New York Nanny Center » Vacation

Henry Goes to the Beach

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 11:16:51 +0000

Every summer for over twenty years I have gone “Up North” to Harbor Springs, Michigan. Spending summers there is something I am very grateful for. I’ve made new friends over the years, catch up with old friends, experience new things, and, in most recent years, spend extended time with my family. This experience has become even more special since Henry has come into the picture.

Our family.. plus a little too much ice cream

Living in Chicago comes with many advantages. There’s an abundance of culture, people, and endless amounts of “things to do.” However, it can also be very busy, overly structured, fast-paced, and stressful. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE CHICAGO, but taking a break every summer is awesome!

Henry relaxing and enjoying a nice snack on the beach

Last summer was the first summer Henry was exposed to parts of my childhood. It was fun–he learned to walk, ate sand for the first time, and dipped his toes in the Michigan side of Lake Michigan. This summer is even better! Henry is sturdy on his feet and has said new words like “beach”, “watermelon”, “boat”, and “bug-gy.” His eyes light up when he realizes he’s on his way to the beach. He’s not afraid of the water, loves to chase the birds, and has tripled his vocabulary since arriving. I’m thankful for this time and sharing these new experiences with him.

Our little man goes kayak shopping

I am also grateful for my husband. Without his hard-work, understanding, and love for his wife and child, we would not be able to spend such a long period of time in Michigan. We are grateful when “dada” can be with us, but appreciate the sacrifices he makes so we can spend extensive time at the beach. We love you, Dada (Bob!). Henry is also lucky that he gets to spend a week in South Haven, Michigan with his Chicago family. He is surrounded by people who love him and want him to be part of old family traditions. Sharkball, Lobster Parties, and dipping your toes in the lake aren’t a bad way to spend your summer!

We’re so blessed in our life and look forward to all the new experiences and memories we will create as he gets older.

Happy Summer!

-Maureen is a Sitter2Mom, a working woman (our Chicago City Coordinator), and mother of Henry!

Taking a Break from Wedding Planning

Lindsay Bell — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 13:16:38 +0000

My daughter’s wedding is a month away; most of the planning is complete and we are just waiting on the response cards that are past due. So I felt this was my last chance to escape for a few days before the hustle and bustle of the wedding to hang with friends. Finding a dress for the rehearsal dinner was an objective to complete on my trip, or in layman’s terms, I needed an excuse to go shopping with two shopaholics, also known as my bff and sister-in-law.

We are always trying to find bargains and all have a potpourri of coupons, so it’s always fun to count our savings. We all took dresses in to try on, as everyone had an occasion to buy a cocktail dress, only to decide on the same dress as our favorite. Like triplets, we marched up to the counter and purchased the same dress in three different sizes. Objective complete as long as the ordered dress is delivered and fits!

-Mama Bell

A Weekend Away

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 07 May 2014 14:46:58 +0000

Before I was a mother, I couldn’t understand friends’ hesitation at leaving their kids for a weekend. I thought, “Can’t their other parent watch them?” “Won’t it be good to have a break?” “It’s just one weekend!” As with most parenting subjects, I was clueless. Now, I understand.

I just made my first solo trip since my daughter was born, and if it wouldn’t have required a complete packing overhaul involving a much larger suitcase and waking her up in the middle of the night to get her things, I probably would have given into my nerves at the last minute and taken her with me.

In my daughter’s 15 months on this planet, I have left her overnight with her grandparents just one time and my husband and I couldn’t get home fast enough we missed her so much. However, that time my husband and I were just a quick 50 minute drive from home. This weekend I needed to fly hours away….there would be no quick return if I missed her, if she had a meltdown or worse, an emergency. What’s more, in her first few months of life I was working so she was used to me leaving now and again. Now I’m a stay at home mom so she is with me all the time! And let’s be honest, I’m with her all the time. I was just as worried about myself as I was about her.

The truth of the matter is, I was attending a funeral…not ideal for a newly walking toddler who explores everywhere and comments on everything, we have also just made the tricky transition from two naps to one and sleep timing is critical right now so not great for a weekend of time zone changes and travel during bed times, and she is cutting THREE molars. It just seemed a better idea for her to stay at home with my husband on her turf with her schedule in tact.

