Moments of Musing

Together is a Great Place to be {Our Woodloch Weekend}

Filed Under: life, traveling //

This post is sponsored by Woodloch Resort but all opinions are my own. 

Recently, we packed up our car and drove 3 hours to a magical place… Woodloch Resort. During our drive there, it was snowing (pretty heavily at times), which set a festive mood for our Veterans Day weekend trip. When we arrived to check-in, I spotted Marshall from Paw Patrol greeting lunch guests. I immediately ran outside to get my toddler who loves Marshall. It seemed to be a sign that we would have an amazing weekend. 
Woodloch vacations are built on the concept of “togethering,” or bringing loved ones together, spending time with one another, and creating memories to last a lifetime. Throughout the weekend, my husband and I discussed how much we were enjoying ourselves. We definitely left with a renewed sense of connection with each other and our boys.

All in all, it is no surprise TripAdvisor has rated Woodloch Pines Resort one of the top five hotels for families in the entire United States. Its other propoerties are highly rated, as well. Woodloch Springs
was recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the “finest courses in America.” And sister property, The Lodge at Woodloch: A Destination Spa, has ranked among the top five spas in the world by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure among others. 



WHEN TO GO

There is not a bad time to visit the Poconos. Therefore, you would have a great time visiting Woodloch during each season. The fall foliage is beautiful and the air is crisp. If you’re lucky, like we were, you might even experience an early snowfall. The winter snow provides a beautiful, calming scenery and there are winter sports, such a snow tubing, you can partake in. The spring provides warmer temperatures and pretty blossoms. Summertime brings heat, time on the lake and swimming in the outdoor pool.

WHERE TO STAY

At Woodloch Pines, there are various hotel rooms and houses to choose from. The options vary from standard hotel rooms to lake estates. We stayed in a beautiful 3 bedroom/ 3.5 bathroom Tallwoods townhome. It was spacious yet cozy, especially with a fireplace in the living area. It was located on the main property and therefore on the resort shuttle route. The shuttle arrives every 20 or so minutes to take you around the resort.  

WHAT TO EAT

We had a meal plan so dining was really simple for us. This was my first all-inclusive resort stay in the United States. Each day there is a different menu for each meal. Breakfast is offered verbally by your server. Lunch and dinner are featured in a menu on the table. There are specials that are also verbally offered, as well as a kids menu. Some starter and side dishes (appetizers, home fries, salads, etc.) are given family style while the main meal is served individually. We enjoyed the food and left each meal feeling full! But our favorite part was being assigned the same table for each meal — you get to know the servers better and you can leave your belongings at your table if you don’t want to lug something around (i.e. car seat). On Veterans Day, I called and arranged with the front desk and kitchen to serve Tim red (strwaberries), white (whipped cream) and blue (blueberries) pancakes for Tim. It’s little touches like that which make Woodloch so great. It’s important to note that if a meal plan is not for you, there are plenty of options to choose from at the resort — the country store and deli, Gigi’s  Cafe, and various restaurants serve food, as well. 

WHAT TO DO

While at Woodloch, there is plenty to do. There are planned activities and programming each day ranging from toddler time to special performances. There is something for everyone. The activity sheet for the day is available on your breakfast table each morning and upon request at the front desk. We did our fair share of relaxing but also participated in activities offered. We spent time at the jungle gym, toddler room, pool, arts and crafts room, mini bowling, and watched a magic show, just to name a few.

We all enjoyed ourselves and already speak about going back! I 10/10 recommend if you ever want to get away!

 

5 Tips for Road Trips with a Baby

Filed Under: travel with baby, traveling //

This post contains affiliate links, for which I may receive compensation if a purchase is made using the links. 
We have been on quite a few road trips thus far, with another planned for this weekend. Our first one with our son was just three hours (each way) when he was one month new (such a little guy!). He wailed two and a half hours in so we pulled over to calm him, and had to do the same afterwards. Still, it was not a long ride — we figured it was a good test trip for our 10 hour drive the next month. We have done that drive four times now and thankfully, they have gone very well.
It is my hope that these tips will make your road trips with your baby/babies go smoothly, too:

