Month - March
Destination - Las Vegas, NV
Travel Mode - Air
Destination - Las Vegas, NV
Travel Mode - Air
Duration - 5 hr 20 mins flight time+
You must be thinking, these guys are nuts to be flying to Vegas with a 4.5 month old. Quite right, but we'll let you in on a secret - we practice Nichiren Buddhism, which helps us realize that if one determines to do/change/overcome something, all the answers lie in your life. Trust your wisdom, courage and compassion. So here we were facing yet another work trip for Jes. With our learnings from the Atlanta trip, we knew what not to do and what possibly would be our low points, so in a way, this trip was smoother because we knew what to expect. Our flight this time was out of JFK, an hour plus drive. We chose to park at the terminal we were flying out of, which turned out to be a big advantage. Taking a step back, before this trip, Madhu was trying to put together an automatic feeding and watering system for Einstein so that we wouldn't have to enlist friends and family. This turned out to be quite challenging, we got very close to putting the thing together but the extreme cold and Einstein proofing the whole system was too much to accomplish in just 9 days and we had to abandon the whole project. We had to scurry to find people at the last moment to take care of Einstein. Big thanks to Jes' Mom, who saved us from a lot of anxiety and trouble. Also big thanks to our very kind neighbor and another dear friend who pitched in. That was probably the biggest stress lingering in our minds, besides the long flight, getting the flu, or having a terrible time at Vegas--you know, the usual. This time we had packed appropriately (smaller suitcases) and made sure our seats were not all the way back on the plane. We tried to upgrade our seats but because the flight was really full, we couldn't. On our way back, we were able to get preferred seating, which made a huge difference. Nio did very well for a 5.5 hrs flight, we have learned that he has more trouble with his ears when the flight is landing vs take off.
It had been a long flight, so a combination of tiredness, hunger and discomfort led him to cry for the last 10-15 mins before arriving in Las Vegas. However, Madhu came up with some interesting distractions and was able to minimize his crying to a good degree. Our neighbor on the flight was not very friendly and we swear, at some point he was begrudging that he was next to a baby (speculation based on actual proof of eye rolls). Anyway, we had to go about our own business and make sure we were able to get out at the earliest. Once we were on the ground, Nio was ok and we went straight to the hotel and called it a night. It was 10:30pm Pacific time. This was the other thing we were wary about - the timezone shift and how that would affect Nio. It seemed like he had some jet lag (hellooo 5:30am wake up call) but his routine of 2 hrs between naps and 3 hrs between feeding continued irrespective.
Next morning Jes had some time as her work would be starting around 2 PM, so we were able to hang out as a family and went to check out the Arts District in downtown Vegas. It was a really cool area, very different from the Strip and its boisterous energy. We saw some very cool antique shops, had some local beer - of course, by this time Nio had become quite popular in this area.
We had a wonderful time. We also did a drive by on Freemont street and saw the container park and the leaning Mantis, a quintessential landmark of Vegas which is not the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to this city. We went into Sunday feeling very positive and were looking forward to meeting Jes' cousin and Aunt who lives locally. It was a family reunion after more than 10 years. Jes had never met her cousin's husband and two daughters! It was a very special treat for Jes as Sia was a very close cousin growing up. She has many fond memories of Thanksgiving in Boston and being barely old enough to stay up late to play Dictionary and Pictionary with the adults and big kids. Reconnecting in person meant so much to Jes so we're so glad we got to do it, even if it was only for an hour.
Staying with Nio full time, Madhu has been really challenging her life state. This was the first time as a family we were in such a dynamic, uncertain, mentally and physically challenging situation. On top of this, Jes' breast milk supply was taking a hit because both of us caught a stomach bug. She had to pump more often, do power hours in the middle of the night and first thing in the morning to barely keep up with the number of feedings and amount. She started downing coconut water to hydrate and ate anything she could stomach to keep her calories up (mostly protein bars and muffins). We went through the small amount of back up supply we had and although he would only need 4 bottles through the day, she pumped at least 6 times to keep up with the demand. We were worried but it wouldn't be until the last day when we would fully panic and buy formula as back up, which would eventually fail as Nio would end up rejecting it. More in a bit.
Reflecting on being new parents - both of us are working mothers and each of us has had a different set of unique challenges when it comes to taking care of Nio full time. You almost always end up feeling that you are losing your self slowly and exist in a vacuum of time and space, yet this little human is the most precious and valuable life and you love them so much. It's a very complex web of feelings, which demands a lot of support, kindness and compassion from each other and our support system. It cannot be said enough that the most difficult thing/job in this whole world is raising a capable human being. With this realization and reflection, there are many social norms that need redefinition, unlearning and change - the role of women, both feminine and masculine leaning traits, gender biases, HR policies, basically rewiring what we think is important for our happiness. Matters of the heart are most important.
