A Scates Family Outing

Aside from doctor visits, therapy, and some occasional visits to the NICU, the girls have been generally isolated at home.  This is mainly due to two factors: (1) since they were premature, we were told to limit their contact with others; and (2) it is a major undertaking to get all of their gear packed up and be prepared to leave the house.  As a subset to (2), it is also so hot right now, even with the a/c blowing full blast it's got to be miserable in the carseats, and they've definitely sweated the few times we were out.

Well, so yesterday the family was hanging at the house, and it was clear we needed to run a few errands.  Originally I figured Matt and I would flip for who left and who stayed at home, but Matt suggested that we all get out of the house and go on the trip.  Okay, why not?

So we begin the process of getting the diaper bag in order:

diapers - the correct size?  check

wipes - always left in there, so check

extra outfits - just updated, so should fit!  check

food - we got a few "ready to eat" bottles, so check

nipples for the bottles - check

burp cloths - check

Next, start the car to let it cool (LONG process).  Then, start trying to strap the girls in their carseats.  Neither particularly like the carseat, but both do tend to settle down once in the car and they feel it moving.

We load up the car with the stroller, put the girls in the car, and we're on our way!  Of course, the girls fall asleep on the way.  But, as soon as we arrive, they wake up, and start to cry because they're hungry.  Interestingly, though, if the stroller was moving, they were okay.  So Matt stands in line to pay for the baby carrier and I do laps inside the REI store.  Afterwards, we walk over to Whole Foods and fed the girls, change them in the bathroom, and then headed home.

All in all, a nice family trip.  ;)

Matt and Hazelbear, initially outside.

Snacking at Whole Foods.

Me feeding the Abs.