San Diego Getaway

It was 9:00am and we were nearing the end of our one hour flight to Minneapolis. Evelyn had been a perfect and happy little traveler until the flight attendant spoke over the intercom... Evelyn screamed a loud piercing scream until the attendant stopped, then the second her voice came back on Evelyn started up again. I can't even tell you how close I was to requesting that they turn down the dang volume!

We arrived at our gate in the Minneapolis airport with one hour to kill until a four hour flight to San Diego. By this point I was on the verge of tears having the thoughts: never again flying by myself with a baby, this was a mistake. I said many sincere prayers and asked that Jay would do the same on our behalf, took a few deep breaths, then boarded the plane. We got to our seat and a kind lady sitting across from us said, "OH if you need someone to hold her, oh, you just let me know!" Fellow passengers were drooling over Evelyn, commenting on what a happy baby she was and offering to help in any way they could. The extra assistance wasn't necessary because Evelyn was totally happy on this flight, but everyone's patience and understanding was much appreciated. It had been a couple days since little Ev had pooped and I predicted a major blowout on the airplane. And what do ya know, at the end of the flight we were making our way to the back of the plane for a diaper change. Before walking into the tiny airplane bathroom the flight attendant apologized, "This is one of the few planes without a diaper changing station, I'm so sorry!" Of course. In the middle of changing a poopy diaper on the lid of the toilet seat I heard the seat belt sign turn on and the captain announce our descent. OF COURSE. While trying to keep my balance AND keep Evelyn steady on the seat, I smiled and laughed at our little predicament. Evelyn caught on and gave me a big smile in return. We made it back to our seat just before the plane landed safely at the San Diego airport.

Jess and her cute babies picked us up and it was the sweetest reunion! Wyatt sat between the two baby girls and just loved every second of it. Such a boyfriend. (There were a total of four car seats in that van.)

It took Evelyn a few days to adjust to pacific standard time. On Sunday she was up at 4:30am ready to roll. Monday was 5:30am, and during the rest of the week she was up between 6:00am and 7:00am. Pretty brutal since I was up way late every night. It did mean that we got to watch the sunrise a few times which I can't complain about.

 I'm pretty confident Evelyn had a blast staying at the Parks' and playing with her cousins. She was always happy and always entertained.

Taylor is such a good little mommy and was so helpful with Evelyn. She was up early with us most mornings and every time Evelyn woke from a nap Taylor would jump up and offer to grab her from the pack n' play.

Fascinated by uncle Nate's beard.

Playing with (or eating?) Grammy's puppies.

Callie & Evelyn

Callie: two months old. Evelyn: five months old. They were on opposite sleep schedules nearly the whole week and interaction mostly consisted of Evelyn trying to eat Callie, but it was such a dream to see these baby cousins together.

Del Mar Beach | August 17th

Beach trips aren't what they used to be. I spent more time in the shade and less time in the water. Although I did manage a couple dips in the ocean which I am grateful for. The first part of the day was perfect and Evelyn loved soaking her toes in the ocean for the first time. Because Evelyn is used to napping in her crib and also because of the time difference, things got a little rough around 4:00pm (7:00pm EST, which is bedtime). She was SO tired and fussy but I had no quiet or dark place to lay her down. After feeding her and walking her along the beach, she finally cried herself to sleep in my arms. So heartbreaking. I had hope things would get better as she adjusted to the time zone.

Harbor House Cafe, Oceanside | August 18th

Me, Evelyn, and mom met Kari and Bonnie for brunch. 

Del Mar Beach | August 18th

Hoping to make for a more pleasant beach experience this time around, when Evelyn acted tired I fed her then laid her in the car seat covered up with her binky-bear. She went right to sleep and then did the same thing a few hours later. We had a full day at the beach- I got to swim in the ocean, lay out in the sun, and Evelyn was happy because she got proper rest. Such a relief!

Evelyn's First Swim | August 19th

California Pizza Kitchen, Temecula | August 19th

Me, Evelyn, mom, dad, Steph, and Luke met Rich, Renee, and Marin for dinner.

The Mall | August 21st

Grandma's | August 21st

Grandma just moved into a new assisted living facility developed by Matt and his business partner. The place is gorgeous and we of course enjoyed our visit with grandma.

Del Mar Beach | August 22nd

Flying Home | August 23rd

Luckily when flying back to Michigan we get the long flight out of the way first. Overall Evelyn was a good traveler, she never really cried but was a bit antsy so we got out of our seat and walked the aisle of the plane a few times. Again, fellow passengers were so patient and kind as they offered their assistance and commented on how darling Evelyn was.
 

It always takes a couple days to adjust after a San Diego trip. I miss staying up late chatting and giggling with my sisters, being with the rest of the family, eating good food, going swimming, and going to the beach. But I missed Jay like crazy! He was so selfless letting me and Evelyn go off and play while he stayed at home and worked long hours. I felt guilty for taking his baby girl away from him for a whole week, though it made the most precious reunion.