Hi from Florida.
Finn and I arrived on Sunday evening to spend some time with my family. I was in desperate need of a change of scenery after a month of staring at my living room walls while breastfeeding. It’s so nice to be here.
Backing up…
As you guys know, my mom came to Charlotte last week to visit and help me with logistics of getting to Florida. After debating our options, we decided that it was best if she drove back to Florida with our stuff and I flew with Finn. We weren’t sure about braving a 10-hour road trip with a baby! I am so grateful to her for doing that for us!
She stayed from Tuesday-Saturday and before she left we went for an ice cream date on Friday to Ben & Jerry’s. I had strawberry in a waffle cone, Finn slept through it.
Saturday was my birthday. Since a birthday with a four-week old baby doesn’t exactly make for a rocking night out, Dorie surprised me by organizing my friends to bring the party to me.
Virginia made a homemade carrot cake. It was so delicious!
My friend Jen brought pizzas and Dorie made salad.
Another friend brought a dozen cupcakes from Cupcrazed.
And everyone took turns bouncing Finn so that I could have some time off from baby holding. He has been a pretty fussy lately when he’s not being held or fed. He absolutely loves to bounce so we had quite the trade-off going…it wasn’t hard to convince them to help. 😉
Other than the birthday celebration, I did a lot of walking over the weekend with the girls. It’s becoming a bit of a challenge now that the weather is getting so hot and humid but we try to get it done early or late in the day.
Our flight left on Sunday afternoon. I was so grateful to all of you who gave me wonderful travel with baby tips via Instagram. I am also beyond thankful for my friend Johnna who offered to drive us to the airport. It really helped me relax around the process knowing that I wouldn’t have to negotiate getting a car seat installed in an Uber.
Since my mom had our luggage, all I had was my backpack (functioning as Finn’s diaper bag), my purse, the car seat (with the Boppy lounger shoved into it) and Finn in the Ergo 360 with the Infant Insert. Let me tell you, I had my hands full just with that stuff. The car seat was in an oversized polyester laundry bag with a drawstring that I got at Target and I gate checked it. It arrived 100% clean and unscathed.
Two things…first, Finn did amazingly well on the flight. He cried quite a bit as we were waiting to board and finding our seat but as soon as we got going, he passed out for the duration of the trip.
Second, people are amazingly nice. I had so many strangers come up to me and offer to carry the car seat, buy me drinks/food and help with anything I needed. Once I got on board, the flight attendant moved me to an empty row without me even asking. I was very thankful for the kindness of others.
Just as we were getting off the plane, Finn started wailing! Luckily, my mom was waiting for us and she helped me get him to the car, changed and home.
The first order of business upon arriving was introducing Finn to my grandmother. It was one of the best moments of my life. I will also never forget the look on my dad’s face when he met him him for the first time!
We’ve only been here for a day and a half but we are settling in and enjoying hanging out with the company of my family. And if you’re curious…my parents retired here about 5 years ago and my grandmother moved here a little over 2 years ago. They have separate condos but in the same building…which is an awesome set up! Finn and I are staying with my grandmother.
I think Finn likes the ocean air because every time we go outside he calms down or passes out. We went for our first beach walk last night as the sun was setting and it was just what the doctor ordered.
We are so happy to be here. Later today we are going to take Finn out for his first afternoon on the beach! The pediatrician said he’s 100% good to hang out on the beach as long as he stays in the shade. I’ll report back on how that goes. I have some pretty cute hats and beach clothes for the little guy. 🙂
Oh My! Love the picture of you & Finn on the beach. Y’all look so peaceful. Enjoy your trip!!
Your support system is AMAZING! You are so loved. Enjoy your beautiful vacation and baby boy!
I’m so happy you are enjoying yourself with your family! Super impressed and proud of how well you guys handled flying! You are a pro at this mom thing 🙂 Wishing you a very happy birthday again and only good things ahead xoxox
The picture of Finn with your grandmother is the sweetest! I love the friendliness of those you encountered at the airport. The kindness of others is such a good feeling. Your friends are awesome, too!
You look so relaxed in your beach walk picture! So happy for you that you could make this trip happen. Kudos to your mom too for helping! I bet the ocean air and roar of the ocean made sweet Finn feel like he is back in your belly 🙂
Also wanted to thank you for your Spotify playlists. I am slowly getting back into running and they help so much getting me pumped and excited. Some of the songs make me think of you and Finn and when they come on, I send all the positive vibes your way. I hope they make it to you two <3
This is just the sweetest and most relaxed post!! I love the vibes coming from it and it seems like the beach was a great choice for a few days. Finn looks very content there with you! Enjoy all the family time and love and how sweet of all your friends – humans really are amazing and you are one of them and so is that little boy of yours <3
I’m so glad you’re enjoying your time with your family and I hope you are able to relax while you’re there! You deserve it!!!
You look amazing mama! I also love your sunglasses! Can you share where they’re from?
Seriously, Jen, you are a rock star! I can’t imagine taking a flight 4 weeks post C-section. I had one and barely left the couch for the first month. You make motherhood look effortless, and it looks so good on you! I hope you take some time the next few days to rest and rejuvenate with your family.
The pic of Finn and your grandmother is the sweetest thing. ❤️? And you did an amazing job at taking Finn out on his first flight!
What nursing bras/tanks are you liking? Mine are wearing out and I’m looking for new recommendations.
Way to go, team Jen & Finn! 🙂 Glad y’all survived the flight and are surrounded by the love of your family and that beautiful scenery. I’ll be in CLT for a wedding next weekend – may just have to try out that cupcake shop! They always look so good!
Happy Belated Bday Jen! So glad your flight went well and that’s so encouraging to hear about how nice/helpful people were. We are leaving tomorrow on our first flight and I have some nerves but feel much better after reading this!
My oldest daughter also refused to be put down as a newborn, and required constant movement. She also wasn’t a fan of most carriers. It was beyond exhausting and frustrating, so I feel for you. You’re entering what I have found to be the peak time (4-8 weeks) for that behavior, so hang in there, you’re doing great and will make it through, even though there may be days when it doesn’t feel like it. Luckily her baby sister is much better about occupying herself, but the newborn period has always been very challenging for me regardless. It’s wonderful how your family and friends have rallied to help you- also Finn is too funny with his facial expressions!
I was also a nervous wreck the first time I flew solo with my baby. But people we’re SO kind to me – all the things you mentioned. People offered and wanted to help, and I nearly cried I was so grateful.
Vitamin Sea looks like the best idea!!!
Looks like we’re not the only ones bouncing a fussy newborn! It is a godsend but I am also so sick of bouncing…
I live in FL and usually find the Ergo gets too hot with the infant insert. How is it working for you? It’s tolerable on walks later in the evening when it’s slightly cooler, but my baby is such a little heater that we both end up pretty sweaty most of the time!
Happy belated birthday, Jen! What wonderful friends you have—that sounds like a great celebration. Finn makes it extra special.
I guess no matter how young or old you are, the beach does a body wonders. Calms everyone down 🙂 I love your relationship with your grandmother. I just got off the phone with mine and we have such a deep bond too. She always knows what to say to make me feel loved and secure.
Happy belated birthday, Jen! So glad you get to spend time with family! xx
Jen you looked so happy and relaxed with familyWhere in Florida does your family live so gorgeous! Happy Birthday! The advice for baby away order ahead sound terrific idea so not to carry all baby stuff?????! Congrats on first flight for Finn!
They are in Fort Walton Beach on Okaloosa Island…just outside of Destin!