How We Get Out and About

I may never have made it clear here, but a few weeks ago, we were given the "all clear" to take Greyson out.  We have slowly eased into it.  Visiting the grandparents, going out with friends from time to time, taking that much needed trip to the grocery store.  Every trip is carefully planned, Greyson is protected (usually in the Moby Wrap so no one gets too close to him) and hand sanitizer is always close at hand.  Even with our trip to the zoo (something I had been looking forward to for weeks), he was strapped to my chest the whole time we were there, which was less than an hour.  He didn't come in contact with any of the kids running around, nor did he touch anything.  It was a bit stressful, but worth it for me.  Going to the zoo on the first really nice day is something my family always does.  I've been a Friend of the Zoo for years and really wanted to take my son and soon as I felt comfortable.  

I would love it we could just keep him safe in the house at all times, but as his pediatrician says "You have to live your life".  Even after that I've only started really relaxing about getting him out now that RSV season is over and he has a few vaccines under his belt.  I have some dear friends from our time in the NICU who are still on "house arrest" and I know it is hard for them.  Our few weeks on HA were tough and I'm glad that we have been given the green light.  I have to admit I was going a little stir crazy so I enjoy it when we get out and want to share those experiences here.

Most of our trips out are short because Greyson has about a 1 to 2 hour window when he is in good spirits before he can freak out on us.  Getting a bottle ready on the go is always harder then it should be and so far I can't seem to bring myself to nurse him in public.  Also, if we are away for much longer than an hour or two we need all sorts of Greyson "stuff".  Luckily both sets of grandparents have "stuff" for him at their house, which makes those trips SOO much easier.  Another big hurdle in going out for any length of time is me.  I'm still pumping every few hours.  I've finally gotten to the place where I can do it every 5 hours, but it is really better if it happens every 3.  Dragging pumping supplies and finding a place to do it is such a hassle.  

Right now I'm still looking for that balance between keeping my baby safe, healthy and happy and getting out enough to stay sane and happy myself.