Planes, Passion, and Purpose: Letting My Baby Grow Up

The only thing worse than teenage hormones is realizing that, in what will feel like the blink of an eye, the little monsters will be ready to fly the coop. 

Letting my little guy grow up has been so hard. He's my one and only; I have absolutely zero desire to let him grow up! Unfortunately, I also have zero choice but to let him grow up. So, I am trying to find solace in watching him grow into a sweet, smart, driven, dreamer who is fearless. 

For as long as I can remember, Ollie has wanted to be a pilot. I can't help but wonder if his dream to fly planes has anything to do with growing up on a plane, long-hauling between the East Coast of the United States to Melbourne, Australia. In fact, I used to joke about the fact that he was infinitely better behaved on those 33-hour trips to Nana's house Down Under than his parents! Truth be told, he still is. 

The time finally came for me to let my little guy fly up, up, and away from me so he could start his journey to being a pilot, and, hopefully, one day, a captain.

This flight was ten years in the making — and the beginning of something incredible. 

I would say: “If only he knew at three, when he first boarded a plane bound for Australia, that he’d one day be flying one,” but, inherently, I think he’s always known. His passion for aviation is nothing short of awe-inspiring. 

He can tell what any aircraft is just by the placement of its engines or the configuration of its landing gear.  And to back it up, he is constantly whipping out his favorite flight tracking app to prove he got it right! 

I can’t wait to see where the beautiful blue skies take my sweet little pilot. But with all my heart, I know one day, I’ll proudly call him: Captain Oliver.

In the meantime, I'll try not to throw up and cry every time he takes to the skies. 

Here's a video of his first flight with his flight club. You can also view it directly on our First Time Mom and Dad YouTube Channel. 

We're BAAACCCCKKKKK!!!! It's Time For: First Time Mom And Dad the TEENAGE YEARS!!

Helllllllooooo!!!  We’re BAAACCCCKKKK!!!

There is so much to say and tell you about!!

First and foremost, what took us out of retirement?

The teenage years. I. AM. NOT. OK!

Like, at all.

Ollie is 13 years old, 5’9”, has a size 13 shoe and farts that are beyond lethal. 

Yes, I threw farts in there becuse that is my damn life!  If I’m not dodging his boy farts, I’m suffacating from them.

What’s even more exciting: TODAY, First Time Dad (FTD) took his citizenship test and PASSED!!!

That’s right, FTD is now on his way to becoming a citizen of the USA! 

We were def a little worried with everything going on with immigration in the US, but after nearly 15 years in the US, FTD hasn’t even had one speeding ticket, and he’s dedicated his life to working with children with learning differences, so if he couldn’t pull it off… 

Get ready for future posts on surviving the teenage years, this horrific job market, mental health, what we’ve been up to, FTD surviving Stage IV cancer, and everything in between! 

We are also working on getting the First Time Mom and Dad YouTube channel back in action to show you all the shenanigans UNCUT!

For now… a photo recap of a few highlights over the past five years!

I wish I could say we got our Sh!t together... but... nope. Not even close.

Are you ready for it....

Spring Means Fun In The Sun, Which Also Means...

SUNBURNS SEASON!

Photo Credit: The Aussie's handy work with Oliver's and Professor's heads. 

'I know what you’re thinking: “Sunburns? It’s not even summer yet!” This is true, but as long as the sun is out, and so are kiddos, you need to protect that sensitive skin. Plus, before you know it, the Easter holidays will be here, after which the beautiful Spring and summer months will be at your door kicking your life outside and into high-gear covered in blazing rays of Sun. Keep reading. You'll wanna know these facts and tips...

Now is as good a time as any to make sure you and your child are well prepared for the sun. Whether you’re hopping on a plane to distant shores for spring break or staying closer to home for a family-style staycation, sun safety is equally important.

Here are a few pointers on how to protect your child from the sun.

Cover up

One of the most basic steps you can take is to ensure your kid is covered up. Long-sleeved t-shirts and trousers are effective at shielding the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which damage the skin. Bear in mind that light colors may not be as effective; in fact, when wet, they absorb as much sunlight as bare skin. Also, make sure your child wears a proper sunhat with a wide brim as opposed to a baseball cap. Unfortunately, caps offer no protection for the ears and the back of the neck.

You could always go all out like I did. It kept Ollie cool and safe from the sun's rays during afternoon walks or trips to the zoo.

Sunscreen and sunblock

When it’s too hot for long sleeves and trousers, applying sunscreen, is of course, essential. Start with a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply liberally 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Don’t forget those hard-to-reach areas like ears, back of the neck, and feet. If you’re going swimming with your little one, remember to reapply their sunscreen afterward, as well as your own! Even if you’re planning to stay dry, sun cream should be reapplied once every couple of hours to ensure the best UV protection. You can find more information on proper sunscreen application here.

FUN FACT: When it comes to choosing the right sunscreen, The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone use sunscreen that offers the following:

• Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays).
• Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or greater.
• Water resistance.

