Here are some pictures from our recent trip to DC to visit some family. We had a really good time, although we were reminded again that vacationing with a child is not at all like vacationing as a couple. Is it fun? Yes. Is it great to see him explore and learn new things? Yes. Is it more exhausting than staying home? Possibly :)
I won't say too much more than just posting the pictures, except to say that Gabriel had what I would describe as his first public total meltdown. When we got to DC there were so many people that he just threw a total fit. He was totally overstimulated and could not calm himself down. After we found him a quiet (er) spot in the park by the Washington Monument where he could run around a little he was better. I just have to remind myself that we cannot plan the entire day like we'd like to. We can have a plan, but we cannot be so strict that it cannot change as needed. And we can't pack too much into a single day. He needs time to run around and decompress and not get overwhelmed. He was like that as a baby and that's how his personality is. He needs quiet downtime and that's fine with me. I need it too.
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| Starting to calm down. His eyes and nose are still a little red from all the crying |
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| Pretty cherry blossoms |
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| Beautiful day to be outside |
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| Mom, I just woke up. Why are you taking my picture? |
Air and Space Museum!
Look s like you had a great time . . . and that you learned a lesson in parenting at the same time . . . You are right . . . the little ones react differently to stimulai and it is good to keep their needs in mind when planning outings. I know you all do that cause I've seen you. You're great parents! But sometimes they react differently than we think . . . like the meltdown he had. Glad you had a great time!!
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