Ft. Worth

Michael and I always talked about Rayleigh's first trip out of state. We figured it would either be a quick weekend down to Texas for some fun at the beach or amusement parks or to visit my family in Florida. We never thought her first trip would be to a children's hospital.

We knew we had to be at Cook's Childrens Hospital in Ft. Worth, TX by 7:30a to "check-in". Ft. Worth is about 3 1/2 hours from our home. We could have made the drive but we would have been exhausted and stressed out. Thankfully, Michael's parents got us a hotel room in the Hampton Inn just outside of downtown Ft. Worth (where the hospital is located).

This was Bug's first hotel stay. We were so excited to experience another first with her! And it was going to be so great to have a nice relaxing evening in the hotel before the hospital stay.

We made 1 stop for gas and some fast food shortly after getting out of the city and then we had to stop on the side of the highway twice to change diapers.

We arrived to Ft. Worth around 4 in the afternoon and checked in to Hampton Inn.

That reminds me of how much our lives have changed since Rayleigh Bug arrived! First its the diaper changing in the car, something I never thought I'd be doing! And then there's the packing. Michael and I can pack for 5 days in 2 suitcases, including all clothes, books, laptop, everything. The trunk of our SUV was literally full, also had the diaper bag and a bag of snacks in the backseat!! Babies come with sooo much!!

In our hotel room you could tell that Bug knew we weren't at home but she didn't seem uncomfortable. I broke out her Bumbo chair and tray and some of her jarred food to feed her in the room. She's not used to eating this way but she did pretty darn well!

After she ate I went to the gym, literally right next to our room! Michael and Bug played the whole time I was gone and she didn't cry once! She sure does love her daddy-time!

When I came back we figured her tummy was settled from eating so we put on our swimsuits and headed to the indoor swimming pool for some relaxing fun time before settling in for the night.

Back in the room we each showered (I held Bug in the stand up shower while she cried during her whole bathtime!!), gave Bug her medicine and then we snuggled up in the king size pillowtop bed, Bug took a bottle and fell asleep so fast we thought she liked that place better than home!

Michael and I had a quick dinner, watched some tv and followed Bug's lead to sleep.

Woke up at 6am, got ready, loaded the car, all went to the lobby for breakfast and checked-out of the Hampton Inn to go check-in to Cook's Childrens Hospital.