Dear Amelie

Mom and Dad had a very bad fight tonight, and I’m so sorry you had to see Daddy get mad like that. I picked you up from your high chair, grabbed a blanket and walked out the door. I didn’t know where to go, all I know was I needed to take you away from that situation. I carried you in my arms, bundled up, and walked around the neighborhood. Mommy was in her pajamas and slippers and didn’t have the time to grab a jacket or pants. When we came back, Daddy wasn’t around, so I packed our bags. Not sure where we would go, but I needed to get you out of the house. We’re not staying in that house like that.  I’m sorry mommy and daddy aren’t perfect, but we love you very much no matter what. I’m sorry if we’re not the best models, but you are our life and we’ll take care of you no matter what. 

Lesson learned: chill is the only way to go when travelling with a baby.  Your Meemaw said “Mayo lang nakapahuway kamo!” “Good thing you got a break” IT WAS NOT A BREAK. Haha If anything, it was double or triple the effort of taking care of you, of readjusting from your nap and night time routine, of you refusing to eat meals, and just packing, unpacking and repacking a lot of things. You had 3 bags, while your Daddy and I shared a small luggage for our clothes.  Mommy also realized hiking wasn’t her thing. Not especially with a baby. The last thing I wanted was for you to be inconvenienced, by the heat, by being in the carrier for too long, by all the bugs and branches in your way that Daddy had to swat away.  Next time we go on a vacation, we do it my way, the one that is more relaxed and enjoyable. A simple trip to the beach, lounging and eating (without cooking it myself), and swimming in a serene body of water (without the angry waves). You were so terrified of the b...