Left Behind

So we have embarked on our first holiday as a family of five.  I successfully packed up everything we would need for our week in New Zealand, we loaded everyone in the car and headed to the airport right on schedule.

We made it through check in with a trolley stacked 6 feet high with suitcases and car seats.  The friendly agent informed us that Air New Zealand would not gate check our stroller and we'd have to leave it at the oversized baggage check. 

So we trekked through the airport weighted down with 100 lbs of carry on baggage, toting the baby in his capsule, and pulling the Little Buddy on his trunkie.  At least the Little Princess was able to manage her bag on her own!

Finally, we pre-boarded and settled in for our quick 2.5 hour flight. 

About an hour into the flight, I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.  I realized that the Little Buddy's beloved giraffe blankies were sitting on the seat of our car in the Sydney airport.

I am officially out of the running for that Mother of the Year Award.

As expected, there were lots of tears when bed time rolled around and he realized he would have to sleep without his lovies.  We devised a makeshift one out of a baby blanket, but it's just not the same.  So, as a tribute to the giraffes, here are some photos of the Little Buddy and his lovies over the years.

 

 As a newborn

  

Baby Buddy

 

Toddler Buddy

 

Giraffe at Disneyland

Giraffe in Business Class

 

Giraffe on the Sydney Ferry

 

Giraffe in Shoal Bay

 

Giraffe on the way to the Great Barrier Reef

 Giraffe poolside on Hamilton Island

 

Giraffe comforting the middle child

 Sleepy giraffe

  

A giraffe cuddle

Giraffe jammies

This little boy is going to be very happy when they are reunited next week!