Next day, after Jes' work day, we were able to make a dash to the strip to see the Bellagio Fountains. This was Jes' and Nio's first time in Vegas and we didn't want to miss this one.
Last full day was particularly challenging for us, Jes' breast milk supply had gone down to a point where we were just matching the amount Nio needed to feed. Between all this, we had also asked our good friend to babysit Nio that night, because a date night in Vegas just had to be done. We went to Waldorf Astoria, to Skybar. This is an amazing location - 23rd floor, the views of Vegas are stunning and beautiful. It was a perfect date night. We had long, deep conversations, gave each other our undivided attention (a rarity these days), and connected in the most meaningful ways. We were feeling very refreshed and in fact, on the way back, Jes pumped more than she had been all day.
Earlier in the day, we had ordered some formula and decided to give Nio some, this after a lot of internal debate, going back and forth because this was not our preferred choice but we couldn't let Nio go hungry. Later at night, we gave Nio a bottle of organic formula. He drank about a half an ounce and then just outrightly rejected the bottle and made a face which clearly said "this is yucky". Strangely, Madhu was so proud of this moment, and Jes felt extremely validated. Definitely a moment to reflect on in regards to our biases about formula. Biases aside, though, Jes is determined to make it longer than a year of exclusively breastfeeding Nio so changing that plan felt like defeat for a moment. When he rejected the formula both of us suddenly felt a new urge to up our faith that Jes will somehow start making more milk. She ate more, drank more water, pumped more and did more power hours that night, and we were able to produce enough milk. Next day, we were going home - the last stretch.
Our flight got delayed by an hour and a half but thankfully we were alerted before we left the hotel. The plane ride back was just the best one among all the flights we took with Nio. He slept most of the way and the rest of the time he was playful and kept himself and us entertained. When we got out, several fellow passengers complimented us saying that they didn't even realize there was a baby on the flight and he is the cutest baby - which we totally agree. He's obviously perfect. And we are not biased.
The journey did not end there though. We had to get to the terminal at which we had parked and then make the hour plus drive back home. Nio slept and ate and then cried. He'd had it. When we got home though, his excitement to see a familiar place was palpable as well as our own. It took several hours to bring the excitement back down to a sleeping energy but we finally got there.
Jes' supply is still on the mend but we're almost back to where it needs to be for Nio's best health. We won't be getting on a flight again anytime soon but with this under our belts, we feel prepared for anything.
You must be thinking, these guys are nuts to be flying to Vegas with a 4.5 month old. Quite right, but we'll let you in on a secret - we practice Nichiren Buddhism, which helps us realize that if one determines to do/change/overcome something, all the answers lie in your life. Trust your wisdom, courage and compassion. So here we were facing yet another work trip for Jes. With our learnings from the Atlanta trip, we knew what not to do and what possibly would be our low points, so in a way, this trip was smoother because we knew what to expect. Our flight this time was out of JFK, an hour plus drive. We chose to park at the terminal we were flying out of, which turned out to be a big advantage. Taking a step back, before this trip, Madhu was trying to put together an automatic feeding and watering system for Einstein so that we wouldn't have to enlist friends and family. This turned out to be quite challenging, we got very close to putting the thing together but the extreme cold and Einstein proofing the whole system was too much to accomplish in just 9 days and we had to abandon the whole project. We had to scurry to find people at the last moment to take care of Einstein. Big thanks to Jes' Mom, who saved us from a lot of anxiety and trouble. Also big thanks to our very kind neighbor and another dear friend who pitched in. That was probably the biggest stress lingering in our minds, besides the long flight, getting the flu, or having a terrible time at Vegas--you know, the usual. This time we had packed appropriately (smaller suitcases) and made sure our seats were not all the way back on the plane. We tried to upgrade our seats but because the flight was really full, we couldn't. On our way back, we were able to get preferred seating, which made a huge difference. Nio did very well for a 5.5 hrs flight, we have learned that he has more trouble with his ears when the flight is landing vs take off.
 |
| Jes is kissing Nio's ears to help with the discomfort. |
It had been a long flight, so a combination of tiredness, hunger and discomfort led him to cry for the last 10-15 mins before arriving in Las Vegas. However, Madhu came up with some interesting distractions and was able to minimize his crying to a good degree. Our neighbor on the flight was not very friendly and we swear, at some point he was begrudging that he was next to a baby (speculation based on actual proof of eye rolls). Anyway, we had to go about our own business and make sure we were able to get out at the earliest. Once we were on the ground, Nio was ok and we went straight to the hotel and called it a night. It was 10:30pm Pacific time. This was the other thing we were wary about - the timezone shift and how that would affect Nio. It seemed like he had some jet lag (hellooo 5:30am wake up call) but his routine of 2 hrs between naps and 3 hrs between feeding continued irrespective.
