We’ve become “those” people – the pariahs of the skies – the people fellow passengers stare at from beneath dark glasses with frowns that even Botox cannot hide – those ones at whom the “Ag nee, please don’t sit close to me, I was hoping to catch some sleep on this flight!” glares are directed. And no, I don’t judge these people at all – in fact, just a few months ago (ok, maybe just over a year ago, but still), I was one of them. But, now, I’ve become that person who smiles apologetically for the umpteenth time and who’s frazzled wrestle with a non-cooperative breastfeeding shawl and a wriggling, crying baby has replaced the far buried idea of quick and easy stress-free flights.
When our boy was 2 months old, I shared a post about how easy how local 2 hour flight was and that he slept all the way. That was a long, LONG time ago 🙂 It’s been a while since I’ve last posted on this blog and I sincerely apologise for the unintended silence. We returned from our first trip to Europe with our little one. On his 4 month birthday, he had his passport stamped for the first time as we pushed our overloaded trolley through the airport and made our way across the globe to his grandparents in Germany. I think I’m still recovering from the shell-shock of packing here, unpacking there, packing there and unpacking here. In fact, I think there’s still a suitcase in our room that has not yet been opened. They do say that the smaller the baby, the more luggage they have. We had a beautiful time traveling in Germany and then the gorgeous Tuscan countryside. One thing is for certain though, the definition of “holiday” has changed. No longer does the idea of holiday travel elicit visions of carefree cocktails while holding hands at a swimming pool. Nope, now we know that when it’s just the three of us, one of us will be sipping a cocktail while the other plays with baba or calms him and then we swop. After the sleep deprivation of a long flight, I happily placed our boy in his eager grandparents’ loving arms and indulged in some sleep.
We enjoyed almost a month of gorgeous summer in Europe, but there were a number of changes that we had to accept. With a baby, to enjoy a break, you have to plan to not hold any plans too close to your heart. The moment we realized that it was best to just “go with the flow”, we were able to relax more and enjoy the lakes and beer gardens of Munich. In Florence, we skipped the museums and trips to the middle of the city in the sweltering heat to just enjoy the countryside having picnics in the shade of olive trees and reading stories to each other. Yes, it is possible to relax on a holiday with a baby, but from now on, I’ll leave my past expectations of absolute relaxation at home. My boy is not one of those kids who sleeps through on flights (and I cry inwardly with envy when I hear how many babies do that on long-haul flights), but he is a very entertaining little munchkin who has his next flight booked with me for our follow-up little adventure. This time, just the two of us will catch the big metal bird to the Oktoberfest and a return to my favourite . As much as I’m nervous, I’m excited to get to know the world through my son’s eyes.
Well done to Kerri Marks, winner of the BabySense Hamper and good luck to all of you – you now stand a chance to win a pair of sunglasses from my collection (which is a sizeable one thanks to Sunglass Hut) and soon we’ll give away a gorgeous designer perfume. Just comment below – share your thoughts on the post or motherhood (or fatherhood) and be part of our Modern Mommy community.
Thank you for finally sharing this adorable side view of your beautiful lil family Jo-Ann Strauss .
Im a new blogger & i love reading yours!
So beautiful, pure bliss.
I can imagine what a change it might be,but hey what can’t you do?Love your posts 🙂 .#Inspiring
With 4 weeks to go until my first baby boy arrives, I have to say reading your blog reminds me that even though this is a life changing experience, life does go on. Adaptation is key and getting to know each other as mother and son and even husband and wife again probably takes some work. You do make it seem effortless, which is lovely and calming and for that I THANK YOU. There are many mommy blogs I’ve come across where they are huffing and puffing with unkept hair and no makeup and it seems a bit out of control, but modernmommy is calm and collected.
May the rest of the travels with baby be a little easier everytime.
Kind Regards.
Beautiful blog as always Jo-Anne.