1. Use a safe car seat.
This should go without saying but a car seat for your baby is required by law. (In fact, kids under 80 pounds have to be in child restraints and then booster seats.) We have used this car seat and highly recommend it. It seems very comfortable, which is key. As for the included newborn headrest, it was very supportive and holds the head in place well. There’s never been a need for any extra support, which is not recommended anyhow. For car seat safety tips, go here.
2. Leave during naptime or bedtime, especially if it’s a long drive.
Many babies do not love staying in their car seats for extended periods of time. Deciding on the right time to leave just might alleviate–or even prevent–meltdowns. If you want to leave during the day, try to leave earlier than usual so your baby will still be asleep. For longer car trips, it can be helpful to leave late at night either right around bedtime or after he’s fallen asleep. This way, the baby sleeps and you avoid traffic. (If your baby is having trouble falling asleep, try playing classical music or white noise.) Just be careful driving and make sure to rest up during the day so you do not get sleepy during the drive.
3. Have plenty of formula/milk, food/snacks and toys in the car.
If you leave during a time when the baby is awake, be prepared to feed them when they get hungry and try keeping him occupied with toys. On a recent podcast I listened to, Jacqui Saldana of Baby Boy Bakery said she brings a new toy for her daughter when they travel so her daughter is not already bored of the toy. If you agree with her idea, you can head on and find interesting educational yet fun Montessori travel toys from this new website I found. That seems like a good tip. I also know breastfeeding moms bring wireless pumps so they can pump in the car.
4. Be prepared to stop as much as is needed.
Fortunately, babies wear diapers so you don’t have to stop every time they wet their diaper. You will eventually have to stop to change them, though, because you wouldn’t want your baby to get a diaper rash and be uncomfortable during the ride. As for dirty diapers, you probably would want to stop as soon as they get a dirty diaper to maximize their comfort and avoid a rash. You will also want to stop to feed and burp your baby if they are still really young, so plan accordingly.
5. Take your time. 
Do not rush. Pay attention to the road. Get comfortable– maybe consider bringing along a lumbar support pillow or roll. Stop when you have to. Stop if you feel tired, or if your baby’s crying is getting to you. Safety is key. Your and your family’s lives are far too important to risk speeding or driving recklessly.
Have fun where you’re going!

7 Tips for Vacationing with a Baby

Filed Under: travel with baby, traveling //

     Disclosure: Affiliate links are present. I may receive compensation if you make a purchase using any of my links. 

Before speaking about what it is like to vacation with a baby and sharing my tips, you should read my tips for flying with your baby so your vacation is off to as stress-free a start as possible. I decided to separate the posts because each presents its unique challenges.

Here are seven tips I hope you find helpful the next time you go away with your little one:

1. Be patient.
I start off with the last tip I gave for flying with your baby because patience is key. Be prepared to take more breaks and spend more time in the hotel room than you probably normally would. A baby’s naps don’t stop just because you want to lay out longer or swim in the ocean. If you’re a parent then you know very well that mostly everything takes longer, from walks to dining out, with a little one in tow. That’s okay–they’re worth all the time in the world.

2. Apply (and re-apply!) the SPF!
Sunblock is SO important. Aside from pampers and formula (if applicable), this is the most essential thing you’ll need if you’ll be in the sun with your baby (i.e. Coppertone Baby Sunscreen).  In line with sunblock are a baby UV-protective hat and rash guard, if they’ll be exposed to the sun for periods of time, as well as a UV-protective tent for beach days that is easy to travel with. Ultimately, try to keep the little one in shade as much as possible. Try to avoid the strong afternoon sun and keep him hydrated and well fed to avoid dehydration. 

