First Vacation without Austin (8 months and 2 weeks)

Brian and I are going on a Caribbean Cruise on the Allure of the Seas without Austin. We decided before Austin was born that we would go on vacation once a year alone. We thought it was important to focus on our marriage too. Melissa and Jonathan are going on the cruise with us. It will be fun to spend a week with them. However I am very sad to be leaving Austin at home.

Austin is our world. Everything we do these days is on Austin schedule. Many times I don't get done what I want to because I am busy playing or taking care of Austin. I would not have it any other way.



My mother in law is on her way up here to watch him most of the week. My parents have two nights with him during the week too so she can have a break. As much as I love Austin, he is a lot of work and is exhausting. He does not stop unless he is sleeping. He crawls all over the place and is always finding something to get into that he should not. He must be watched all the time.

I am excited for the Grandmas to spend more time with Austin. I know they are going to love it. However there are many times I wish Austin was going with us. Brian and I are going to try this. Hopefully everything will go well for them and Austin. Austin is usually an easy going baby however there are times he screams like crazy. It's a loud screeching scream. Those times are frustrating but I am now use to it and realize that he is fine but just usually over tired. I hope they don't have too many of those episodes.


My mom and mother in law think I am completely crazy because I have been sending them all these emails about Austin and Austin's schedule. I thought it was best to have everything in writing. This way I could tell them both at the same time. I really want Austin to keep his same schedule. He is going to be confused enough on where Mommy and Daddy are, let alone if his schedule is all messed up too. They say kids thieve on schedules so that is what I am hoping for.

Last week, Austin had a bilateral ear infection again. It's his third ear infection. Two were bilateral. Luckily he is feeling better. Austin is such a good baby even when he is sick (we took the photo of him smiling on the stairs the same night he got diagnosed with his ear infection). He did vomit some and was a little fussy but all and all it was hard to notice he was sick. I was glad I took him to the doctors though. I wanted him to be all better before we left. He had a cold for two weeks before we took him to the doctors. We don't always want to rush to the doctors because we understand kids are developing their immune system and they are going to get sick. But obviously if he continues to act sick and we think something is wrong we take him to the doctors right away.

We have to finish getting everything ready for the trip. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day and then we leave Sunday morning. We are really going to miss Austin.