Let me tell you, it turned out to be a fantastic idea for everyone! My husband and daughter had a wonderful weekend together going to parks, playrooms, and restaurants, on walks, shopping for flowers and simply hanging out at home. These three days of uninterrupted daddy/daughter time were particularly priceless because he works such long hours that he sometimes doesn’t get to see her for days in a row. The first thing he said to me upon my return is, “Our daughter is amazing.” Of course he already knew this, but being the only one with her all day long allows you to take in every magical moment. And those moments are non-stop. So for me, this weekend was about pausing.

I learned that no matter how much you love your child, a little break can be a good thing. On the plane I read magazines that had been collecting dust by my bed for months, I ate meals before they were cold, I worked out in the hotel gym, I had conversations with adults, I wore a dress with heels and makeup and I even stayed out past 7pm one night! I also talked non-stop about my daughter, showed her pictures to people, pumped every six hours and video chatted with her each day. I missed her like crazy, but I took advantage of my mommy time. It was a little recharge that every mom can use. So while I now understand the hesitation to take some time alone, I also understand the benefits. And when my little peanut woke up an hour earlier than normal on the morning I returned home, there was no waiting to see if she fell back asleep, I ran right in and hugged her….I don’t think either of us could wait a minute longer!

-Jolynn Baca Jaekel has been a fitness professional for more than a decade. Her first child, Parker, just turned a year old this January. Jolynn, her husband Rob, and Parker recently relocated from NYC to Washington D.C.

Henry in Hawaii

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 17:33:39 +0000

When your parents offer to take you to Maui, you don’t turn it down, even if it you have to travel all that way with a very energetic 14-month old! Bob and I thought long and hard about how we were going to keep Henry happy, comfortable, and entertained for a 15 hour travel day. We purchased him his own seat, bought new toys and books for the airplane ride, planned our lunch/dinner breaks, and trained him to want to watch Bubble Guppies quietly on our iPads (even though I said I’d never be “that parent”!)—you’re welcome, fellow passengers. The anticipation for the trip was far worse than what actually transpired. The first half of the trip from Chicago to LA was the hardest part. Henry wanted to sleep but it was a daytime flight with a lot of announcements and movement in the plane. Oh well! We met up with my parents and brother and sister-in-law in LA and Henry was pumped to see his family! Everyone took a turn running with him around the airport and keeping him entertained. Bob and I appreciated the help! The second half he slept the whole way–way to go, Hank!

Henry on his first plane ride!

Henry surprisingly adjusted to the time difference with no problems. I think he knew that he had a fun day at the pool planned and didn’t want to miss it. Traveling with a child definitely changes the dynamic of a vacation, but it’s an entirely different kind of fun. Watching him splash around in the pool and play in the sand was awesome. He had a blast and never wanted to get out of the pool. The most challenging part was getting him to sit still long enough to lather him up with sunscreen! We visited the Maui Aquarium, took long walks on the beach, and went to some really cool parts of Maui–Henry loved it all! Especially all the whales jumping out of the water.

Henry splish splashin’

Thanks to the concierge in Maui, we were hooked up with the Lucky Lil Darlings of Maui called The Nanny Connection. They provided us with two amazing sitters for our time in Hawaii. I was so thankful for Andrea and Audrey so that we could go out for dinner and have some child-free adult time! My uncle Bill came from Oahu to visit us in Maui. It was so great to see him after 3 years! Henry immediately bonded with him and the two formed a fast friendship. We can’t wait to go back and visit him again soon! Everyone in Hawaii was so friendly and accommodating to us. We LOVED it there and can’t believe the trip is over!

Henry soaking up the last bit of sun before heading back to chilly Chicago

Getting back to Chicago in the middle of the “Polar Vortex” was challenging. Our flight from LA to Chicago was cancelled on Sunday and we had to find a hotel room in LA for the night. I’ve never been so thankful for having such a “chill” child. He handled the travel delays and change of plans/airlines like a champ. My husband wanted to get home but I enjoyed the extra day in the sun. We were able to meet up with an old friend in Manhattan Beach for lunch and enjoyed the unavoidable travel delay. Despite not having a good rest in over 15 hours, Henry enjoyed himself too! I’m so proud and thankful for his calm, happy demeanor. He made a really stressful, chaotic situation tolerable.

