feel like a brick is sitting on my chest. Oh wait, that may be Stella sleeping.

I have a favorite band. Not favorite like, "Oh they are really good" favorite but FAVORITE like 14-year-old Justin Bieber "aaaaaaaaahhh!!!!" favorite. The band is the Dave Matthews Band and I have seen them eight times, since I became pregnant with Stella. Stella has seen them six times in utero. Overall, I have seen them over 50 times.

For that reason, and a small work venture, I am flying from California to Boston to see the Dave Matthews Band...backstage passes baby. You know it would have to be big for me to leave Stella behind. I even thought about bringing her but figured logistically, that would be unfair to her. My parents, as mentioned in my last post, will be taking care of her. I have to pack and do some things because our flight leaves at 6 a.m. but can't stand to put her down long enough to do much of anything.

On a separate note, I called American Airlines (had to because they cancelled our flight - argh) and talked to them about traveling with my breastpump and pumped milk. They told me that I was not allowed to travel back with the milk I pump while I am gone. Apparently, having my baby with me is proof that it is real milk but traveling without a baby means it could be anything. The kind lady did tell me I could check the milk in for an extra baggage fee. Gee thanks. Um, what exactly am I supposed to do? All of you pumping moms out there know the stuff is like gold! Can this really be the rules?!

Well, I will keep you posted but for now I am going to pack, starting with my travel pack of kleenex since I am sure I will be blubbering all the way to the airport...and to Boston for that matter. I hope I can clean myself up long enough to fulfill one of my lifelong dreams, being backstage at a Dave Matthews concert. I keep telling myself to be strong, kind of like the end of the Karate Kid when Daniel-son is trying to get up off the mat. I know I can do it - send me some haute vibes ladies.