Call Me Crazy - I went to Italy with a Toddler , and Loved Every Moment (almost...) A Trip Report: Rome and Tuscany
Jun 1st, 2006, 01:56 PM
#63
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Yesterday delivered the shock of my life time.
Here is a mini trip report of the ultra sound appointment:
I am laying on the table, very full bladder, DH is near my feet, and the X-ray tech turns the screen to face me and says, very calmly "Before we begin, I need to tell you that I see two babies"
Mebe: (gasp) My hand clenchs my mouth and tears well up
DH: "What? Oh my God..." his head collasps into my legs
Mebe: (to tech) Are you sure? You need to look again!! (to DH) This is all your fault!
We spent the next two hours, while the ultra sound continued, calling family, laughing and looking at each other in total disbelief.
Back to traveling, since this is a traveling board, I've already started my daily affirmations that my life isn't over and I will travel again, sooner rather than later. And yes, there will be a trip report!
And I am thrilled I went to Italy in November. Like I said before, the future is unpredictable, so seize the moment.
Your warm congrats have been a joy to read and an unexpected bonus to writing this report. Thank you for sharing in my very unexpected, thrilling, life altering experience.
Myra
Here is a mini trip report of the ultra sound appointment:
I am laying on the table, very full bladder, DH is near my feet, and the X-ray tech turns the screen to face me and says, very calmly "Before we begin, I need to tell you that I see two babies"
Mebe: (gasp) My hand clenchs my mouth and tears well up
DH: "What? Oh my God..." his head collasps into my legs
Mebe: (to tech) Are you sure? You need to look again!! (to DH) This is all your fault!
We spent the next two hours, while the ultra sound continued, calling family, laughing and looking at each other in total disbelief.
Back to traveling, since this is a traveling board, I've already started my daily affirmations that my life isn't over and I will travel again, sooner rather than later. And yes, there will be a trip report!
And I am thrilled I went to Italy in November. Like I said before, the future is unpredictable, so seize the moment.
Your warm congrats have been a joy to read and an unexpected bonus to writing this report. Thank you for sharing in my very unexpected, thrilling, life altering experience.
Myra
Jun 1st, 2006, 02:35 PM
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Oh, Myra! Poor Ada - not just one, but two little brothers!
You know, sometimes the world is a pretty sad place but this news just made everything roses! (I know, I'm a sappy sentimentalist.)
Please keep in touch. It's so amazing how we feel like family when we share travel experiences.
Best wishes to your entire family!
Linda
You know, sometimes the world is a pretty sad place but this news just made everything roses! (I know, I'm a sappy sentimentalist.)
Please keep in touch. It's so amazing how we feel like family when we share travel experiences.
Best wishes to your entire family!
Linda
Jun 2nd, 2006, 08:54 AM
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GREAT final installment -- I love the chocolate mustache! And of course, you know you have my sincere congratulations on the impending twins -- that challange alone sounds like reason enough to start planning your next trip!
Jun 2nd, 2006, 11:24 AM
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CONGRATULATIONS!
You are truly blessed.
I have identical twin boys (now aged 13 - I can't believe how they've grown from such adorable babies to such big boys in such a short time!) who followed two girls with a 2 year age gap between them. All 4 were born within 3 and a half years!! That WAS hard believe me - I had 3 in nappies for a year!
We first went on holiday when the boys were 7 months old, but we just rented a house a hundred miles or so away from our home in the UK. We did that the following year as well. When the boys were 2 we drove to Belgium to visit friends, and after that we drove to France and rented houses/gites there for holidays until the boys were 5 and sadly the marriage broke down.
(Actually I have not found that to be a total negative, because I have had wonderful holidays with the children, not just here in the UK but we have gone to France, Spain and Italy.)
Travelling overseas will be difficult, but you have already shown you can cope well, and you will manage in the future. I look forward to the trip reports already!
