Achilles' First Vacation

If you're like me and almost every other female I know, then packing and getting ready for vacation turns into a never ending quest for you too.  Trying to leave the house clean, putting together outfits in your head and still stuffing things into your luggage as you're walking out the door.  If like me you are also a mom traveling with a baby, take that stress and multiply it by ten.  From diapers to all types of "just in case" ointments to car seat and stroller; by the time we were done packing it felt more like we were moving than going on vacation.

Once we were finally boarded, the fear of Achilles crying incessantly due to the pressure crept in but as advised, I breastfed him while departing and during landing and he literally slept like a baby through most of the ride.

Finally in Dominican Republic, Achilles who wouldn't stop smiling and laughing with my parents was apparently as ready as we were to enjoy our vacation; taking in as much of the car ride view as he could stay awake for.

Even away from home, we were lucky enough to have him stick to his routine of sleeping through the night and waking up between 7-8am.  Happy as ever!  [TIP: unless baby sleeps in bed with you, make sure your room has a crib or portable play pen where baby can sleep comfortably.  Also, don't forget his favorite blanket to make him feel at home.]

Enjoying breakfast with Abuelito!

Until right before vacation, Achilles' diet was mainly breast milk and simple one ingredient foods but I knew I wanted to give my parents the chance to experience as many firsts as possible with Achilles which is why we waited until vacation to start having him eat more like us.  From home style oatmeal to sancocho, he loved it all!  And he also got to experience his first time sitting in a high chair.

After his poolside naps and lounging time, Achilles would make it very clear to us that he was ready for some water fun.  Pulling his floatie to him until we would get the hint.  [TIP: Make sure baby's floatie is comfortable and safe enough that he can have a little freedom in the water.]

Once you become parents you know how hard it is to squeeze in alone time.  Making time for your partner is always important but I think never more than after having a baby.  You have to keep the love ignited and remind each other that before baby, it was just the two of you.  The perk of this being a family vacation was that we got to escape a little and have a few moments for ourselves while Achilles got to really enjoy fun time with Mamita, Abuelito and the rest of the fam.

My most treasured vacation moments were without a doubt all the quality family time (even though we were missing a few of them).  I've always been extremely family-oriented but nothing like having a baby to remind you just how important it is to cherish every moment.

I don't know if it was the Dominican cuisine, the swimming or the excitement of being on vacation but our baby started crawling, standing up and even trying to walk!

After the resort, we got to spend another week at my parents home in the countryside which was just perfect.  Achilles got to meet more family members and even though he won't remember anything about his first trip to his Abuelito's homeland, he'll have the pictures and all the stories about how amazing his vacation really was.