Travelling with a baby or children is never easy. So wonderful that your Son has the privilege of traveling at a young age and experiencing new sights and sounds with his parents and family.
You are doing well…with time it will get easier as he grows older.
Lovely post and definitely the truth! My best friend is a single mommy (to my Godson) and even her doing a local trip to Durban wasn’t easy and definitely not carefree! He was only 5 months old but a very demanding little chap at that. I love this blog / website and even though I’m not a mom yet, these posts most certainly give me something to look forward to. 😉
I wish I knew how to adjust my expectations gracefully when my little one was still a newborn. It would have saved my husband and I many tense post-outing moments. These days I realise that being more organised generally will make life simpler (albeit not easier) Having fun with a child/ren can be hard work, but if redefined, it can still be enjoyable.
Thank you for the blog. Looking forward to hearing how you handle subtle critism from other parents and people fawning over your baby when not entirely welcome.
Hi Jo ann thank you for sharing your memories.The lord blessed you,
stay as sweet as you are and humble. Enjoy your bundle of joy xx
regards
Yolanda
Hi Jo-Ann. It looks like you’re settling into motherhood beautifully. I agree that any plans you make when on holiday with a child should be more of a “guideline”. Going with the flow keeps everyone relaxed and then you can enjoy yourself. I am glad to hear you enjoyed your trip. Thanks for your blog.
wow just saw a slightly pick of the lil one ncoooo cute thank u modern mommy.
“im king of the world”and so he shud feel one day,nothing is impossible.beautiful family!!
motherhood i love it,because i,m blessed with three girls the youngst is 3 months nd 2weeks and i enjoy every minute of her my gift from God,i give all my time to my kids they are special to me they make me happy because i,m thro so many circumstances and it make me stronger everyday.
Definitely something to get use to travelling with a baby.. luckily it gets a bit easier when they are older. Even if it means the whole seat and tray gets covered in stickers. My child (and my) happiness is more important ; )
Thanks for the amazing posts, Im due in december and my partner and I have been nervous that our traveling adventures would have to stop for a while once baba is born but you have proved that you can go away locally or internationally which has made me very excited to know we can still have our weekend getaways.
Lovely post 🙂 … Motherhood is a beautiful journey.
Little sailor in the making… 🙂
Hi Jo-Ann so scary my baby is now 14 months and we did not travel yet.We two is travel end of the month and don`t know what to expect.
All babies are different, my niece slept through the entire flight. Time also flies by so quickly, when you look again he’ll be jumping around excitedly , impatiently wanting to board the plane. Enjoy every moment of their baby years, it passes way too quickly 🙂
Pure Bliss. Motherhood is a true blessing with lots of love, joy and great moments!
Great post Jo-Ann! We’d love to read more about your journey as a parent.
Taking on the challenges of motherhood and reaping all its rewards….Lovely blog, thanks for sharing…
What an amazing post!
I can so relate, we went to Thailand with our 1 year and 8 month old toddler! she travelled so well there and in Singapore she was entertainment for so many as she danced whenever she heard music and loved the sights and people.
however on our way back she caught a bad tummy bug and hence cried for almost 14 hours travel non stop!
I must agree seeing the world through there eyes changes your life and travel, from fabulous to amazed by our babes! motherhood is certainly the best gift in the world.
what a super challenge for you all but well done on making it back home all in tact 🙂 Its awesome that your baby is fitting in with your lifestyles and I hope ours will as well. We have just got news of a friends wedding in Plett- my baby girl will PG be just under 3 months- not sure if i can manage the ‘big trek’ but lets see! this has given me a little bit of encouragement 🙂
Xxx
I’m sure you had a lovely trip with your family to Europe Joanne, Motherhood suits you well! I love how well you adapting to certain changes now that you are Mommy, you inspire me so much, keep up the good work xx
This is so true! With a very active and almost walking 10month old, taking turns eating and having Sunday afternoon naps is now the norm
I simply love reading your blog!
