Bella’s Trip to the Smokey Mountain/Blue Ridge Parkway

For our 20th Wedding Anniversary, Jason and I decided to go on vacation.  But I couldn’t leave Bella.  I was just too worried.  And then she was decannulated and I couldn’t leave her.  And then Brother had to have emergency brain surgery, and I couldn’t leave him.  So in the end, Alex and Bella went with us to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

So many firsts for this little one – eating out in public, going everywhere, going hiking, being normal.

Driving and driving and driving

Staying in hotels

 

Most of the hotels were great – one gave us a nonsmoking room that smelled otherwise.  Just setting down our luggage and putting her down on the bed started an asthma attack.  We had to get another room, but that was the only night she needed oxygen on our whole trip.

Just as a side note, what is up with all of the smokers?  I was constantly on high alert everywhere we went for smokers.  Bella just can’t be around them. 

I did learn some of her triggers on this trip.  Obviously, cigarette smoke, but also if she really gets herself worked up that’ll start an attack.  Good things to know.

 

 

Stopping at rest stops

Seeing her first fire – it was gas and completely enclosed so there was no smoke

First trip to Wal-Mart

Playing on the patio

Hiking with Mama

Restaurants – so confusing to people why we wouldn’t order her any food or drink.  The poor waitress that told me, “There is a cord hanging from your baby.”  “Yes, there is.” I replied. She was often having her tube feedings while we were eating.  People would stare.  Oh well, Bella is really good about staring back!

Laughing and staring at people

Breaks from our drives

Feeding Mama

Random toys – pill crushers and kleenex

NC Arboretum

Sensory issues – I will NOT touch that grass no matter how soft you say it is!

Just being on vacation

Making our own fun with left over formula containers and her brother

Walking with Mama

At our picnic

The four of us