We’re back in cold Chicago and getting back into our regular routine! Aloha!

-Maureen is a sitter2mom, our Chicago City Coordinator, and proud mother of Henry!

P.S. Post-it Notes are an awesome quiet activity for a toddler. Henry stuck those things ALL OVER! (Mahalo, Cosette and all those who provided us with entertainment).

Summer Vacation (Post-Baby)

Alison Gore — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 19:56:46 +0000

The two words teachers love the most are “Summer Vacation.” In fact, one of the reasons that I became a teacher was so I could enjoy two months of vacation from work. Every summer for the past 18 years I have gone to Harbor Springs, Michigan and had the best time. I could sleep in late, go play tennis, lounge at the beach and read fluffy books, and stay up with friends to the early morning hours. Well….things are a little different now with baby Henry joining me!

I wake up every morning by 6:30am, give Henry a bottle, take out the dog, play with the baby, feed the baby breakfast, change him and put him down for a nap. All before 9am! Then I have to make the decision if I’m going to go play tennis (while my saint of a mother watches the baby), take a nap, or be productive. Nine times out of 10, I choose to go back to sleep! Hey… It’s vacation after all!

When Henry wakes up I usually spend the next 45 minutes getting him ready to go to the beach. Swim diaper (please don’t poop!), sunscreen, rash guard-check! Beach toys, beach blanket, water, sun hat-check! Long gone are the days of meandering down the path with a magazine, beach towel, and sun screen. I feel like Mary Poppins. You’d be amazed at the things I’ve pulled out of my beach bag this summer!

FINALLY we make it down to the beach. It takes an army of at least 3 to get all the chairs, umbrellas, bags, coolers, baby, and other junk down to the beach. It’s quite an event! We are in walking distance to the beach, but the thought of having to trek back up to the house because I forgot something is unimaginable!

Me and Henry soaking up the sun

We sit down, Henry plays on the beach blanket for about 5 minutes before deciding he wants to crawl down to the water. Up I go! Following him around and wiping his face every time he decides the sand looks “good enough to eat!” Wipe, rinse, repeat! An hour later (if we make it that long) it’s time to take all the baby stuff back up so he can take his afternoon nap. At this point I’m exhausted and so very thankful I have my family there to help! I laugh at my unopened book laying in my beach bag. It leers at me like, “Ha! You thought you’d actually get to read me today?!”

Oh well…one look at my smiling baby’s face and I know all the hassle of packing and getting to and from the beach is worth it! Happy baby means a happy mommy!

Beach baby

(I really must give a shout out to my family, especially “Granny” for helping me all summer—I’ve managed to read a couple books and have some uninterrupted time at the beach!)

-Maureen is the LLD Chicago City Coordinator and a new mommy!

Vacation Crashers

Alison Gore — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 16:55:32 +0000

My husband and I are referring to ourselves as “vacation crashers” as we just left one daughter’s family in Cape Cod and are about to join another in DC. We are accompanying her to the Chesapeake Bay Hilton resort for a business retreat. As teachers we surely never had such an opportunity before. The resort was beautiful (even though the trip there was misguided by a GPS shouting out ridiculous commands and a hubby grumbling about I- 95 being the most miserable stretch of highway in America).

Our beautiful vacation spot

Our weekend was hot ,but we still enjoyed walks, miniature golf, swimming, breathtaking scenery and some vicious ping pong games. Of course I can’t forget to mention the delicious array of food and drink. This vacation was especially fun to crash because it ended with outlet mall shopping; It made the heat a little more bearable. We enjoyed all of the memories made and special time spent with loved ones. Let the crashing continue.

Just relaxin’ on vacation

-Mama Bell

Cruisin’ to the Cape

Alison Gore — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 16:53:47 +0000

On the road again, but this time not to babysit, we were the grandparents along for the family vacation ride. Growing up, my grandparents always were with us for family events including vacations and I loved having them along. They were the patience that counteracted my high strung father. This 14 hour trip was dotted with traffic accident jams and highway construction delays. Cape Cod was as beautiful as when we took our family there years ago.