Motherhood is a truly beautiful adventure with the best learning curves. It’s amazing how one day you can do something with your little one and it goes down smoothly and just how you imagined it would. Then you could do it exactly the same way tomorrow and it is like watching your own horror movie….LOL
I was not brave to travel with a baby but did Italy with a figure year old who went to sleep at 7 everyday. She really did not care that the sun was still shining. As parents we then do different kinds of holidays. We spent lots of time in parks where she could play with other toddlers, and we still loved the holiday!
It is just amazing how a little human can change one’s life and a little human he is 🙂
It is just amazing how a little human can change one’s life and a little human he is 🙂
No love is greater than that of a father for his son:)
whilst reading your blog, it brought back so many memories of my 1st trip with my son. I was so excited until I sat in my seat and my jaw dropped he was a completely different child on holiday. the flighst were the worst and YES you just keep on applogising….cant help it. I guess if you a mum or dad you will know what we talking about. have to say though no matter how difficult the flight was, i would hav not left him out as all.. big up to all travelling mama’s and papa’s.
I am not a mother,but reading your posts daily and i must say they are very entertaining. I love writing and reading. So i enjoyed this post a lot.
I have a blog too you can check it out at
well done. Love reading your articles
Beautifully said,you an awesome mum ♥
Absolutely beautiful.
I love being a mommy, it has brought so much joy to my life. My daughter and son keep me so busy. i love seeing how u enjoying motherhood and still achieving all ur goals. Kids add so much joy to our lifes.
I’m a mother to a 1 year old baby girl and we have done a bit of travelling in the past year but locally. Our first trip was when she was 4 months old and we drove from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Apart from the fact that we had a lot of packing to do that was the easiest trip by far. She literary slept the whole way and would wake up when we stopped for a break, not once did she cry or become restless. The second trip we did when she was 7 months, the trip wasn’t bad but the trip that we did when she was 8 months was the worst. The first part of the trip was ok because we flew to the Eastern Cape but decided to road trip via Durban on our way back and it was rather too much for my baby. We got to Durban at about 10pm and she was just not into it anymore and to make things worse she had started crying just an hour outside Durban. The most recent trip we did was for her first birthday was just as bad. Babies, especially as the become toddlers, hate being confined in small spaces, especially cars for more than 2 ours. We are planning an international trip next year, but the thought of it sends shivers down my spine but I will do it. I don’t see myself ever going on holiday without my baby. Although, she’s young to remember a thing, I still want to experience the world with her.
Its so great to see another modern mommy travelling with her baby and enjoying it. Its very easy to don’t want to travel with the baby especially after the first trip or after the first bad trip but they are lesson for how to improve next time and do more research, especially for first time mom.
Omg!!!!!! So inspiring this is definitely a blessing I can already see what joy your little bundle brings you yes its tough especially with all the luggage but at the same time its such an exciting family trip yes your family trip, those changes make you an amazing mummy an amazing modern mummy a truly inspiring piece
Its awesome being a mum! I love reading about your experiences being a mother because it reminds me of my little princess who will be 5 this month! Omw, they are such a blessing, she is very inquisitive and has a big mouth on her, a little drama queen if I can say so.. Love it! Keep it up! <3
I love your story. Having kids really change the way you look at th world.It sou d like you are gracefully loving your mothwrhood experience. When we had our family holidays(kids 7 yrs girl and 2 yr
old boy) the holiday became abt entertaining them… so we then deciees to take other holidays without them just to relax.
Motherhood is a pure Blessing and can change you and the way you see the world through their eyes only for the better. There is nothing more beautiful then experiencing the world the way our kids do!! Thank you for sharing!!
I love the way you say. Don’t hold any plans to close to your heart. It is so true. Being a mom of two myself, there are just some things that will never happen when we are out or on holiday. No matter how much I try to plan and prepare. Understanding this is essential to having a good time. Thank you for reminding me that I am normal. Lol
P.s Thanks for an awesome blog.
