An adventure for the ages - Lady Kaitlyn tackles the Caribbean...

Age of Lady Kaitlyn:  16 months and 17 days

Family,

And a good Monday evening to you from the Queen City, where the Bull, Striker, and Munchkin are

One for the ages - the first pic of Team
Taylor on foreign soil.

back from 8 days of fun and sun in Jamaica.  WHAT AN ADVENTURE!  Honestly - this blog should be broken into parts like the old travel blogs.  However, because I don't have that kind of time, we're going to back it all into one installment.

So first off - the summary.  I will be honest and say that, while I had no idea what I was signing up for, I did have certain expectations on the trip.  I did not expect it to be romantic, as K would be in the same room with us.  I did not expect it to be wild and crazy, as a) we have a kid and b) I am now waking up around 5 AM every morning.  I did NOT expect to do much in the way of excursions but rather planned to try a vacation unlike any previous for Team Taylor - one that involves a lot of relaxing and lounging in the pool and on the beach.  I did expect to have a lot of quality time relaxing with Jenny.  I did expect to get some extra sleep.  I did expect to finish at least two books.  I WAS WRONG ON EVERY SINGLE POINT.  But I get ahead of myself, let's start with how it all began - the arrival into Jamaica. :-)

"No, daddy - that sieve isn't the shape I need for my castle."

K enjoying her favorite snack - SAND.

So first off, the transit to the airport and flight to Jamaica went really well.  True, K did NOT sleep well at all on the flight (and, as per standard, when she did finally manage to fall asleep the flight attendant IMMEDIATELY started in on that damn MasterCard message - the one where she talks 2-3 minute straight and forgets the message at least half a dozen times) - only got 30 minutes or so and was a little fussy just before she dozed off (poor thing just couldn't get comfortable but was GREAT in retrospect - barely cried out at all) - but on the whole spirits were high and the energy palpable as we touched down in Montego Bay.  That energy was a bit deflated, however, when we rolled into customs and found ourselves stuck in line (in an unventilated room that felt like Dubai during a heat wave in summer) for 90 minutes, finally reaching an official only to be told that, since I had recently visited Costa Rica, I had to go to the health office for a check (for the record - the "office" was a desk under a dingy staircase.  Basically, if you

Lovin' the spigot!

JT enjoying a rare moment of downtime.

weren't sick BEFORE you visited the desk, you were CERTAIN to be sick afterwards - did you catch the foreshadowing? :-)).  Now, as this is a blog about Kaitlyn, I should note that she was an ANGEL throughout this entire process.  The poor thing was stuck in a Bjorn most of the time, but she rarely fussed.  Granted, we did give her about 16,000 goldfish to eat during this time - we were actually getting a bit stressed by a) the chances of running out and b) how appalling her diet had been on day 1.  But we knew it would be an adventure, and so we kept the gravy train going (she was using the cup where she could actually reach in and pull out the food, which did help).  The first real roadblock occurred at baggage claim, where ONE OF OUR BAGS WAS NOT WAITING FOR US.  Oh, dear reader - this sent us into a tailspin.

So let me paint the scene:  You have an exhausted wife who is trying desperately to keep track of a starving, tired baby running around an aircraft hangar hotter than the sun.  You have me talking to a baggage claim guy who is just saying "Ya, mon - no problem" but also telling me that the bag is here.  You have the rest of our party sweating their asses off outside.  You have Team Taylor with no baby food, no underwear, no baby monitor, and no shoes (other than those they are wearing), and no timeframe for getting anything delivered to them.  With each passing minute, K (who had still been so good) was starting to go mental, and so when we finally got the paperwork, we bolted to the air conditioned van...where we found that the pickup crew had forgotten the car seat.

"More watermelon, daddy!"