Happy 5 months!

It’s great for families, filled with great beaches, yummy seafood, and tranquility. Our tranquility was interrupted by crying alerts, including a new tune we called “cry of the banchee” vocalized by one granddaughter. My daughter planned this trip to Nantucket, Hyannis and several local restaurants which on paper sounded great, but the reality of two 5 month olds put a damper on her itinerary. There’s always a next time though. We ate a lot of ice cream, took some lovely walks on the beach, shopped local thrift stores, enjoyed local cuisine, and made some great memories in Cape Cod 2013.

-Mama Bell

Diaper Diaries Week 6

Alison Gore — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:14:12 +0000

‘Twas the night before Easter and all through our house

Every relative was stirring, hopefully not a mouse

The baskets were all hidden around with great care

In hopes that the Easter bunny would soon be there

Happy Easter!

The children were nestled all snug in their cribs, others on couches and blow-up beds

While visions of breakfast and candy eggs danced in their heads

Mom and Dad in their nightshirts, not in caps

Had just settled down to a short, spring nap

When out in the hall there arose such a clatter

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter

Away to the door I flew like a flash

Tore open the knob and out with a dash

The screams from the nursery were curdling high

What’s wrong with the babies…Oh my!

To what do my wandering eyes do appear

But two red faced babies with diapers to clear

I spoke not a word but went straight to my work

Changed all the diapers and turned with a jerk

Tucking them into their blankets I stumble back to my bed

Assuring the waking family they have nothing to dread

So family relax and go back to sleep

Get used to the new sounds ,you’ll be hearing them all week

Mama Bell tucks herself in, the lovable terrors are out of sight

Happy Easter to all and to all a good night.

-Mama Bell

Vacationing with a Toddler

Alison Gore — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:30:12 +0000

After a long basketball season as a wife and daughter of a Coach, we decided to take a little vacation to Florida to reconnect as a family. Avery, who just turned 2, is now old enough where we can build excitement. We told her for weeks that we were going to Florida on an airplane to go swimming. It was as simple as that in her mind. She told everyone on the plane where we were going and what we were going to do. She was also very excited to have her very own seat on the plane.

So excited to be on vacation!

Vacationing with a toddler can be challenging…always worrying about her having a meltdown, disrupting someone on the plane or at dinner, etc. Also, her schedule is completely off, so you never know what you are going to get. But she continues to amaze us. She is having an absolute blast and going with the flow! She loves taking a spin around town in the convertible. She even made up a new song….”If you’re happy and you know it, swim, swim, swim!” And she is definitely happy since she spends ALL DAY in the pool! She loves to compare her raisin fingers to ours! While vacations are much more complicated since Avery came along, they are also much more fun. The simple joy that everyday “stuff” brings her reminds me to slow down and enjoy life to it’s fullest!

-Mindy is a former LLD sitter and lives in Chicago with her daughter and husband.

Leaving On a Jet Plane

Alison Gore — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 18:12:34 +0000

Dear Ask a Sitter,

I am starting to worry because Spring Break is so soon and we are heading off to our family vacation. And I haven’t gotten my sitter prepared for our trip and my brain is fried after figuring everything out regarding the kids, my husband, and the dog! Do you have a fabulous checklist that I can use to ease my stress?

Best,

Dying for some fun in the sun

Dear Dying for Some Fun in the Sun,

It’s hard to believe Spring Break is here! Well as per your request, we are more than happy to provide you with a easy how-to checklist for some peace and serenity before and after your fun in the sun!

And we wish you a wonderful amazing vacation,

Renee Pena

Ask A Sitter

Renee is a lifelong learner of parent’s education,creativity, special needs and early childhood. She is addicted to Pinterest, organizing, and the color purple. She is honored to be a guest blog for LLD as their go to sitter expert via #AskaLLDSitter. Renee is currently working on an upcoming blog on education, you may follow her launch and tips on Reneepedia. You can also chat with her via twitter at @enrichingkids.