I was a little hesitant about going to the Blog Friends Fest. Not only am I incredibly shy in large groups, but I didn't know how everything would work out bringing the baby along. A weekend of drunken debauchery with a baby on the hip is sooo Britney.
Over eight months and he still won't take a bottle come hell or high water. Sigh. It's just as well - I'm not sure that I could leave him for a whole weekend right now. Luckily for me, I was able to call in the reserves.
We dropped our three-year-old off with my parents, and he had a fabulous weekend taking a trolley ride, splashing around in the water, and eating Mississippi Mud Pie.
The Husband came along to Niagara to mind the baby, so that I could go out with the girls. Thanks to him, I went to the cocktail party sponsored by Random House on Friday. We got copies of The Gargoyle and temporary tattoos. (I'd post a picture, but I'm sure it's all over the 'Net by now - just search "hot(e) girl with dragon tattoo"). The Husband also stayed in the hotel Saturday, so I could go for fun dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. Both Hubbie and baby came along on our wine tour to Jackson-Triggs. The baby learned a lot about wine, but don't worry, we only let him taste the 2004 Riesling, so he didn't get too sloshed.
The good people at Ford sponsored our trip and let us borrow their new Flex. Considering the ridiculous amount of stuff we had to pack for two days, it's a good thing they did. The Flex was able to fit it all, along with two carseats and STILL have room to spare. Our older son zombied out to Toy Story in the back and we got have some Sirius fun playing with the satellite radio. Not to mention, the fridge kept the baby's food and breastmilk lovely and cool. That is a real plus in my books - I'm constantly worried about the integrity of the cooling system I use while travelling.
Although the car is a little too big for us right now - we're a family of four who uses the car sparingly - the Husband was so impressed by it's smooth, quiet ride, that he will seriously consider Ford for our next upgrade. But for a family of five, or a small family who likes road trips and camping, I'd say this you can't get much better. It's airy, light, comfortable and has a lot of room to pack everything you might need. And this is coming from an over-packer.
But the icing on the already fabulous cake? The wonderful, amazing and beautiful blogger women. Some I knew from other bloggy events, and some were complete unknowns to me. Everyone - bar none - was friendly. I put out the call to have people help me carry my (not so little) baby, and there was no end to people wanting to entertain him. He was with us during the conference portion and was so bedazzled by the bloggers that I rarely heard a peep with him. And I got to take notes! And get myself a coffee! I even managed to go to the bathroom all by myself once! Good times. But more importantly, eventhough I'm only a smalltime blogger, and couldn't stay out too late (the baby rises with the crack of not-yet dawn no matter what time I get in), I always felt included and welcome. And that, just maybe, people were a little glad to see me.
Now I need a weekend to recover from my weekend, thankyouverymuch.
I want to kidnap your baby! I miss him already! (And you, of course!)
Posted by: mamatulip | July 20, 2008 at 03:47 PM
It was so great meeting you and 2/3 of your family!! I want to squeeze those meaty thighs again (I'm talking about the baby's of course)!
Posted by: sam | July 20, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I had such a wonderful time. And your family is so lovely.
LOVED that tattoo on you!
Posted by: metro mama | July 20, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Your baby is scrumptious!!! Am so glad you came, you hote girl!! Still have the tattoo?
Posted by: Gabriella | July 20, 2008 at 05:33 PM
"The wonderful, amazing and beautiful blogger women."
Sigh. And yet again, the token dad blogger stands alone. ;)
Posted by: SciFi Dad | July 20, 2008 at 05:52 PM
So so so glad you came. You hote.
Miss you and will babysit little guy ANY time. I heart him. And you too.
Posted by: Sandra | July 20, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Nice advertisement for Ford. It wasn't distracting at all.
Posted by: F.M. | July 20, 2008 at 08:18 PM
It was so much fun! And one day we WILL, we WILL do karaoke!
I want your baby by the way.
Posted by: crazymumma | July 20, 2008 at 10:08 PM
I'm so glad you guys had a good time!
Posted by: Don Mills Diva | July 20, 2008 at 11:02 PM
sounds like you had an awesome weekend! i wished i could've been at the BFF as well as blogher, but of course no one could do both. thanks for stopping by my blog and saying hi. :)
Posted by: Lara | July 20, 2008 at 11:59 PM
SO glad you came! That tattoo was awesome on you, loved the in-car sing-along, and am beyond taken with your babe. Will be attempting a covert swap when mine arrives, since newborns are not nearly as fun as that happy little guy!
Posted by: kittenpie | July 21, 2008 at 03:54 AM
sounds like a great time, nomo!
Posted by: christine | July 21, 2008 at 08:10 AM
There was even enough room in the Flex for adults to ride comfortably in the back row but there was no room for zombies.
It was lovely to see you!
Posted by: ms blue | July 21, 2008 at 09:18 AM
How nice to get away from almost everything for a WHOLE weekend! Lucky! And meeting new people and getting to test-drive a fancy car?! *jealous pout*
Posted by: bren j. | July 21, 2008 at 08:53 PM
It was so nice to meet you and get to snorgle that baby of yours...what a sweetie he is! (And...uh...you too, of course!)
That was great!
Posted by: daysgoby | July 21, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Sounds like you all had good fun. I'm a little jealous for all of the connections you all made but I have to admit, I'm way too backwards for something like this.
Posted by: Woman in a window | July 22, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Yeah. SO WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN THERE OMG.
Posted by: Her Bad Mother | July 22, 2008 at 10:49 PM