Let me paint another scene.  We are in the 3rd world (seriously - Jamaica was WAY more 3rd world than I'd expected).  Jenny is feeding K crumbled graham crackers while K STANDS ON HER LAP IN THE CAR.  I pass back more Cheerios while drinking a Red Stripe IN THE CAR.  Picture this scene for FORTY-FIVE MINUTES, at which time we finally arrive at our house...and find out that the arrival crew has neither a crib nor high chair for K.  It is at this point that I start to despair.

"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall..."

The good news is that a pack and play was delivered.  The bad news is that the first meal was spent with K on our lap, which meant that we didn't really get to enjoy it.  Oh, and about 3 minutes into our arrival, K peed all over the bed while changing her.  So our first act after changing our daughter was to change the sheets - good times. :-)  However, by 6:40 PM, K was down, the Red Stripe was flowing, the view was gorgeous, and we had a great evening of laughs with the other couples.  All in all I was exhausted but excited, as we had made it and had over a week of good times and relaxation in front of us.

Dressed as the island beauty!

Sunday was much better - if for no other reason than the shock of all the mishaps was gone.  I got a run in (I actually ran 6 days out of 9 this vacation), the coffee (100% Jamaican) was amazing, and the breakfast was just terrific.  K loved the pool and the ocean (especially "Humpty Dumpty" off the pool wall), and it was a great, happy day.  Work felt very far away, I had dedicated time with my girls, and the weather and view were both just unbeatable.  By the time we put K to bed on Sunday night, I was feeling really good about things and confident that both my girls were having a good time.  Granted, the house was a bit more dangerous than I had expected (not sure why), but we were managing, so all was good.  The high chair arrived that day, and K proved to be a good eater out of the gate - that gal can CRUSH some watermelon (so much so that her deuces were blood red - WOW).  K fell in love with a shovel and pail on this day, and she played with it every single day at the beach.  As it was a Guinness pail, I found it quite funny.

By Monday I felt that we'd definitely settled into a routine - pool morning and afternoon, beach around the middle of the day, with K walking the house in both the morning and evening periods.  We were having to bathe her twice a day, as you had to get the sunscreen and the sand off (so she got a quick

shower in the afternoon and a proper tub bath in the evening).  I must give Jenny credit here, as she was an ANIMAL in keeping K well-covered on the sunscreen front and well lathered on the bathing front.  And I have to give K a lot of credit as well, because she took it all in stride.  In fact, K LOVED the outdoor spigot used to wash sand off everyone's feet.  She wanted to play with it ALL THE TIME - she would actually beg to go down the stairs just to play with the tap.  And for the record, she a) figured out that turning the nozzle does start the flow of water and b) managed to move the dial herself a few times.  Let's just say I'm glad I'm not the one paying the water bill...On a serious note - K could remember that, when you're under the spigot, you need to raise one foot at a time and put it under to wash the sand off - pretty impressive, right?  Well, I think so anyway.  Way to go, Munchkin!

Yes - ignore all AMAZING, FRESH FOOD in the house
and instead consume this palm seed for all it's worth.

Monday was a little tougher for me, as K woke up early.  In fact, K woke up SUPER EARLY every morning, ranging from 4:29 to 5:34 - that's right, 5:34 WAS THE LATEST SHE EVER SLEPT IN.  At first I just used this as time to get up and run before the heat of the day, but I didn't realize how much of a toll that was taking on us (as everyone else was napping during the day, but we didn't because K's nap was really the only time we had to ourselves - precious time indeed!).  Ultimately we adjusted the approach as a matter of survival, and this definitely helped us to rally toward the end.

About halfway through the trip K decided that she was
ONLY drinking water if we poured it down her gullet.

Tuesday I woke up sick.  I'd felt bad on Monday as well and knew that it was just fatigue, but I thought I might be able to shake it with an early bedtime.  In fact, this was the earliest string of bed times for Team Taylor EVER.  With K getting up so early and us not napping, we found ourselves absolutely shattered by 8 PM.  In fact, it was a struggle to make it until 8 PM most nights!  Granted, we always had a DELICIOUS meal and made room for rum cream or Red Stripe, but with each passing day Team Taylor found themselves a bit more run down and desperate for bed.  Part of it was the morning run.  Another part was the early morning and lack of napping.  The sun and booze obviously played a part as well.  The biggest reason for the exhaustion, however, was the constant vigilance we had to display with K.