HI Jo-Ann
I have followed your blog since day one, things changed a lot from that day in my life, we are now expecting our first child and for me it is an emotional journey. My husband and i arrived back in SA from Israel on the 14th of August, our very first overseas trip. It was a nice challenge for us, but when we found out we are pregnant, things changed (in a good way). I am not sure if we will be able to travel anytime soon, but what i have learned from you blog post, be patient, go with the flow and enjoy the experience. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, it is always a nice read, but also informative. May your little boy only bring blessings.
Hi Jo-Ann 🙂
I can totally relate this post. My babygirl’s first flight was from Jhb to Durban and it was quiet pleasant. She did not cry nor fuss but sleplt throughout the Journey. On our way back though, she was wide awake and restless too and as a first time mommy myself I was nervous and edgy too. My mom Always says that once you become a mother, you’re a mother for life and I couldn’t agree more. Personally, I feel that atleast the first year of a baby’s life seems like the longest one because they are solely dependent on us mommies. This year we travelled by car to Drakensberg, Newcastle and Shelly Beach in Kzn, and it has honestly been a bit nerve wrecking at times simply cause a child cannot be restricted to their car seat for a long period of time. I think I was the most relieved when the journey ended and we reached our destination. My angel is 20 Months old now and she was truly well behaved on our recent vacation. She is very independent too so i’m grateful that after a long time I got to spend a lot of quality time with Hubby.
I think as Moms, we have to learn to accept that our lives aren’t just our own anymore and that someone so little is solely dependent on us and will need 25 hours a day from us if not more. We have to practice patience and tolerance and perhaps sacrifice A LOT of sleep, a lot of date nights and social events and you know what, Its OK.
Babies will not be babies forever, but they need us to assist them into becoming independent. There is nothing more tiring or more rewarding than being a parent <3.
Well done brave mommy!!!! i really enjoy your blog updates #modernmommy #blogger #inspiration
Babies are such a wonderful gift. I myself do not have any but I am an Aunty to two amazing little girls. They bring me so much joy and contentment. I often wonder where all the love comes from that just oozes out of me when I see them. No matter the mood I always visit for what I call “BABY THERAPY” their laughter and giggles make me happy because I know they are happy. As an Aunty I have the pleasure of babysitting and reading this post of your travels has reminded me just how lucky I am to just be the aunty! Travelling light is a thing of the past, a bag for toys a bag for clothes and nappies and creams and powders and a pram that I am sure one needs a degree to operate gosh just typing about all of the gizmo’s and gadgets makes me dizzy. I used to joke with my sisters about the fuss they made about having kids and I do believe that my payback is when they ask me to watch the kids for a few hours. I think I will take the cocktail now thanks 🙂
Babies are such a wonderful gift. I myself do not have any but I am an Aunty to two amazing little girls. They bring me so much joy and contentment. I often wonder where all the love comes from that just oozes out of me when I see them. No matter the mood I always visit for what I call “BABY THERAPY” their laughter and giggles make me happy because I know they are happy. As an Aunty I have the pleasure of babysitting and reading this post of your travels has reminded me just how lucky I am to just be the aunty! Travelling light is a thing of the past, a bag for toys a bag for clothes and nappies and creams and powders and a pram that I am sure one needs a degree to operate gosh just typing about all of the gizmo’s and gadgets makes me dizzy. I used to joke with my sisters about the fuss they made about having kids and I do believe that my payback is when they ask me to watch the kids for a few hours. I think I will take the cocktail now thanks 🙂
🙂
YOU BACK!!!!! Welcome back, i checked your blog every other day 🙂 Love that you are back
Motherhood is a magical land of treasures..untold mysteries..ups and downs and learning curves..treasure those moments are they are truly special..Thanks for sharing your experiences with us Joanne it feels special to be included as you experience the joys of motherhood.my youngest is 17 with a attitude and oldest is 22 with independence.
wow I love reading your posts! Your language is so humorous! You
make motherhood look so fly! Always so refreshing !
