Let's just say that once we got to Philadelphia I thought we might have to just live up there forever. Despite all my efforts (Josh's, mom and dad's too) Lily was a pill on the plane. She didn't scream the whole time but she WOULD NOT sit still and every time we tried to hold her down or make her sit that is when she gave whining/screaming some practice. It was the longest 2 hours of my life and I was absolutely dreading the flight home. I imagine all the people on the plane were hoping they weren't on the return flight with us (although a really nice couple was kind enough to make me feel better about the experience and told us that they thought Lily was a doll ~ they must have been watching a different child).
We stayed in a hotel suite with my parents and brother. It had two rooms connected by a living room/kitchen area. It was a perfect little set up. I was determined to try to keep Lily's schedule and bedtime as close to the same as possible. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were all pretty good days but I can say that none of it was really a vacation for me. Being the mom that I am I was worried about Lily the entire time we were there just trying to make sure she was fed, rested, etc. Friday was spent with my cousins and aunts eating and chatting. My cousin Kristin married into a very large Italian family who are a lot of fun and very rambunctious! We had a good time catching up with most of my cousins (on my mom's side) and aunts.
Josh and I also had the opportunity to drive to Rowan University (once named Glassboro State) to get a t-shirt and some pictures. Josh was really excited that there is a university with our last name so we made the special trip (30 minutes) to scope it out. It definitely wasn't as nice as Elon but with our last name it couldn't be anything but great.
Saturday was the wedding at a beautiful little church. It was all made of stone on the outside and was small and quaint on the inside. I really enjoyed the architecture of it. The bride and groom had a lunch reception following the wedding and then an evening of snacks and drinks following the lunch. Honestly, we must have eaten more food than you would eat on a cruise. We did not go hungry on this trip.
Sunday we spent the day with my Aunt Martha driving around Philadelphia. Josh really wanted to have an authentic cheesesteak so we all loaded up and went and had a philly cheesesteak there in Philadelphia. It was a good experience but Josh was disappointed that the cheesesteaks, although good, were not any better (in his opinion) than the ones here in GA. I honestly can't contribute because I never had one before and the one I had was good enough for me. We then said our goodbyes to my cousins (and spouses/boyfriends) and went site seeing with my Aunt Martha. My brother suggested that we go to the Mutter Museum. If you don't know what it is I suggest you google it and check it out. Most people probably would not find it to be something they would spend a Sunday afternoon doing but my family enjoyed it. It is basically a medical museum showing different instruments used back in the beginnings of medicine as well as wax models of different diseases/conditions. The most gruesome part I guess was that they had glass jars with fetuses of babies that had died either during birth or through miscarriages. Now, I know you are thinking that is gross but I found it to be incredibly interesting. I mean being 27 weeks pregnant at the time I think people were looking at me weird that I was not terrified of it but I am a science nerd, what can I say. We then went to the Liberty Bell and briefly looked and walked around Independence Hall. It was VERY cold that day so being outside was not too much fun.
Monday we got all packed up and headed back to the airport for the dreaded flight home. Much to my surprise Lily did better. She was very tired and ended up sleeping a good hour or so of the flight which was exactly what Josh and I needed. She of course fought us while she was awake but she at least slept this time. We got home after 5 on Monday and I can't tell you how much I was thankful to be home!!! I love travelling but I think I am going to have to say that I love travelling without kids a lot better. Everyone said how great Lily did the whole weekend and I appreciated all the support and help from my family.
Since being back Lily is back to normal. She didn't even need recovery time to get back on schedule. The next day was completely normal for us and things have been running along as if we were never gone. I am so glad that babies bounce back and are resilient because mommies don't do as well! If you made it this far, thanks for reading!!
Tomorrow I go for my 28 week appointment for Davis and see how things are going. I can't believe how fast everything is going. It should be a pretty routine visit since I already did the Gestational diabetes test last time and passed with flying colors. I will keep everyone update as things continue to progress.
Here are few pics from our trip to enjoy.
Beginning of plane ride there.....
Not crying yet.
Towards the end when she was SO tired but wouldn't sleep....
The minute we got off the plane and put her in her stroller this was the result.....
Swimming at the indoor pool of our hotel.
That bathing suit was mine when I was 2 years old.
Hanging out a the reception.
The only thing with Rowan University was the bookstores sign. Everything else just said Rowan and we wanted it to say both.
Walking through Philly.
Outside of the Liberty Bell museum.
Josh makes that bell look small doesn't he?
Bundled up at the Mutter Museum before we left.
After the site seeing venture in Philly, again we have a sleeping baby.