My girls on the water - too cute!

I absolutely LOVE this pic - both of my girls so happy.

Now again, don't get me wrong - that child was AMAZING.  Seriously - we are talking about a kid who is resilient beyond anything I could have expected.  She took to her new surroundings great, settled into a routine quickly, tried loads of new foods (the staff was great to make her a special plate of the local food each night as well as provide tons of fresh fruit each day), and was always wonderful at the ocean (even kept her goggles and hat on!).  However, in a house that isn't baby proofed, a pool that is above her head, and an ocean that never stops pounding waves, there is NEVER  a moment where one of us wasn't chasing her and making sure she was safe.  She has an adventurous spirit (not reckless - just curious), and we certainly wanted to encourage that.  The flip side is that you are ALWAYS on the good to ensure she's not going down stairs, eating bugs, trying to drink the ocean, or the ten thousand other things that she always wanted to do as she explored the world around her.  By Monday this was already taking a toll on us (and our backs), and a realization that this trip wouldn't be all that relaxing was starting to set in.  However, we were still definitely having fun despite sickness, missed bags, and some exhaustion, and so it was really just a matter of resetting expectations.

For me, I had used the morning runs (and in fact did the whole week) as I chance to wrap my head around resetting expectations.  And once I made peace with the fact that I wasn't going to always drink that last Red Stripe or get that extra hour of sleep, things did get better.  But what ultimately perked up my spirit was looking at the first batch of photos from Monday of K and Jenny playing on the ocean.  Seeing K's smile as she charged headlong into the waves and seeing Jenny's smile as she watched made me realize that it was those moments (and the pictures that trigger the memories) that we'd remember and take with us from this trip, and it was those moments (vs. the exhaustion and worry) that I needed to focus upon.  That provided a big lift to my spirit, and having already gone through those photos, I can say that my hope of remembering those good times definitely rang true.  In fact, the hour we spent each day at the beach was definitely the highlight for me, as the water was amazing, K was so happy, and JT and I could relax a bit (when K was playing in and eating the sand, that is).

Oh, and in case you're curious - the cap
is STILL ON.  

Tuesday was perhaps my favorite day of the trip, as I got something very rare and precious - solo daddy time with K.  Jenny and the rest of the crew got off-campus to do some tubing, and I stayed back with the sneetch.  This made me very happy for 2 reasons - first off, I was thrilled that Jenny got a chance to get off campus and have some time to herself.  She works so hard day after day to ensure K is motivated, safe, and challenged, and for me it was extremely important that she enjoy her time in Jamaica.  Secondly, being along with K meant that I got a chance to just bask in the joy of being a father.  So when everyone headed out to the river, this guy picked up the Munchkin and headed to the beach!

Hold fire, social services - that is a VIRGIN daiquiri...

That hour was one of the best of the trip, as K and I had this pristine beach to ourselves on a perfect, sunny, happy morning.  K LOVED the water that day (and ran headlong into it time and time again), and as I watched her running along the beach and the sand, I realized truly how precious and fleeting this time with her is.  Hitman said it well when he was talking about his own kids, saying that he's only got 8 years left with his oldest (who's almost 10) before he's out of the house (when things admittedly change).  I had that ringing in my mind as I watched K, full of laughter and life, running up and down the beach.  And while she'll have no memory of that day, I will carry the image of her running and laughing with me forever.  I love you, little munch.

We actually went back to the beach a second time on that day, and that day also saw a new quirk from

Fingers in ears...COATED with food.
I sure hope those tubes are still working...