I am not a mother yet but I do love reading your blog, I def would know what to expect once I am a mom…what a lovely blog, I cant wait to read your next post…Thank you
You are a true inspiration and reading your blog gives me a smile on my face every time!!
Thanks for tall the posts and for keeping not only practical but real. My little person is due in Jan and reading your blog has really eased the anxiety about her grand arrival.
Thank you 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous, such a beautiful little baby boy! I have one son and I love him to bits. To me, having children is a gift and huge blessing! Thank you for sharing Jo-Ann, I love your blog very inspiring!
Such lovely pics – nothing prepares you for motherhood quite like…well motherhood!
Dear Jo
its been too long since yr last post I must admit. I do enjoy reading yr write ups. Our little one is 20mnths old and we keep threatening to take a little holiday as Lord knows we deserve it. Just haven’t been brave enough to endure that 4 hour odd flight to mauritius!! But after reading your article I’m thinking what the hell we deserve it and I would love to see my boy enjoy the weather, sand, beach and plane!
Who knows maybe this can be the “awakening” for all those honeymooners on that Monday flight out! LOL
BTW that reminds me… a new pair of shades are in order so I will be checking out yr collection soon.
Thanks for a great blog!!
Motherhood is the best gift anyone can have my daughter is 2 now and she is the joy of my life i lost my first babygirl in December of 2010 and was blessed with another i wouldnt trade being a mom for anything in this world.
The many 1st time pleasures of a new mum is just priceless. Yours sounds amazing take pictures loads of them. I promise you and your son will enjoy looking at them for years to come. Even now for me my 1st born is 18yrs and I’m still experiencing 1st time pleasures…matric ball,drivers ..
mummy moments are such treasures ….you n’joy yours beautiful mum.
Thanks for your sincere and true words Jo-Ann. My children are now 13 and 15 and not much changes. The physical strains are still there when you try to carry them to bed from the couch after a long day or help them empty the car after a day of school and sport. However, the emotional demands are greater now as they chart new challenges every day coupled with becoming a taxi to get them from A to B constantly. Juggling a career and a family is no easy task but I wouldn’t change anything for a minute. From those tiny babies they were to living with them through their teenage tears now I count every day as a blessing – they are the greatest gifts I have ever received! Enjoy every minute:)
We are travelling through Italy for the month & lobong the warm summer days. Whenever travelling on public transport or flying and I hear a baby cry, I miss my little foster child that had to stay home!!!
I haven’t had the privilege of bearing a child of my own, but my husband and I are on the exciting journey of soon adopting a precious little one. One whom I believe has already been “set aside” just for us. At this stage we are only preparing to love our baby and allowing everything else to fall into place as it should. However that may be. I admire how you’ve allowed the joy of your son to mould a “new you” – continuing to give of yourself so genuinely and honestly. Thank you for sharing your experiences in the very real way that you do. Even with those who aren’t mommies…yet.
Jo-Ann I love reading your blog, and I absolutely adore the way you protect his identity.
With 2 boys of my own, I have al learned very early on that “go with the flo” -is the best way to go!
Wow. Sounds breathtaking. I can’t even imagine travelling with my 2 year old twins at the moment. Juat a trip to Tygervalley centre is super draining. The one manages to manoeuvre himself out of his car seat already. Lord help me.
Such a great read ! So nice to read all the things “moms” go through
/ feel xxxx such a lovely mom and family
im not evrn a mom but I enjoy reading your blog and following u on Facebook! such an inspiration!
Loved your post! When my daughter was little we travelled all over with her because she was such an easy baby. But when my son came along our trips came to a grinding halt, he hasn’t been further than Durban haha. Every child is different and you just have to go with the flow!