Just make sure you take the time to enjoy the boys, because with an older toddler it is very hard to find the time for all the children, not to mention your husband, and very importantly, FIND TIME FOR YOURSELF, somewhere in the family muddle, just sometimes...
Good luck, and congratulations again.
You are truly blessed.
I have identical twin boys (now aged 13 - I can't believe how they've grown from such adorable babies to such big boys in such a short time!) who followed two girls with a 2 year age gap between them. All 4 were born within 3 and a half years!! That WAS hard believe me - I had 3 in nappies for a year!
We first went on holiday when the boys were 7 months old, but we just rented a house a hundred miles or so away from our home in the UK. We did that the following year as well. When the boys were 2 we drove to Belgium to visit friends, and after that we drove to France and rented houses/gites there for holidays until the boys were 5 and sadly the marriage broke down.
(Actually I have not found that to be a total negative, because I have had wonderful holidays with the children, not just here in the UK but we have gone to France, Spain and Italy.)
Travelling overseas will be difficult, but you have already shown you can cope well, and you will manage in the future. I look forward to the trip reports already!
Just make sure you take the time to enjoy the boys, because with an older toddler it is very hard to find the time for all the children, not to mention your husband, and very importantly, FIND TIME FOR YOURSELF, somewhere in the family muddle, just sometimes...
Good luck, and congratulations again.
Jun 29th, 2006, 05:18 PM
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mebe, this is a wonderful trip report and the 'additions' equally delightful.
I think you are born to travel - I'm sure nothing will stop you. I love your attitude to life!
I look forward to printing this report and reading it thoroughly tonight with my hot chocolate! Peacefully, no more children around - just a fluffy white dog. My 'little ones' are all (4) in their thirties. How quickly those years go by!!
I think you are born to travel - I'm sure nothing will stop you. I love your attitude to life!
I look forward to printing this report and reading it thoroughly tonight with my hot chocolate! Peacefully, no more children around - just a fluffy white dog. My 'little ones' are all (4) in their thirties. How quickly those years go by!!
Jun 30th, 2006, 07:05 AM
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Congratulations on being the featured trip report! I've enjoyed reading through your adventures - what a wonderful way to spend the morning.
Your family is so cute! Your daughter is absolutely adorable! How precious it must have been to share Italy with her.
Your family is so cute! Your daughter is absolutely adorable! How precious it must have been to share Italy with her.
Jul 7th, 2006, 11:35 AM
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http://www.fodors.com/wire/archives/001919.cfm
Thanks to Myra, Aaron (and especially Ada!) for this trip report
Thanks to Myra, Aaron (and especially Ada!) for this trip report
Jul 10th, 2006, 11:06 AM
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Hi Mebe - First, congratulations on your two bambinos! That would be shocking... especially if you'd nicely planned on two children (I'm pregnant with my second as well right now... and have a toddler a bit younger than Ada). BUT, it's so meant to be, and you'll be sooooooooo in love - that crazy baby love. 
Thanks for a great report - so descriptive, funny, real, and entertaining. As I mentioned, we have a toddler as well... 15-months, as a matter of fact, and we're headed to Italy in 10 days (sound familiar?!). I was so grateful for your report and that of skatterfly. We've traveled lots (including Italy), but this is the first int'l trip with Miss Clara. I hope you don't mind a few more questions. Here goes....
1. Car seat: We will primarily be using mass transportation (metro, train) but there may be the occassional taxi ride and hotel shuttle. I have a Safety 1st Tote N Go (basically a padded board w/ harness that attaches to adult seat belt) that wouldn't be terrible to tote around, but what was your experience? Did you ever use a taxi w/ Ada... do you know what the law regarding car seats is?
2. Did you use any laundromats? I recall homes often not having dryers... was wondering if you knew the laundromats to have them. I just can't pack 2-wks worth of clothes and my pregnant self is not up for washing all our clothes in the sink (as we've been known to do on long trips)... not to mention that I'll be wearing maternity "fashions" vs. the quick-drying travel clothes that I'd usually pack.