K - sticking fingers in both her ears - ESPECIALLY WHILE EATING!  Now we have no idea why (although some web sites suggested it was due to her teething, which she definitely was), but for some reason she started putting her fingers in her ears and continued to do this THE REST OF THE TRIP.  Luckily she's toned that down, but all the same we spent five days scrubbing papaya, watermelon, ox tail (yes - ox tail) and grease out of her ears - good times. :-)

Wednesday was one of the tougher days we had, simply because a) it was the day I was sickest and b) the day where K slept the least.  I was basically up from 11:30 PM on as K did not sleep well.  Between my illness, one of the other kids in the house being sick, and K sleeping fitfully, we realized that, in the absence of western medicine, we were officially in a race with the clock to keep K healthy.  For Wednesday she was fine until bedtime, at which point we had to introduce ibuprofen to keep her temp down and children's benadryl to keep her sinuses clean.  We also started raising the temperature in the room, as I was concerned it was too cold for her (regardless of what the textbooks say!).  I even had an AFD and went to bed at 7:30 this day (pretty much after dinner and less than an hour after K).  All the same, it was still a good day, as K loved the ocean and the pool, and we got plenty of good bonding time.

"Um, you are NOT touching my ducky..."

On Thursday, JT was an angel and let me sleep in the next morning, which saved me and left me feeling MUCH better.  I also took my first day off out of 14 from exercising, something else which helped (and since running back here in CLT, I can tell how insanely hot it was even at 5 AM in Jamaica!  That confirmed one of my thoughts about why I was sick - my core was just getting too overheated).  By this point, JT and I had figured out that, in order to have any chance at relaxation, we needed to divide and conquer time with K.  Instead of us both trying to watch her, we started working in shifts where one of us was totally "switched on" with her and watching her every move while the other had some time to relax (hammock, ocean, beer, etc).  This made life almost instantly better, as it allowed me to go back to "shift mode," which is the mode where I feel like a better, more engaged parent.  I have to give JT a lot of credit here, as she let me have a lot of time in the ocean, playing in the waves and taking in my surroundings.  I love you, wife muffin!

Our favorite time of day - BEACH HOUR WITH K!
She loved her baby banz!

Thursday was also great because we got massages AT THE HOUSE!  The gal did a GREAT job, and between that and 4 Red Stripes, I was feeling much better. :-)  K, on the other hand, was definitely sick and running a fever, but as per standard she was still a SUPER happy baby and was still playing non-stop.  She was great in the ocean, loved to play in the sand, and was fun at the pool and by our local beach.  K discovered the "hot tub" on this day, and from that moment forward that was her favorite place to play. It was amazing!  I mean, that bloody hot tub was FOURTEEN THOUSAND DEGREES, but she loved it.  JT made a smart observation - fewer waves and a smaller pool made K a happy girl.

The house - this place was AMAZING...just not the
ideal location for Dora the Explorer...

As for the rest of that day, it was great except for the back pain that was starting to creep in from

bending over K in the ocean and all the other non-baby proofed nooks and crannies in the house.  In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that we were exhausted after each trip to the beach.  Now don't get me wrong, as it was absolutely worth it (highlight of every day), but not having a stroller meant carrying 25 pounds of fury .3 miles each way in the scorching sun, and by Thursday JT and I were having to alternate carrying her.  All I can say is thank goodness we at least had the high chair, as without that creature comfort, we might have lost it.  And on that note, it should be noted that we VERY MUCH missed our changing table, as we had to change K on the bed each time (which neither of us liked - she screamed bloody murder and our backs really hurt).  I am just thankful all the sand didn't give her diaper rash, as the Desitin was in the bag we lost.  

"Play with me, mommy!  It's not like we woke
up at 4:49 AM or anything!"

Oh, and this was the day where JT's iPhone officially DIED.  Well, the phone still works on occasion, but the home button doesn't work.  So yes, as I type this, Team Taylor is planning on buying her another one (most likely a 5C tomorrow).  Made of money, baby!