Inspiring, motivational,with immense dignity and respect for and for that Joanne Salute you!
Happy parenting and wishing you many Blessings!
Love your blog!
Being a new mom is beautiful chaos. Smile and savour the crazy blissful madness. It goes by way too quickly. Thanks for sharing it’s great to see that the fun fluster of motherhood is universal.
Wow! Being a mother sounds like a joyous handful. Forget all the attention a small bundle of joy attracts, you’re busy trying to be a mother and fabulous simultaneously (though you have mastered that already). I can imagine it makes it all the more fun and meaningful with a little one though. Holidays become even more precious and appreciated. What I’ve taken from this (apart from what an awesome holiday you had), is tolerance. Who knows when I’ll be the “annoyer” rather than the “annoyed” haha!
I always look at your journey of motherhood and it inspires me. We recently found out that we expecting and the joy that came to my heart is overwhelming. The love I already have for our unborn is so amazing.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
Stay Blessed
Beautiful family Joanne ,you inspire and motivate me , love your blog.
Real beauty is to be true to oneself , and you stay true all these years that we have known you and humble . God bless
Modern mom community speaks volumes to me. Wow it is absolutely phenomenal reading and taking in what you post. As a single mom of 2 teenagers I am also a community mom but not just to one child. I have the great blessing of touching the hearts and tummies of children less fortunate to provide them with a warm meal once a week with my feeding kitchen called Blue Skies. I am expose to the opposite mom to what we read here…the mom that does not have the breast cover cloth, the mom who walks barefoot from door to door asking to wash your windows to feed her babies. The mom who does not fly or travel by car but uses her XR2’S (feet) to get her from point A-B. The mom who takes her share of the meal I give and says “I wont eat it now I will keep my food for my child as tomorrow’s lunch meal” and what’s makes it so real Jo- Ann is that we all connects with that same affection most loving heart feelings as our best and greatest blessings calls us MOM 🙂 .Love & Blessings Zee
Its amazing how your life changes for the better when your little bundle of joy is here. It was also so much easier for us to travel when my daughter was younger…… and then we decided to do the great trek and drive to the Kruger national park for Christmas 2013… OHHH BOY what a trip it was.. supposed to take us 5 hours oh well eventually 8 and half hours later we got there with a very crabby daughter and we were so happy to reach our destination. Now when we do decide to drive to any destination we leave early hours of the morning so that she is asleep… and we arrive at our destination with a happy daughter.
She is almost two and the queen of our household who tries her luck every morning to have ice-cream and chocolate for breakfast 🙂 I just love this journey and the talking is the best, my daughter has definitely grown up too fast.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us and you have a beautiful family 🙂 huggss
Love reading your blog! Holidays expectations and kids never go hand in hand, but such priceless memories! Enjoy your travels with your little man!
I love reading your blog, there are so many things which I can relate to with my daughter, so many things I find interesting…Being a mom, wife, friend is hard work indeed but there are so many things in life (whether family or every day life) which inspires one and makes you grow as an individual and be an example to ones child/children.
Thank you for such a great example to women, moms, daughters and our community.
Love you Jo-Anne 🙂
Well Thank you so very much Ms Strauss. Last year you said something to me that inspired a great development. You said i should work hard and everything will fall into place and it did. I bought my first car and welcomed my beautiful son into the world as well as moved into a new place. I am not a blogger yet but you continue to inspired me to be the best i can be for my son but most importantly MYSELF #SELFLOVE. I am not a wife yet but i am a GREAT MOMMY
So glad to hear that!!! xxx
Hi Joanne, Travelling with children does indeed change one’s definition of a holiday. I too learnt the hard way. Sometimes I wish I had done all my travelling before I had kids…but then I realise that seeing new places through my kids’ eyes makes my travels more exciting.
Really love how Candid you are and how generous this blog is especially to first time moms.
Really really love reading your blog. Hoping to be a mom in the near future :o))