We survived our first overnight with baby A! We patiently waited 7 months to venture out and Atlas, Winter, Joe and I are so glad we did. A night in Flagstaff was the perfect family outing for us. We found great places to eat, drink and rest our heads. Here’s our quick guide and reccs especially during the new pandemic normal with a baby and a dog.

Where to stay?

That’s was top priority. The birthday queen in me was temped with a bougie glamping tent off the Grand Canyon, but the mom in me thought smarter. AirBnB to the rescue. We found a 100 year old A-frame home in the heart of downtown Flagstaff. It had original wood floors, a claw foot tub and antique fridge. But plenty of space for a a pack-n-play, a dog bed and all off Britt’s luggage. Side note: packing with a baby requires a lot of things! Stroller, seat, bed, bath, Breza, mat, toys, all the clothes, etc. We just did one night; it’s a 2.5 hour drive from Phoenix and great practice for car trips and overnights with Atlas. (& mom to practice pacting).

Where to eat?

Breakfast?

Biff’s-Bagel sandwiches. Get there early and take to go. Walk to a near by park or coffee at …

Late for the Train- Order the Coconino Mocha, thank me later.

Lunch?

Toasted Owl Cafe- Outside dining bring baby and dog. Order the Turkey Pesto on Ciabatta. Order dranks or water, the drinks taste like soda fountain.

Dinner?

Historic Brewing Barrel + Bottle House- Love at first flight. Sip some sours, IPA, rose, ciders and more. Nine brewed locally. Plus the food is delish: burgers, wings, fried pickles, chicken fingers, etc. you can eat inside or out and everyone is sooo friendly. The smallest of world moment happened when our waiter walked out with our food it was the same guy from lunch!

Desert?

Yet to find! Leave your reccs. We did the gelato at a pizza joint but i won’t not recommend, sorry.

Where to go?

Parks:

Wheeler Park- grass and beautiful trees.

Heritage Square- live music and great shops. Be sure to check out P.J. Chilcottage!

Shop:

P.J. Chilcottage- everything from littles to moms. Great tourist gifts and home decor. and homemade soap. Literally wanted everything in the store, EVERYTHING. Check out their IG.

Babbitts- outdoor gear, dog swag and souvenirs. Love the historical building too!

What a trip for the memory books. We even signed the AirBnB guestbook. Reading some of the entries on the travelers and their stays in the past were entertaining. Let us know if you recommend anything in Flag so the next time we head up north we can be sure to check out. Be well and continue to stay safe out there.

XoXO

Mama Britt

One of my worst pregnancy fears happened. The middle of a pandemic, second wave beginning and what happens? I tested positive for COVID. I was taking extra precautions all the time- wearing a mask at family and friend’s gatherings, social distancing, wiping down light switches and door handles. But, working in a nursing home, I guess, it was only a matter of time.

First, the symptoms didn’t present themselves. The weather started cooling down, so I attributed my dry throat to it. My achy body, I thought, was because I was growing a human inside. But, once I couldn’t sleep from my sinuses burning, I went to work that Monday morning and asked for a rapid test. I waited 15 minutes for my results and when I heard the word, “positive,” I thought it was a joke. Then I started crying- scared of the unknown.

I called my husband to alert his work and to get a test ASAP, then my parents on my way home to quarantine. The first 3 days were the worst. My nose wouldn’t stop running, my body had zero energy and by head was aching. By day 3 I lost my sense of taste. Sleep was nonexistent, it was hard to breathe and there was a heaviness felt in my chest. I called my doctor and they recommended vitamin C. Being pregnant there isn’t much I could take or do- just rest, relax and take care of my mental health as much as my physical.

For the next 10 days I tried to make sure we were nourishing our bodies with smoothies, grilled chicken, salads and plenty of water and juices for fluids. Staying home was hard and we masked up to take our dog for a walk. The in laws dropped off a dinner on our porch one night and waiving to them through a window was very surreal.

Halloween was different for everyone this year so turning our porch light off and not inviting trick or treaters wasn’t too hard as most of the neighborhood did the same.

My work guidelines allowed me to return back on the 11th day from my positive test as long as I had no signs and symptoms and no fever. I was so happy to return and be social again. The 12th day we spent cleaning and disinfecting our entire house. We washed all the linens, bleached and cleaned out the fridge, wiped the walls and baseboards and all the high touch areas. Our house felt brand new again. I even wiped down my car.

Our facility is administering weekly testing so 17 days after my original test date I was set to get swiped again. Fifteen minutes later I came back negative! I am so proud I not only made it through COVID-19, but built up antibodies all while growing a tiny superhuman inside of me. Once he is born I would love to test to see if the antibodies were passed along to him.

I know we are all figuring this virus out together and new developments come up every day, but I would like to remain optimistic. Although not everyone has the same experience or outcome as I, it was a learning experience and I am glad to come out on top. Opinions are a dime a dozen for not only the virus, but the vaccine too. This is just my opinion; I’m not a doctor so please see yours if you have questions or are experiencing signs or symptoms.

Thanks for following along my journey. Mask up, wash your hands and be safe out there.

XoXo Britt