Wedding with a Baby

Last weekend, our close friends decided to tie the knot. It was a ceremony we would never miss. The wedding was picture perfect on the Pan Pacific roof top pool deck overlooking the Vancouver Harbour in Vancouver, BC. One problem, the reception started at 7:00pm and we’ve been trying to put Blake to sleep between 7:00-8:00pm. Initially, I had this “brilliant” plan to go home between the ceremony and reception to follow through on our night time routine— give Blake a bath and put her in her sleeper then return to the reception. I also had to let our dog, Loki, out which was another reason why I was willing to drive all the way home. Alternatively, we could give her a bath in someone’s hotel room and avoid driving all the way home. None of the two options ended up happening.

So what really happened? I gave our amazing neighbours, Sophie and Thomas, the key to our place to let Loki out throughout the night so we didn’t have to worry about him. I packed a washcloth, sleeper, Baby Banz Earmuff and Ergo Four Position 360 baby carrier and hoped for the best. The ceremony started at 4:30pm and Blake did really well through it. As soon as the reception came, she started to get fussy because it was her bed time.

I want to explain a couple things. First of all, I’m not a huge fan of breastfeeding in public because I find it uncomfortable unless we’re covered with a nursing cover, blanket or I’m wearing a nursing shirt. Second, Blake is at the point where EVERYTHING distracts her. She dislikes any cover while she’s eating and if there’s any type of distraction nearby, she’s going to turn away and check it out.

I had to leave the table a few times because she was not doing well and I desperately had to find a place to feed her—distraction free. Thank you Pan Pacific! For some reason, there was an unlocked vacant room not far from the reception. There I wiped her down with the washcloth, changed her into her sleeper and nursed her to sleep. Then I placed her in the baby carrier with her Baby Banz and went back to the reception. Wearing her in the carrier ended up working out really well. Although she had woke up a couple times throughout the night, she was comfy enough to instantly fall back asleep. Miles and I were able to dance and hang out with our friends until 1:30am. Wild! I know! If we ever have to go to a wedding reception again in the near future, I’m bringing a baby carrier, ear muffs, sleeper and washcloth.