Thank so much! Hope you're feeling well!
Thanks for a great report - so descriptive, funny, real, and entertaining. As I mentioned, we have a toddler as well... 15-months, as a matter of fact, and we're headed to Italy in 10 days (sound familiar?!). I was so grateful for your report and that of skatterfly. We've traveled lots (including Italy), but this is the first int'l trip with Miss Clara. I hope you don't mind a few more questions. Here goes....
1. Car seat: We will primarily be using mass transportation (metro, train) but there may be the occassional taxi ride and hotel shuttle. I have a Safety 1st Tote N Go (basically a padded board w/ harness that attaches to adult seat belt) that wouldn't be terrible to tote around, but what was your experience? Did you ever use a taxi w/ Ada... do you know what the law regarding car seats is?
2. Did you use any laundromats? I recall homes often not having dryers... was wondering if you knew the laundromats to have them. I just can't pack 2-wks worth of clothes and my pregnant self is not up for washing all our clothes in the sink (as we've been known to do on long trips)... not to mention that I'll be wearing maternity "fashions" vs. the quick-drying travel clothes that I'd usually pack.
Thank so much! Hope you're feeling well!
Jul 11th, 2006, 08:17 AM
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Julia T:
I hope this helps. We never used an airport shuttle.We did use taxis twice: from FCO into Rome and from our Rome apartment to the car rental company under the Borghese Gardens. We were told (by the Rome apartment owner we rented from) that Italy doesn't require you use a car seat at your child's age. So, it's what you feel comfortable with as a parent. But it looks like your Tote n go would work fine in a taxi.
About laundry: We never went to a laundromat, so I don't know about dryers. What about hanging the laundry up to air dry? But I am sure someone around here has laundromat experience and a quick search on Italian laundromats should give you ample info.
Congrats on traveling with a child and pregnant! I'm six months (feels like eight) and trying to muster up the energy to drive two blocks and navigate a grocery store with a two year old. I admire your stamina! I hope you'll write a trip report - I need something inspiring to read!
Myra
I hope this helps. We never used an airport shuttle.We did use taxis twice: from FCO into Rome and from our Rome apartment to the car rental company under the Borghese Gardens. We were told (by the Rome apartment owner we rented from) that Italy doesn't require you use a car seat at your child's age. So, it's what you feel comfortable with as a parent. But it looks like your Tote n go would work fine in a taxi.
About laundry: We never went to a laundromat, so I don't know about dryers. What about hanging the laundry up to air dry? But I am sure someone around here has laundromat experience and a quick search on Italian laundromats should give you ample info.
Congrats on traveling with a child and pregnant! I'm six months (feels like eight) and trying to muster up the energy to drive two blocks and navigate a grocery store with a two year old. I admire your stamina! I hope you'll write a trip report - I need something inspiring to read!
Myra
Jul 11th, 2006, 09:09 AM
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Myra, Thank you so much for the wonderful travel report. Have you ever thought of submitting some of your stories or "How to travel with a Toddler" with parenting or travel magazines? I would totally read your articles/columns!
Congrats on the twins...I'm 32 weeks pregnant with twins myself, girls. We were just talking about how fun it's going to be taking them to places all over the world, exploring new places and revisiting the places that DH and I have loved "when they get older." But after reading your report, I realize that older is just 18 months away. Yay.
We really liked the pictures, especially that one of her climbing the stairs on Assisi. Bellisimo!
Hope to read more of your work,
Shannon
Congrats on the twins...I'm 32 weeks pregnant with twins myself, girls. We were just talking about how fun it's going to be taking them to places all over the world, exploring new places and revisiting the places that DH and I have loved "when they get older." But after reading your report, I realize that older is just 18 months away. Yay.
We really liked the pictures, especially that one of her climbing the stairs on Assisi. Bellisimo!
