I was so excited about the trip. I had never been to Destin before and was looking forward to spending time with their family. Little did I know how much I would learn about motherhood and what a difficult job it is…(More to come on that.)
Mary C’s in laws were very generous and allowed us to fly on their private plane. This was wonderful because we could fly right into Destin, and it makes flying with an active 2 1/2 year old really 
As we were driving from the airport to the condo, we were talking to the driver about the effects of the recent oil spill on Destin. While the oil hasn’t reached the white sand beaches of Destin yet, they have still felt the effects. Our driver said their business was down by 50% and that everyone was being affected. Everyone who relied on tourism for their income was experiencing negativity. It breaks my heart for places like Destin that wouldn’t survive without visitors. Apparently they can submit paperwork to BP claiming their losses, but none seemed too hopeful about reclaiming their money. What a horrible event that has caused so much damage to so many aspects of our lives.
The best part about this weekend was that I got to spend lots of time with Mary C’s daughters, Caroline (2 1/2) and Maidie (12 weeks). I loved every single second of it. Most of the time, I stayed in the condo with Maidie while Bill and Mary C. took Caroline to the beach or the pool. Then, Maidie and I would meet them for lunch or they would come back and we’d all take naps. I learned so many things in the past 5 days. I started to make a list on my trip:
1. Kids don’t travel lightly. They require lots of stuff. MC always had a bag of goodies for both girls and was always prepared. I wonder if her brain hurts sometimes from having to think so far in advance.
2. Diapers need to be changed..frequently. I felt like I was either always changing Maidie’s diaper, feeding her or snuggling her to sleep. It was a constant 3 hour circuit, but one that I absolutely loved. She is the PERFECT baby and to see her gummy smile all day just makes my heart happy. At one point, she fell asleep on my chest and I didn’t know if I could be any happier. We are best friends. 
3. The guy from Blues Clues, Joe, is creepy. His rendition of Little Red Riding Hood still haunts me. Good thing it kept Caroline entertained.
4. Speaking of Caroline, I learned that 2 1/2 year olds are awesome. She is so sassy and funny and sweet and amazing. She never stopped cracking me up. I learned a lot about discipline and how to choose your battles. I learned that you can easily prevent a meltdown by pulling “surprises” out of your purse. I learned that she is really, really smart and doesn’t forget things. One night while MC and Bill were at dinner, Kiwi (her nickname) and I were watching a movie. She said she wanted some milk. So, I, not being her mother, also offered her a snickerdoodle cookie that I made. It was a massive cookie and she was so excited. Well, the next night, we were in the same situation. She said she wanted some milk. So I got up to get her some and as I was walking into the kitchen she also, conveniently said, “And I need a cookie too.” Who am I to argue?? This time her cookie wasn’t as big, it still cracked me up. I created a monster..a cookie monster.
5. I learned how to swaddle and also learned that I’m bad at it. I just couldn’t get Maidie tight enough in her little burrito. She would somehow always get her arms out. I did really love to swaddle her though. It was like a new trick I learned and I like doing it. I am really tempted to try to swaddle Knox right now..although he might not appreciate it as much.
6. I learned that I am OK with tee-tee and poo-poo. It doesn’t bother me. But, I am NOT OK with spit up. The smell of vomit, even though it came from the cutest baby on earth, does not bode well with my stomach. I had to immediately change myself and Maidie. I think I’m going to have to get over this some day!
7. Finally, I learned that being a mom is not easy. Mary C. amazed me. She is incredible. I told her that I would have to take lessons from her when it was my time to have kids. She seems to stay calm in all situations and has unending patience. She knows the right times to discipline and the right times to let it go. After these five days, I am even more in love with this family, but I am especially in awe of my own mom and all the moms out there who successfully raised children. I have a new respect for you. I understand now that you probably never got much sleep or ever truly enjoyed a meal when your kids were around. I understand that you sacrificed your desires so that your kids would get what they wanted. I understand that your second child probably spent more time in their bouncy seat or swing than your first, and that’s ok. I understand that just looking at them warms your heart and seeing them grow and learn is daily and it’s amazing. I understand that a smile from an infant or a hug from a toddler can completely change your mood. I will forever be grateful for this trip.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the trip:
Caroline’s lollipop lipstick application provided sticky cheeks!
Happy girl, getting ready to fly!
My new best friend, Maidie!
One of many times we rode the merry-go-round!
The whole family.
Merry-go-round..round 2.
We spent a lot of our time in the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Such a good girl, sharing her ice cream.
My amazing family for the week!
I love them so much!
0 comments on "Destin or Bust!"
Post a Comment