3. Bring a lighter weight stroller. 
Our Baby Jogger City Select is entirely way too heavy and bulky (and expensive) to be placed under an airplane and lugged around on vacation. So, we bought this stroller and recommend it. The one downside is the small size of the umbrella but the company makes a slightly more expensive version that could work just as well. 
4. It’s best to over pack for your baby.
Some might disagree with me on this one but I am an over packer. I used to over pack for myself but now, not so much. I do over pack for my little one and I have not regretted it yet. Babies are notorious for going through multiple outfits in a day. If you don’t over pack what are you going to do when all the clothes is dirty, especially if there are no washing machine facilities in your hotel? Just pack extra for them. Their cute little clothes doesn’t take up much space, anyway. 🙂
5. Relax when you can. 
The biggest difference when vacationing with kids is how much less relaxation and downtime there seems to be. Even when the baby is sleeping, there are bottles to be cleaned, organization to be done, and possibly catching up on social media or writing if you unplug while the baby is awake. Days spent laying out by the pool or on the beach will likely only happen on a parents-only vacation. But if you are vacationing with family or friends, don’t hesitate to take them up on their offer to play with the baby while you lay out. It’s actually a win-win. Your baby will be kept occupied and you’ll be able to relax, if even just for 15 minutes.
5. Soak in all of your baby’s experiences.
There might be a lot of firsts happening (first swim in the pool and/or ocean) and simply fun times being had by your baby. Relish in your baby’s joy. My baby’s happiness makes me happy. Needless to say, I was ecstatic our whole vacation.
6. Enjoy!
There might be some stress, whether it be from traveling with the baby or the baby’s routine being messed up. Just remember: you went away to relax. To spend time together. To make memories. To have a good time. Don’t forget that.


10 Tips for Flying with a Baby

Filed Under: travel with baby, traveling //

So far, my husband and I have traveled on four flights and four 10+ hour car rides with our little one, with more trips planned this year. Before going away for the first flight, which was much more nerve wracking than driving, my husband and I researched and asked around a ton. Then, we traveled and figured out what works for us–and most likely will for you, too. 

I’ve compiled a list of tips that I think are most helpful if you are flying with your baby soon.  I hope you find them helpful. If any of you have additional tips, feel free to drop a comment!

1.     Bring your baby carrier/wrap. This makes it much easier to get through security because you can wear your baby through the metal detectors!
2.     On the subject of security, keep in mind that you are allowed to bring breast milk, ready to feed formula, and water for formula (we put it in a baby bottle) through security. I have also been asked whether I’d like it put through the X-ray scanner or not. *For more TSA traveling information, go here.
3.     Try to take flights around naps/ sleep time and/or feedings. This way your baby will be quietly asleep or feeding. 
4.     Make sure you have an “Infant” boarding pass for your little one because it’s required during boarding.
5.     Take advantage of early boarding, though if you miss it it’s OK. I missed the announcement last time we flew because I was changing Sebastian’s diaper and the gate attendants refused to let us on before our row was announced… Needless to say I was not happy with them or their decision, but regular boarding went fine.
6.     Give your baby a pacifier or bottle, or nurse during takeoff and landing to prevent ear aches.
7.     Have toys handy in the under seat storage to keep your baby occupied. If you have toddlers, here’s a link to some travel toys that are educational and fun for your toddler from a website that specializes in Montessori toys.
8.     If possible and safe to do so, walk your baby up and down the aisle to give him a way to release any extra energy he might have from this new experience.
9.     If you have the option of being on the same flight as family members or friends, do it. Extra people = extra hands = extra help.
10.   Be patient with your baby. I think we often forget so much of the world is still new to them and can be overstimulating. If your baby is crying or restless, try to soothe him and try not to get upset. People around you have likely flown with a baby before–in fact, some might have firsthand experience traveling with a baby. If you feel there are people judging you, that’s their problem. Yours won’t be the first or last crying child they encounter on a flight. Such is life. (Also, some people forget that they, too, were babies once…)
Something to keep in mind is the younger the baby, the more he will sleep and the easier it will probably be (this was the case for our first flight). Once the baby begins crawling or walking, he is probably less likely to want to stay still (this was the case for our most recent flights). 

Again, be patient. 

On our last flight, our little guy kept trying to reach over to my neighbor and touch him, grab his phone, head phones, etc. At the end of the flight, I told the young man I hoped he wasn’t too bothered [by the invasion of his personal space] by us and our little one. The young man replied, “Not at all. He made my day better.” 

I leave you with that story to let you know that there are good and understanding people out there who realize that babies are, well, babies. Cute, curious, and full of energy.

I wish you all a safe flight and fun trip wherever you are headed to next!