I was a little hesitant about going to the Blog Friends Fest. Not only am I incredibly shy in large groups, but I didn't know how everything would work out bringing the baby along. A weekend of drunken debauchery with a baby on the hip is sooo Britney.
Over eight months and he still won't take a bottle come hell or high water. Sigh. It's just as well - I'm not sure that I could leave him for a whole weekend right now. Luckily for me, I was able to call in the reserves.
We dropped our three-year-old off with my parents, and he had a fabulous weekend taking a trolley ride, splashing around in the water, and eating Mississippi Mud Pie.
The Husband came along to Niagara to mind the baby, so that I could go out with the girls. Thanks to him, I went to the cocktail party sponsored by Random House on Friday. We got copies of The Gargoyle and temporary tattoos. (I'd post a picture, but I'm sure it's all over the 'Net by now - just search "hot(e) girl with dragon tattoo"). The Husband also stayed in the hotel Saturday, so I could go for fun dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. Both Hubbie and baby came along on our wine tour to Jackson-Triggs. The baby learned a lot about wine, but don't worry, we only let him taste the 2004 Riesling, so he didn't get too sloshed.
The good people at Ford sponsored our trip and let us borrow their new Flex. Considering the ridiculous amount of stuff we had to pack for two days, it's a good thing they did. The Flex was able to fit it all, along with two carseats and STILL have room to spare. Our older son zombied out to Toy Story in the back and we got have some Sirius fun playing with the satellite radio. Not to mention, the fridge kept the baby's food and breastmilk lovely and cool. That is a real plus in my books - I'm constantly worried about the integrity of the cooling system I use while travelling.
Although the car is a little too big for us right now - we're a family of four who uses the car sparingly - the Husband was so impressed by it's smooth, quiet ride, that he will seriously consider Ford for our next upgrade. But for a family of five, or a small family who likes road trips and camping, I'd say you can't get much better. It's airy, light, comfortable and has a lot of room to pack everything you might need. And this is coming from an over-packer.
But the icing on the already fabulous cake? The wonderful, amazing and beautiful blogger women (and men! Well, man, to be exact.). Some I knew from other bloggy events, and some were complete unknowns to me. Everyone - bar none - was friendly. I put out the call to have people help me carry my (not so little) baby, and there was no end to people wanting to entertain him. He was with us during the conference portion and was so bedazzled by the bloggers that I rarely heard a peep out of him. And I got to take notes! And get myself a coffee! I even managed to go to the bathroom all by myself once! Good times. But more importantly, eventhough I'm only a smalltime blogger, and couldn't stay out too late (the baby rises with the crack of not-yet dawn no matter what time I get in), I always felt included and welcome. And that, just maybe, people were a little glad to see me.
Now I need a weekend to recover from my weekend, thankyouverymuch.
Cross-posted at Better Than a Playdate























