I consider myself a veteran nomad. My dad served 21 years in the Army and my first 18 years of life were full of transitions because of it. Before my husband joined the Navy, we lived in several different cities in the U.S. I often tell people that I collect addresses and passport stamps. So, I usually go into this whole “relocation” period with a sense of experience and, dare I say, great confidence. This time, however, I will be humble.

For the record, we’ve been grateful and fortunate enough to introduce Lavender to traveling early. Her first trip was an 8 hour train ride to Valencia when she was 3 months and her first flight to the U.S. at 4 months. She’s traveled every month since then and she handles it pretty well.

The difference between these vacations and relocating to the U.S. is night and day. For starters, we’ll be living out of a suitcase for weeks. All of our belongings have been packed up and are currently on that long boat ride across the Atlantic en route to the U.S. We’re not returning to familiar surroundings after we get off that plane. There won’t be a pantry full of food and dishes to prep our meals and our car is also on the way. While we can and will be renting a car, we’ll be in a hotel until we find a place to call home. That can take time. Plus, we’ll be eating out a lot. While I like the convenience of restaurants, eating out puts a hurtin’ on my GI tract and I’m guessing it might do the same for my mini-me. Now, add to that a jet-lagged, teething, toddler and you have a whole new reality.

Provide, protect and prepare are my 3 "PS" of parenting. My prayer (make that my 4th and most important "p"), is to do my best in those areas at all times. And moving puts it all to the test. I permanently moved 4 times as a child, and my little sister was 3 when we moved to Germany. But, I never moved with a child of my own. I know several mamas that will be on the same flight and all of us have children under the age of 2. To say that this will be an adventure is an understatement. "But I got you sis! We got this!"

I’m glad that we’ll all be able to relate to one another and there won’t be any heavy side eyes and deep sighs from travelers who aren’t used to sitting next to or near a child.

So, I’m going to share my list of things I’m hoping to do to help get through this transition with a child. If you, dear reader, have gone through this, feel free to share your tips or travel stories in the comment section.

REST
I’m going to try to rest as much as possible. That’s a goal. That and drinking plenty of water (stay hydrated) and squeezing in some type of fitness routine. If I can be in good physical and mental health, it will work wonders on my stress levels. I’ll let you know how that goes.
NURSING
Yep, we’re 13 months strong in this bad boy and will be approaching 14 months when we get to the U.S. You best believe I”ll continue to supply a comforting constant in this season of shifts and uncertainty. It’s been helpful on flights so we’ll see if Lavender is still able to rest up on the flight after tanking up on some liquid gold.
PACK LIGHT
That was a joke! I dread this upcoming move because it will feature: 3 suitcases, a stroller, carseat, diaper bag, duffle bag, book bags, a pot of coffee and a partridge and some pear trees for fiber. But I know people travel with pets and many families have multiple children AND pets. SO...I’m going to keep things in perspective. There is no packing light when you’re relocating your life across continents. But, I have done a better job this go round by mailing a few things to my parents house so that we’re not weighed down with heavy things that we won’t be using before we get Stateside.
BOOKS AND ACTIVITIES
I’m not bringing stuffed animals, maybe Hopper the Bunny, but this baby is going to have a few books and activity pads, crayons, and whatever other light-weight contraption I can bring along for the ride. My friend told me about a fabric activity book and I'm going to see if I can get one before we board the plane.
GRANDPARENTS
Thankfully we’re moving to an area that isn’t too far from my parents. So, you better believe we’ll be reaching out to the Grands to help. We haven’t ironed out those details since this post might be the first time they’re aware of said plans BUT my mother already told me that, “[I’m] going to have to leave the grandbaby with [her] when we go on our little adventures,” and this is an adventure, right?
REALITY
Let’s be real. Lavender doesn’t know any better. She’s a 1-year old who is living her “best” life and ain’t going back and forth with anyone about it. As long as she has her parents, meals and a place to take a nap, she’ll be fine. She’s a little social butterfly too, so she’ll probably chat it up with her friends on the plane and make new friends at the park in the city we move to next. As long as we’re not overthinking and tripping about it, she’ll be fine.
FAITH
As a woman of faith, I’ll be saying a few prayers and singing a few praise and worship songs. Mostly to keep me near the Cross and not lose my religion when my child throws food at me or fights that oh-so-essential afternoon nap.
MY BELOVED
This should probably be an obvious one and really is the number one. Doing this without my husband would be insane. While I traveled to and from the U.S. alone with Lavender when she was 4 and 5 months, moving our entire life requires extra mental and physical bandwidth. I’ve been described as intrepid by many. That was before having a child. That stroller life presents an entire new meaning to “getting out and about,”. I’m glad that I do have a life partner and that we’re doing this together.

Soooooo...for all of you that have relocated with a baby or toddler, what worked and didn’t work for you during that transition?

#SunsetSeries: International move with a toddler