WARNING: TMI POST (too much information in some places, proceed with caution and an open mind)
While traveling to Virginia with dog and baby in 100 degree heat, we needed to stop to eat. We couldn't leave Mia in the car to dine inside a restaurant. There isn't much to eat between Richmond and Harrisonburg besides McDonald's and we just aren't that desperate. I know we sound really snobby here, but yes, we are currently above Big Macs and Super Sized items. I prefer to save my cheating for items I truly love. So clearly the best option was to stop at Monticello and dine on the patio where we all could sweat together. I made a quick call to inquire about pets on the property. Dog friendly grounds but no pets inside the home. Well duh lady, I think TJ would roll over in his grave when Mia peed all over his rug he sent over from France. Mia would be disappointed but hopefully just being on the President's grounds would count as something she could check off her bucket list. We are really trying to make her last days count.
Only a few miles off the highway we went. We arrived, unpacked the girls and made our way up to the patio outside the cafe. Mia paced back and forth on the patio, lapped up too much water, then threw up. I probably shouldn't write this but it happened....she also pooped on the patio. Dumb us, that is why she was pacing back and forth and breathing like it was 100 degrees outside...not because it actually was 100 degrees and her poor fur made it more like 115. This entire time Leighton sat above her in the high chair giggling and sweetly eating her snacks, cheeks getting redder by the moment. Stuart and I scarfed down our lunches but enjoyed this memory in the making. 45 minutes later we got back on the road. But not before I learned another parenting lesson. I had sent Stuart to the car with Mia to load her up and cool off the car. I took L to the family bathroom to change her. Then I realized I needed to use the bathroom. Uh oh. I was not going to put that beautiful, innocent, sweet baby girl down on the bathroom floor. I would wet myself before ever doing that. You can't leave a baby on the changing table so I had to hold her and balance myself very carefully. This is the exact reason I don't make long trips with her solo. So we leave the bathroom and I head off for the car but the moment we leave the restrooms there sat Stuart and Mia. They decided to wait for us in case we needed anything. What awesome husband....just wished I had known!
By the way, I am used to car trips where you stop once. Gas, restroom, food breaks all in one stop. Now it is...I change the baby while Stuart walks Mia, trade off holding the baby so we can go to the restroom. Feed the baby and sit patiently while she eats, buckle her in and off we go. Stops seem to take 30 minutes. Then we have to stop to eat. Then we need gas. Then Leighton needs to eat again and Mia has to pee. Holy cow, a 4.5 hour trip just became a 7 hour ride. But we made it to Virginia and we all were ready to stretch and relax!
Here is our car ride home from Virginia.
This was a 30 minute layover at a rest stop.
Leighton's only chance to get out of her seat for a bit.
Posts
