For those that are not sick of me, could you please help me with our vacation situation!
This is a two part post!
1. For those of you that have left your LO while traveling out of state what did you leave the caretaker with?
I was thinking:
Insurance card
Doctors #
Letter of permission in case of an emergency (is there a formal way to say this)
Cash
Detailed Schedule of routine
Snacks
Sample menu
A gallon of whole milk
Sheets, blankets, sleep monkey, jammies
toothbrush, tooth paste
Clothes, socks, shoes
humidifier
tylenol, poly vi sol
Bath toys and soap
bath towels
As a bonus, some fun crafts (stickers, markers, box of fruit loops for FL sand), and a picture book of our family.
Am I leaving anything out?
2. When my ILs take Bo I do a mini version of this list; without fail they never use the clean sheet, bath time soap/lotion,jammies, meals and snacks. It is the weirdest thing to me. The only way I know all of this is because
a. They emailed a video of Bo wearing jammies I have never seen before.
b. the soap was un opened.
c. the sheet is still folded.
d. dinner and snacks are sent back
We pack these things for reasons (typing this, it is not *that* big of a deal; I know he is well taken care of): BUT! 1)It is important to us Bo feels comfortable and has the best experience away from home as possible. 2) We know he is sleeping with clean bedding (their other grandson is there a lot; not saying he is dirty...just Bo should have his own bedding, IMO. 3) The food is homemade, healthy, and part of a balanced diet. 4) It would be different if they had a bunch of things for him at their house, but they do not so what we pack is what they have ( with an exception of the random jammies we saw).
How should we handle this when we leave for vacation? I have never left Bo for more than 15 hours sooooo out of state for 3 days is giving me heart palpitations! I want them to take care of Bo best to their ability and feel we trust them.... just use his belongings!
TIA ![]()
Re: sick of me? (long)
But you have a good list!
I left Drs numbers and directions. Insurance card
SS card. Idk why, looking back.
Letter of permission of treatment. I think I googled it and made my own version.
Her "medical folder." With vaccines, her eye issue forms
Directions of places to take her
Friends/ neighbors names, phone number
https://www.free-legal-document.com/free-temporary-guardianship-form.html
Gracias chica!
Your list sounds great! I do have my IL's and mom on Max's list at the pedi's office so if they had to take him in it isn't a big deal. My MIL took him in while I was in Jamaica and it was just fine. She did make up a letter about being his guardian while we were gone and we signed it and had it notarized just in case.
As far as stuff goes, I don't send a ton to the IL's when Max stays with them since they have most baby/toddler items. I always send a medicine bag, clothing, a toy or 2 that he loves, and his special blankets. They don't feed him as healthy as I do but my MIL is always good about trying to include fruits and veggies at meals. If he gets ice cream I don't worry about it since it is a special thing staying at the grandparents. As far as schedule goes, I know they don't follow one but my MIL knows when Max needs a nap. The only time we have issues is when my niece is there as well and she doesn't STTN so she usually wakes him up.
I know leaving him will be hard but he will be just fine! Just call and check on him as often as you feel the need to.
This. IDK what the relationship is like, but could you talk to your ILs and just tell them how nervous you are about leaving and it would really make you feel a lot better if they just used his stuff.
I would add, in addition to the doctor's number, their address, and any other addresses they may need if they're not familiar with the area (like the hospital, God forbid)
I'm sure it's frustrating that they're not using the things you pack, but at the same time, to me, the sheets, jammies (they probably just found a really cute pair they wanted to put him in), and food are NBD. I know the food is a touchy one - I'd be bothered if I knew he was given stuff that we usually dont, but at the same time, that's all part of the grandparents experience and perogative to spoil a little bit, don't you think? As long as it's nothing that would physically harm him (allergies, sensitivities, etc), I'd pack it, let them know they were there, and accept the fact that they want to do their own thing.
I think this is where we are at with the situation. Of coursy we will privy them as to why we pack the things we do...if they take the information to heart and use Bo's belongings yahtzee! If not, what more as responsible parents could we have done? I know he is being taken care of well, in the ILs' special way, so maybe this is my time to loosen up and have fun in Vegas!
THANK YOU ALL! ANd esp, to Idcoffee for the template of a temporary guardian.
Exactly! I can't wait to hear all about your fabulous get-away!
And ldcoffee - thanks for that template! I saved it and the medical one for when we go away later this year.
HA! HA! I just pray I keep my clothes on and keep it together! I have not been out--like out-out in 3 years!
I left Augie with my mom for 5 days back in September when we went to Boston and all I left was breastmilk and clothes, lol.
BUT - she cares for him on a regular basis, has him overnight once a month, he's got his own nursery at her house complete with bath stuff, diapers, books and toys that he plays with weekly, etc.
Plus my mom is a family practice nurser practicioner so I figure he's in better hands with her than me anyway,
. I never call the doctor with questions, I always call mom (aka Dr.Grandma)!
Anyway, in your case Beca, to be honest, I think you are over doing it. But I know that's your nature to be completely prepared to the best of your ability so I think your list is great : )
Please just do your best to trust your ILs and have a great time on your trip. They love Bo and will do their best (THEIR best - which might not match your definition of best) and Bo will be just fine.
So jealous of your Dr. Grandma and her relationship with Augie...
I know I am over doing it! Do you have any suggestions for me to trim the fat... and show them I trust them, but still believe I armored Bo with everything he needs over there.
As I said... They do not have stuff there. Well, the stuff they do is their other grandson's and is nothing like Bo (in terms of size, and diet).