Friday was another good day, as K was holding steady with the current meds regimen and I got a chance to sea kayak.  It was also the day the lobster fishmonger came to visit (hilarious...and WICKED tasty later), but this day was memorable for one reason - OUR BAG ARRIVED!!!!!  That's right, sports fans, 8 days late and after repeated calls, emails, and conversations, our bag arrived on our

doorstep.  As it was explained to us, apparently some douche bag had taken our bag by accident (as well as his own - HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?), traveled the island for a week, and then dropped it back off at the airport on his way out the door.  Luckily for us, we hadn't purchased much, but all the same - it was ridiculous.  But hey, we were just glad to have flip flops and K's cute baby Tevas again!

And while I'm on this subject, I should note the there is NO QUESTION God was looking out for us on this particular trip, as the bag we lost had almost NOTHING for K, whereas the other bag was LOADED with stuff that we needed - light dresses, all her diapers, her thermometer, and most important - her medicine.  It was almost a sign from God when that one arrived, as we should have known that we'd need to use everything on it.  Thank you, Father!

Three for the road - 1 country down, 286 to go. :-)

Saturday was a blast as well - a perfect happy day and wonderful ending to the trip.  We managed to stay awake a bit longer, and we definitely had our longest stay on the beach.  K really seemed to enjoy it, and Jenny and I took a nice long walk with her along our local beach, picking up shells and loving looking back to see 3 sets of footprints in the sand - one pint-sized. :-)  It was a perfect, appropriate ending to a trip that was full of surprises and the unexpected, but on the whole one that was truly wonderful.  The trip itself was best summed up on Sunday, however, as we finalized packing.  Earlier in the week JT and I had decided to pick up a shell and keep that for K as a souvenir of her time in Jamaica.  On Thursday Jenny found THE BEST shell - a gorgeous clam shell that was like glass and still together (although wide open).  Well, as Jenny was doing the final inspection of our room (K was asleep on my arm), she fluffed the bed a final time, sending the shell flying and crashing onto the floor. And while it did break in half (and one piece into two parts), the breaks were clean, meaning we could easily repair it.  Jenny was devastated, but to me it was the perfect summation of our time in Jamaica - not perfect, but still beautiful.  And once a little time and nostalgia is applied, it will be an even happier memory to us all (except the munchkin, that is).

"I'm a pro at this beach thing, mommy!"

As for K, she was a trooper the likes of which I couldn't have even hoped for.  I know I've bragged on her this entire post, but it's true - neither sickness, new food, heat, a cramped pack 'n play, oceans of sunscreen, nor mommy and daddy constantly saying "put that down, sweetheart, you can't eat that" got you down or dampened your sports.  We were (and are) so proud of you, and we can't wait to get you
back to the Caribbean (daddy's already planning it, in fact!).

K also had 3 big development milestones.  For starters, she started trying to comb her own hair!  Granted, she still HATES it when mommy and daddy use a comb, but she is totally fine with you using a brush (especially if it belongs to another kid :-)).  I also heard K say "mama" for the first time (in the airport on the way home).  There is definitely no question that she knows who "mama" is - especially since she yelled for her the entire time she was in the bathroom while I was in line at Quizno's.

And lastly, my personal favorite new game is when I say "Can I have a kiss?"  K always says no, but up until Thursday she was truly serious.  Now, however, she says no but then smirks, and I know she thinks it's a game.  And for the record - I actually have managed to get a kiss or two. :-)

So there you have it - a Tolstoy-esque post about our first real family vacation.  We had an absolute
blast - so many great meals, good laughs, and wonderful memories - but it was sure nice to be home sleeping in our own bed.  K didn't necessarily agree, as she screamed like a banshee for the first 90 minutes in her crib (don't worry - we did check on her and give her meds twice).  However, the house is now quiet, and it appears as though normalcy has resumed. :-)

Ok, that is DEFINITELY all the news that's fit to print.  Chat soon!

Love,

Sam and Jenny