On Travelling with a Newborn

Newborns are difficult to schedule, or time. You cannot tell a newborn "I know you are hungry, but if you can just wait 10 more minutes." They yell at you and call you nasty names in baby-ese. This weekend, I believe Mina called me an "evil milk-smuggling nourishment-hoarder" in baby-speak.

The place where we stayed for the weekend (my mom's house) is about an hour from the venues we were to visit this weekend. Mina eats about every 2 hours during the day, and it takes her approximately 30 minutes to eat a full meal. Do the math on that... If we leave the moment she finishes nursing and drive one full hour to a restaurant- that means 3o minutes after we arrive, Mina will be looking for boob. And then 2 hours later she will be doing it again. I found this slightly overwhelming. I don't like hearing my child cry out of hunger. It is a desperate "why do you hate me mommy?" kind of cry. I like to catch her with the earlier signals- chewing of hands and smacking of lips... This is hard to do when she is being passed around and snuggled by people other than me.

One of the results of our long trek was Mina getting hungry en route to our destination. Ugg. It was horrible. So in a strike of "I have to feed my kid," I managed to lean over her seat and feed her IN THE CAR. (Damon was driving.) It was one of those moments where I was thankful for my large (somewhat pendulous) breasts.

Thankfully, Mina survived and really did quite well. Last night she was a bit fussy and had a hard time going to sleep, but that can happen when little ones get overstimulated. The plus side was that she went 5 hours between feedings. She slept well. It was a welcome change. Though my boobs did feel a bit like they were going to explode by the time she finally was awake enough to eat.

So our trip went great. It really did. We got to see our friends and had some quality family time. That being said I have to complain about one (non baby related) thing. GAS PRICES. Granted, in my mind fossil fuels should be expensive. You should have to think before using them. But additional expense to line someone's overflowing pockets- when there are not many other cost effective and environmentally sound options? Anywhoo- Visiting my mom and friends cost us $80 in gas in a fairly fuel efficient car. This could be cost prohibitive eventually. And frustrating. $80 is A LOT when you are on a budget. Ugg.

Here is hoping for world peace and safer, healthier, and more affordable fuel options. At least by the time Mina learns to drive.