Surviving the Domestic Jungle

Getting children organized for travelling is a pretty big operation. I took both of my girls to Chicago when my youngest was 8 months and after all the preparation, I ended up buying them a bunch of new clothes because I didn’t anticipate how cold it would be there. We were only there for a few days so it wasn’t that bad but still, my point is, it is a production and you must pack pretty much everything they own….just in case. Kids need to have a minimum of two outfits a day, in my over packing opinion. What if they spill or get dirty and you want to go out that night for dinner? You need a new outfit which means you probably need multiple shoes. I think three pairs each is a reasonable amount. One pair of casual sandals, one pair of fancy sandals and a pair of tennis shoes. Of course this all depends on what kind of climate you are going to. Winter climates you could probably get away with three pairs of you substitute the sandals with a warmer shoe. Now, on top of clothing, shoes, underwear, jammies and socks, you also need diapers if you have a baby. I need to bring pullups, diapers, wipes and then that means you also need rash cream, tylenol and bottles which leads to do I need to bring my breast pump and bottle washer? That’s a lot of planning!!!!!! I am leaving town soon and have to figure out all of this. I have my list of things and it is already 2 pages. Its insane. Then I have to organize my biggest baby, my husband! He is impossible and will pack one shirt and say he’s done. Um no. That’s where I step in but the thing that makes him worse than the kids, he has an opinion. With the kids, I pick everything! Sometimes my 6 year old has issues with what I pick but for the most part, I know her style and I buy what I know she likes. My husband on the other hand has strict rules about what he will wear. Rules that I have no idea why he follows! Such a daunting task just to get them organized and then there’s me!! Little old me!! I hope someone somewhere realizes what us moms go through to leave the house for a few days!!