Our week at the beach came at just the right time. While we had recovered from the miserable symptoms of our stomach bug, Jackson's behavior after his illness was radically different from normal. In fact, we were so worried we took him to the doctor to get checked out, but he was given a clean bill of health. I guess three days of being held, feeling poorly, drinking Pedialyte, and watching television got him in a funk and spoiled him because he threw tantrums complete with laying on his belly like a toddler, cried to be held 90% of the time, and was just grumpy as could be for 5 days after his last symptom cleared up. Needless to say it was distressing and exhausting, so the change of environment was the perfect distraction for him and his parents.
This year we vacationed on St. Simons Island, Georgia for the first time. This was our second year of vacationing with Blake's father, step-mother, step-sister, brother-in-law, and niece (thanks to the parents' generous Christmas gift of paying for the house). We were in a house this year (instead of a condo), and it gave us more room to spread out and was a lot easier with an active little boy. I think the beach was initially a bit overwhelming for Jackson with all of the people, sounds, etc., but by the end of the week he was really enjoying it. His appetite came back in full blast, and he spent much of his time on the beach eating. He loved wondering around, particularly going up to people and trying to look through their bags and pull out their sunscreen and food. The pool wasn't a big hit like last summer because he wanted to be exploring the stairs, chairs, etc. around the pool instead of confined inside of it. 
Eating fried shrimp, heavily battered french fries, and hush puppies at the Crab Trap (three times:) was one of the highlights of the trip for me. I also loved my early morning walks with Blake and Jackson. I'm thankful to have a tan too--sitting in the sun by a pool is one of my favorite things to do, and fortunately I got several child-free hours to do that. I'm definitely still adjusting to "vacationing" as a parent because it's so much work and not exactly relaxing like vacations of the past, but of course, some of that adjustment is offset by seeing Jackson have so much fun.p.s. I'm thankful for a fun evening with friends and my husband's delicious hamburgers.
4 comments:
Glad you guys had fun - sounds like the time out of routine was the perfect antidote to that horrible bug you all had!
That photo of Jackson freaking out is priceless! So glad you got to enjoy the beach a bit (and that stupid stomach bug didn't overlap with your trip!).
I totally echo your evaluation of vacations with a young child. For me, it was tough because when vacationing with family, people encourage you (mama) to take a break, yet no one steps in to be fully responsible for your child. Just because there is a room full of adults doesn't mean my child is being cared for, if that makes sense. So, my family felt like I never gave myself a chance to relax, but in all honesty, they never really gave me a chance to relax. Lately, our trips with Gavin have been better - he doesn't have to be watched as closely and it's also easier because he can better communicate with us. Plus, as you said, no matter how exhausting it is for me, it's always fun to see Gavin experience new things!
Glad Jackson perked up eventually on the vacation! Look at your sporting that baby bump proudly in a two piece. Go you! I always expect to be exhausted on vacation, whether with additional family or not. Just goes with parenting. Plus, I find if I set my expectations low for their help (and my relaxation), I won't be as disappointed or mad that no one offered to take care of J while I napped. I'm also better about just giving him to them. Maybe that's what they want! Haha.
Fried shrimp sounds amazing! Wow, what a great beach vacation! It makes me really excited for our trip to Carmel this August with our lil one. Glad that your lil Jackson was feeling better in time for the trip!
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