Sunglasses

Although protecting your child’s skin is quite rightly a priority, it’s important not to forget the eyes – over-exposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts in later life. Therefore, make sure your little one has a pair of sunglasses to wear along with their hat. Not all sunglasses have adequate protection from harmful rays, however, so it’s vital to check the product details before committing. If they are not labeled with “100% UV protection” or “UV 400 protection”, assume the glasses don’t have it. Fortunately, there are plenty of stylish options out there with this level of protection, including this collection of Ray-Ban Juniors.

Keep an eye out

If you have older kids, there will come a time when they will naturally want to go off with their friends and play in the park or on the beach. When this happens, the first thing to do is ensure they have a fresh application of sunscreen before they go outside – either by supervising them or doing it yourself. During the early afternoon, when the sun’s at its strongest, it’s also worth remembering that harmful UV rays can still be strong even on a cloudy day. Try to stay nearby and set a limit on how long they can stay in the midday heat.

Set a good example

As for any other part of parenting, setting a good example for your children to follow is key. Sun safety should never be a “do as I say, not as I do” topic! Many of us will admit to forgetting to apply sunscreen or staying out in the sun a little too long from time to time. These bad habits can be difficult to shake off at times, but if you’re not careful, your children may also develop a casual attitude towards sun protection.

Bottom Line: Teaching the importance of sun safety early is critical for a life-long understanding of the whys and hows for protecting your largest organ.

6 Tips For Planning Your First Family Trip

Families all around the world look forward to their first vacation together. Whether you escape into the mountains on an all-natural retreat or head to the nearest tropical beach, it can be an exciting time for everyone. Here’s the thing: it can also be extremely stressful if you don’t have the right planning tips. To avoid this stress impacting on your family vacation, it’s always a good idea to turn to some trusty advice.

Book everything in advance



Everyone knows that the later you leave it to book everything, the more expensive it’s going to be. This is especially true with family trips, as you’ll be more likely to travel during peak season. Peak season is known for being hard to avoid, as it’s the only time you can take the kids on vacation with you. Luckily, it’s easy to save money when you start planning early, but booking a year in advance isn’t necessarily the best idea. In fact, you can avoid sky-high flight fares by booking between three and four months in advance. Make sure to book resort accommodation directly with the company to get the best rates. With these points ticked off your to-do list, keep stress low and enjoy the build up to your first family vacation.


Choose a family-friendly resort

There are regular resorts, and then there are family-friendly resorts. While most resorts cater to couples and adults-only, family-friendly ones are tailored towards families of all ages, and you can be sure there will be an abundance of activities for you to indulge in. Striking the right balance can be tricky with some resorts, as you need this vacation to be as calm as it is fun. When you are searching for a resort to stay in, make sure to pick a relaxing resort that also appeals to young children. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many options there are. At resorts like these, you can expect the day to start with a hearty breakfast and beachside activities, with lots of time to unwind on the hot sand.

Consider the kids



This goes without saying, as this trip is as much for your kids as it is for you. Although it will be impossible to cater to every child’s wishes, it’s a good idea to consider what they want to do on your first family vacation together. If you’re keen to keep it a surprise, there are a few getaway options that promise smiles all round: beach getaways are perfect for sandcastles and swimming, and kids old enough to explore might enjoy camping trips. Parents going on their first vacation with younger children- like babies and toddlers-should pick a destination that offers great babysitting, cool and comfortable nighttime weather, and a safe environment.

Pack everything you need

No one wants to turn up to their destination without some important essentials, but this happens almost every time people go away. When you have more people in the family to pack for, there’s more room for mistakes. It sounds simple, but making a list in the few weeks leading up to your vacation is the best way of making sure you have everything you need. You can add to this list when you remember something else, taking inspiration from online list examples. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you should always take sunscreen and loose-fitting clothing, which will keep you cool in hotter climates. A first aid kit, travel adaptor and travel documents should also be at the top of your list- no matter where you’re going.

Try out some new activities

Vacations are perfect for relaxing, but family vacations are also an ideal time to jump into some new activities. When you want to take a break from building a sandcastle, beach sports like swimming and ultimate frisbee can be enjoyed by adults and young children alike. If you’re taking older children on their first family vacation, volleyball or kayaking might be a better option. Before you arrive at your destination, it’s worth looking at the local area alongside your resort, to see what kinds of options there are. If you’d like to be super organized, make a small itinerary to squeeze everything in. In any case, these activities are the best chance you’ll get to take some valuable family photos. You might want to take a waterproof camera with you to get the best underwater shots.

Don't forget to leave some free time for yourself

Your first family vacation is all about spending some quality time with your kids, but it’s also a time where you should be able to unwind and de-stress from your usual daily life. This means that for every activity you enjoy with the kids, you should also schedule some downtime to relax in. This could be as easy as sunbathing on the beach or indulging in a candlelit evening meal with your partner. As long as you leave your vacation feeling refreshed, and the kids leave smiling, you’ll know that you’ve nailed your first vacation together.