Hope to read more of your work,
Shannon
Jul 11th, 2006, 10:31 AM
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Thanks for your quick reply, Mebe! I actually did find a recommendation for a good Italian laundromat chain on another site. For any others interested, check out: www.ondablu.com. It's all in Italian, but intuition and/or www.babelfish.com will get anyone through it to find locations.
Take care, and I will consider writing a report... maybe I'll actually journal on this trip, something I always mean to do but always forget to do. (Actually, I always convince myself, at the time, that I'll remember everything... which I don't, of course... and have ZERO chance of now that I am mom to a toddler and a prego lady.
)
Angela
Take care, and I will consider writing a report... maybe I'll actually journal on this trip, something I always mean to do but always forget to do. (Actually, I always convince myself, at the time, that I'll remember everything... which I don't, of course... and have ZERO chance of now that I am mom to a toddler and a prego lady.
)Angela
Jul 11th, 2006, 10:49 AM
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myra -
<I'm six months (feels like eight)>>
Have courage and strength (and you will find it from somewhere deep within yourself). As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been there. When my twins were born my oldest was only 3 1/2 and my second child 18 months. It is hard work, trying to juggle everything, and I sincerely hope your husband is more supporting than mine was.
However, you have some wonderful times ahead of you, and I envy you going though those.
Now mine are all teens and OMG, this is MUCH harder than when they were all little and all the work was physical, changing nappies, feeds, changing etc! (and really DO consider breastfeeding your two babies - it is SO much easier once you get established, particularly as you have Ada to consider. There is a position that gives you a free hand to do things with your other child while the two babies feed. Also you can get more sleep! I'll give you my email if you want to know more.)
Take care and all best wishes... Julia
<I'm six months (feels like eight)>>
Have courage and strength (and you will find it from somewhere deep within yourself). As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been there. When my twins were born my oldest was only 3 1/2 and my second child 18 months. It is hard work, trying to juggle everything, and I sincerely hope your husband is more supporting than mine was.
However, you have some wonderful times ahead of you, and I envy you going though those.
Now mine are all teens and OMG, this is MUCH harder than when they were all little and all the work was physical, changing nappies, feeds, changing etc! (and really DO consider breastfeeding your two babies - it is SO much easier once you get established, particularly as you have Ada to consider. There is a position that gives you a free hand to do things with your other child while the two babies feed. Also you can get more sleep! I'll give you my email if you want to know more.)
Take care and all best wishes... Julia
Jul 14th, 2006, 07:36 AM
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Julia - I would love to know more! Thank you for offering your support.
Wyatt92 - Yes, this also why I love Fodors. Plus, now when I log on, my two sweeties are looking back at me. Best part of doing a "featured" trip report. And I promise to take a break from breastfeeding (24 times a day!) to post when they arrive (hopefully in 14 weeks...) Yikes! That soon?
Wyatt92 - Yes, this also why I love Fodors. Plus, now when I log on, my two sweeties are looking back at me. Best part of doing a "featured" trip report. And I promise to take a break from breastfeeding (24 times a day!) to post when they arrive (hopefully in 14 weeks...) Yikes! That soon?
Jul 14th, 2006, 09:07 AM
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myra...
I'm off to Cornwall tomorrow taking my 13yo twins surfing, plus a friend of theirs, and my 15yo daughter and a friend of hers!
I'll be back in 10 days, but if you want to email me in the meantime it's
[email protected]
The next 14 weeks will surely fly by, and twins often make their appearance a little early! It might be an idea to start your Christmas shopping while you can still do it easily, with just Ada in her buggy...
Talk to you soon.
I'm off to Cornwall tomorrow taking my 13yo twins surfing, plus a friend of theirs, and my 15yo daughter and a friend of hers!
I'll be back in 10 days, but if you want to email me in the meantime it's
[email protected]
The next 14 weeks will surely fly by, and twins often make their appearance a little early! It might be an idea to start your Christmas shopping while you can still do it easily, with just Ada in her buggy...
Talk to you soon.
