I was a little anxious about sailing with our new baby. Do babies get sea sick? How will I help sail the boat if I’m breast feeding the grazer? Do I continue with the disposable diapers or switch to cloth to save on garbage? Will he like the wind or beach? There were some difficulties but all in all it went well.
Carl pretty much had to solo sail because the bub is a constant grazer and he still isn’t consistently sleeping at night. Hats off to Carl who can now solo sail our 65’ beast into an anchorage and out, he can even drop and lift the anchor by himself. Getting a little worried that he may toss me overboard because I don’t really contribute anything to our adventure, what am I needed for? I’m just the milk truck. My mom is still onboard and my sister flew in from Italy for a 10 day getaway. I’m so lucky that I have a laundry lady and baby holder (mum) and fancy Italian cook (sister), we are set! Don’t know what we’ll do once they leave in about a week.
Crew did really well sailing, no vomiting or anything and I think the rocking settles him a lot. I just wish I had a rocker or bouncer that I can set him down in. He prefers not to lie flat on his back 24/7 and I don’t blame him but I can’t hold him around the clock, he sees me and thinks of his stomach – just like the girls. “mum can I have a snack?”
Even small tasks like heading out to the beach is an ordeal. I have to bring diapers, wipes, spit up cloth, baby carrier, muslin cloths to shield him from the sun and a sun suit. And then when we get there he’s not too thrilled with the heat, sand and wind. Bugga. And I’m pretty much stuck on the sand feeding the whole time while everyone else is swimming and having a good ole time. Bugga. Most of the time it’s just easier for me to hang back at the boat with just me and the little man.
My birthday was a couple of days ago and we all went out to dinner to Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Fantastic meal, fantastic company and I got to have a couple of cold beers. mmmm. I had the baby strapped to me in my Ergo Baby Carrier throughout the meal, dropping my food on his head. Sorry buddy, but mummas got to eat. One thing that has been a savior is that I’ve discovered how to breastfeed in the carrier. It’s not the best position for him but it’s self burping, and that rocks in my book.
I haven’t been getting a bunch of sleep at night and I hope he’ll work himself out soon because it is killing me! I am definitely one grumpy lady without sleep.
My mom and sister are enjoying their time here. Trudy swam with sharks off the back of the boat and has been snorkeling a lot. I am not impressed that she knows her knots better than me, showing me up. Both of them are getting browner by the day, well Trud just gets redder but she’s putting in a whole bunch of effort.
All in all a pretty good getaway so far. Everyone has been peed and pooped on and the girls run around with a constant grin on their faces. All we need now is to catch some fish and see dolphins and we’ll be set.
Positive thoughts are heading Rebel Hearts way. All the negative media coverage of their unfortunate Pacific passage is horrible. We 100% support cruising with kids, it is so important to open up your kids’ eyes to the world. There’s no better education then to travel and live simply.