Next morning Jes had some time as her work would be starting around 2 PM, so we were able to hang out as a family and went to check out the Arts District in downtown Vegas. It was a really cool area, very different from the Strip and its boisterous energy. We saw some very cool antique shops, had some local beer - of course, by this time Nio had become quite popular in this area.
 |
| Cool Graffiti - St Street |
Staying with Nio full time, Madhu has been really challenging her life state. This was the first time as a family we were in such a dynamic, uncertain, mentally and physically challenging situation. On top of this, Jes' breast milk supply was taking a hit because both of us caught a stomach bug. She had to pump more often, do power hours in the middle of the night and first thing in the morning to barely keep up with the number of feedings and amount. She started downing coconut water to hydrate and ate anything she could stomach to keep her calories up (mostly protein bars and muffins). We went through the small amount of back up supply we had and although he would only need 4 bottles through the day, she pumped at least 6 times to keep up with the demand. We were worried but it wouldn't be until the last day when we would fully panic and buy formula as back up, which would eventually fail as Nio would end up rejecting it. More in a bit.
Reflecting on being new parents - both of us are working mothers and each of us has had a different set of unique challenges when it comes to taking care of Nio full time. You almost always end up feeling that you are losing your self slowly and exist in a vacuum of time and space, yet this little human is the most precious and valuable life and you love them so much. It's a very complex web of feelings, which demands a lot of support, kindness and compassion from each other and our support system. It cannot be said enough that the most difficult thing/job in this whole world is raising a capable human being. With this realization and reflection, there are many social norms that need redefinition, unlearning and change - the role of women, both feminine and masculine leaning traits, gender biases, HR policies, basically rewiring what we think is important for our happiness. Matters of the heart are most important.
Next day, after Jes' work day, we were able to make a dash to the strip to see the Bellagio Fountains. This was Jes' and Nio's first time in Vegas and we didn't want to miss this one.
 |
| Madhu's world |
Last full day was particularly challenging for us, Jes' breast milk supply had gone down to a point where we were just matching the amount Nio needed to feed. Between all this, we had also asked our good friend to babysit Nio that night, because a date night in Vegas just had to be done. We went to Waldorf Astoria, to Skybar. This is an amazing location - 23rd floor, the views of Vegas are stunning and beautiful. It was a perfect date night. We had long, deep conversations, gave each other our undivided attention (a rarity these days), and connected in the most meaningful ways. We were feeling very refreshed and in fact, on the way back, Jes pumped more than she had been all day.
 |
| Skybar and The Sinatra |
Earlier in the day, we had ordered some formula and decided to give Nio some, this after a lot of internal debate, going back and forth because this was not our preferred choice but we couldn't let Nio go hungry. Later at night, we gave Nio a bottle of organic formula. He drank about a half an ounce and then just outrightly rejected the bottle and made a face which clearly said "this is yucky". Strangely, Madhu was so proud of this moment, and Jes felt extremely validated. Definitely a moment to reflect on in regards to our biases about formula. Biases aside, though, Jes is determined to make it longer than a year of exclusively breastfeeding Nio so changing that plan felt like defeat for a moment. When he rejected the formula both of us suddenly felt a new urge to up our faith that Jes will somehow start making more milk. She ate more, drank more water, pumped more and did more power hours that night, and we were able to produce enough milk. Next day, we were going home - the last stretch.
Our flight got delayed by an hour and a half but thankfully we were alerted before we left the hotel. The plane ride back was just the best one among all the flights we took with Nio. He slept most of the way and the rest of the time he was playful and kept himself and us entertained. When we got out, several fellow passengers complimented us saying that they didn't even realize there was a baby on the flight and he is the cutest baby - which we totally agree. He's obviously perfect. And we are not biased.
 |
| Victory Photo |
Jes' supply is still on the mend but we're almost back to where it needs to be for Nio's best health. We won't be getting on a flight again anytime soon but with this under our belts, we feel prepared for anything.
