Toddler Travel

We have traveled a lot with Lucas. In fact, he has been more places in his 2.5 years than I think I did my whole childhood. He's been to Orlando (x3), Nashville, Vancouver, Tucson (x2), San Diego/California, Mont Tremblant and Ottawa, not to mention numerous road trips to the cottage, London and Collingwood.

When we first started out, I was very nervous to travel with him. I didn't want to be the parent unable to calm their child down should he start crying. I brought one of everything to ensure we were prepared. I was scared.

But our travel style has evolved as has my comfort level.

Lucas pulls his own Thomas suitcase that has his snacks, toys and books. We bought the lightest umbrella stroller possible and have a handy red Gate Check bag to leave it at the plane door. This last trip I retired his diaper bag in favour of a diaper pod (or purse) that easily clips to other bags. We load up the Playbook with movies and video clips as well as having the iPhone charged for games and music.

With every trip I have learned what we need and what we don't need, downsizing each time, hoping to diminish much of the stress that travelling entails. And Lucas has become comfortable with going on an airplane, train or travelling long distances in the car.

That's not to say we don't have the occasional meltdown (often when nap time is near), but I'm glad I didn't let the fear keep us from travelling at all. We wouldn't have so many great memories if I had.

Magic Blanket Ride

Some little known facts about me: I hate folding laundry and I hate putting away laundry. I will allow the laundry basket to sit on the floor of the rec room or the bedroom and rifle through it every day as needed. The wrinkle release setting on my dryer is my best friend, as is my drycleaner.

Since Lucas was born, I now have two additional loads of laundry a week. More laundry, more folding, more putting away. I'm pleased with myself if I'm able to at least fold it. Often laundry baskets are within Lucas' reach and have since become something that fascinates him.

Last week, he was rifling through the laundry basket (like mother, like son) and pulled out a blanket of his that I had recently washed. He immediately started rubbing the blanket against his cheek and sucking his thumb. This blanket remained on the floor as he played, but he would always come back to it, either stroking it or laying down on top of it, sucking his thumb.

This really shouldn't surprise me. My husband had a blanket that went everywhere with him as a toddler, and I had two. It's only natural that Lucas too would find comfort and solace in a blanket. And it is magic.

He's whining but put the blanket in his arms and he immediately soothes himself. He falls asleep with the blanket in his arms, with barely a whimper. Fussing? Blanket helps him calm down.

I wonder if it's this particular blanket (pictured) or if I would be able to substitute with a similar blanket. I will test this theory and get back to you.

Did I mention we only have one blanket of this kind? Trouble.