Over labor day weekend, we went up the Unitah’s for an overnight camping outing. I had no idea what to expect with a 5-month old, and I still have mixed feelings about it. It was really nice to get up there, be around camp fire and dirt, ride the 4-wheelers, hang out with the family, and do the outdoorsy thing. My parents recently bought a used camper, which is the only reason we even considered going. It was very nice to have the indoors to go to when it got too buggy, too cold, or too smokey. I’m pretty sure Skye had a great time, since she loves being outside.
However, she had two stressed out parents once the sun went down. First of all, at our house, we have a constant glow of nightlights in every room we use past midnight. In the camper, it was black. Pitch black. Skye co-slept with me, but I haven’t done this since she was born and I couldn’t see her at all. Nothing. Not even her silhouette. I could not sleep all night in fear that I was mashing a pillow or blanket in her face. Benjam recently read a SIDS article and was kind enough to cite his concerns about the camping situation. So then I had to keep putting, well finding first with my hand in the dark, my hand on her stomach to make sure she was breathing. Usually my hand would find her nose first, then her freezing hands and then finally her slightly pulsing belly. She actually slept really well, only stirring a few times. I had the bottle of water and formula ready in hand for the exact moment she needed it, so I wouldn’t’ disturb the rest of the camper. At least she got some sleep, because I sure know I didn’t. My eyes were burning and stinging with fatigue by the time the sun finally rose.
I think we’ll wait a little longer before trying to tackle her second outdoor adventure. Or at least find battery operated nightlights.
