Well our first vacation as a family was a success… although I fully understand why my mom friends say when you travel with kids it’s a “trip” and not a vacation. I had no idea just how much work it would be to fly and be in a totally new environment with such a little baby.
We met a lot of people there with small children and there were two main schools of thought on traveling with babies: 1. It’s so much easier when they’re little like Amalia because they can’t crawl/run around yet and all they do is sleep (ha!), and 2. Wow, you are so brave to be here with her.
I think I actually fall somewhere in the middle. It was totally manageable but also very hard. As soon as we wrapped our heads around our new way of traveling, the trip was over. But I’m so glad we did it because I feel way more prepared for the next one.
It was also great to have have the flight to Bermuda as our first because it was so short and easy. Ok easy might not be a word I would use for traveling with an infant, but in comparison to other flights, it was pretty great. She didn’t sleep much on the way there or back, but she also didn’t cry so we took that as a win.
The first day there, after an early wake up and her very first flight, she was a little off and had a hard time going down for naps probably because she was overtired. By Sunday, she was totally back on schedule and her happy little self. It was so fun to put her feet in the pool and show her a new place.
We got a babysitter for two of the nights we were there so that we could go out to dinner with my family after she went down to sleep. The first night, she texted us that Amalia woke up and was crying (something she never ever does at night anymore) so I was completely freaked out and had the worst mom guilt of all time. I felt so bad leaving my baby with a complete stranger (she was recommended by the hotel and we interviewed her first), and being out without her. I cried a lot that night…
The next day was easier, she went right down and I knew there was no chance she’d wake up. I was finally able to relax and actually enjoy a night out. It ended up being so fun. I even stayed for a drink after dinner with Anel, my sister, and her fiancé Mike.
That day we also decided to stay committed to her schedule so Anel took the morning to play golf, and I spent the afternoon with my sister at the beach so that we both got some alone time, and the baby could nap at her regular times. She’s still having trouble sleeping on the go, but we’re working on it!
This was our fourth time to Bermuda and third time staying at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, so it’s become a very special place for us as a couple. To go back with my entire family and share it with them was incredible.
My Dress c/o / Amalia’s Dress c/o
Yay! I’m so glad you had a good time and it wasn’t too tough. What a wonderful time to spend with family!
Thanks Alyssa!
Thank goodness I do not have a daughter because that Lily dress and Jack Rogers sandals are just too cute!
I know, right? I could go broke just from buying baby Lilly!
I think it’s wonderful that you traveled with your daughter. I think it’s a great experience for the parents and babies to travel and try to adjust and continue doing the things parents did before baby. I know it’s hard and def not the easiest traveling with a baby but I’ve never heard anyone say they regretted going on a vacation/trip with their baby.
Thanks Krystal! I agree. It was hard but now we know so much more for next time.
You ended up keeping the red bathing suit! It looks amazing on you!!!
I’m glad the trip went relatively well. To many more family trips!!
http://www.elleisforlove.com
I’m so obsessed with it. Literally the most flattering suit I’ve ever put on my body!!
I always say traveling with kids is really hard and sometimes stressful but it’s always worth it. We also try to keep them on their nap schedule when away. Now that my son is 2.5 years old, he can sometimes skip his nap and be okay but my daughter is still too young. That’s the blessing and curse of putting them on a schedule!
I’ve got to get that suit….it’s gorgeous!
The schedule is a total blessing and curse but I still think it’s worth it for the 90% of the time when we’re home! But I also agree that even though it was hard, it was totally worth it. The memories are priceless.
This was such a great post Julia! I was so looking forward to hearing how it went! You all look beautiful and Amalia looks ADORABLE!
Aww thanks Taylor!
Thanks for sharing such an amazing trip with us 🙂
Liv
livforstyle.net
Thanks so much for sharing, what a special trip as a family!! Xx
http://www.lilyparkeast.com
It really was!
These pictures have my ovaries throbbing! Bebe in the bathing suit and then in the matching sandals with her lil toes. Ahhh!
It’s just too cute, right? I can’t handle the baby Lilly!
This is just darling! I love the matching mommy and daughter looks – SO cute!
you and your entire family look AMAZING. Happy + Healthy. What a memorable trip.
Beautiful pictures! Everyone looks so happy and relaxed. Amalia is quite photogenic!
All of these pictures are so cute! What a fun trip!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
Hi Julia! We’re thinking about doing Bermuda with a will be 10-month-old this spring and I just (re)found this post (think I remember reading about your trip when you took it!). Quick question – what did you do about traveling around the island with Amalia since you can’t rent cars there? Was it possible to strap her carseat into the shuttle in any way? Thanks so much!