In a couple of days, our family is taking our first staycation with baby.  We live in Hawaii, so why not take advantage of our locale and enjoy the sights and activities that tourists pay thousands of dollars for?  We booked a relatively cheap, but very convenient hotel in Waikiki.  It’s walking distance from Kapiolani Park, the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and the world-famous Waikiki beach.  We plan to take in the annual Okinawan Festival while we’re there – and maybe enjoy a nice lunch at my favorite restaurant (Okonomiyaki Chibo Restaurant, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center) to celebrate my birthday.

Traveling with a baby, even if it is only 22 miles away from home, is a big undertaking.  It’s not enough to pack an overnight bag with a few t-shirts, a pair of jeans, and some undies.  Now we’re talking about a suitcase full of diapers, clothes, bottles, formula, snacks, baby food, bowls & utensils, washcloths & towels (sorry, but no hotel towels for Baby Champuru), and toys.  Then, there’s also the big equipment: stroller, booster chair, playard?

Admittedly, many items on my packing list could be eliminated if Hubby and I weren’t such germophobes. For example, the hotel has cribs available but we’re hemming and hawing about having Baby Champuru sleep in a crib that’s been used by umpteen babies and who knows how well it’s been cleaned and so-on?  So, there’s the idea of bringing the portable playard for her to sleep in.  Let me tell you, the thing is “portable” but it’s not something you want to lug around if not completely necessary, but I guess that’s what bellhops are for.

I suppose we could just bring our sanitizing wipes with us and save the trouble.

More discussion is needed. We’ll see what we decide to do on Friday when we start packing the car for the road trip.  I know, a 22-mile road trip is laughable to anyone not living on an island.  I may not be able to drive cross-country, but I live in Hawaii. ‘Nuff said.