Ch-ch-changes

Annabelle's first year on the road just took a new turn. This week, my dear husband Colin started a new job with the TRCA. It's an exciting time for our family. New beginnings, that's for darn sure.

Regular readers will know that Colin has been on the road with us since we started touring with Annie in December. With his former employer, he had negotiated an on-and-off parental leave situation that had him able to join us for most of the tours up until Annie's first birthday. 

The new job, though, came out of nowhere; an opportunity he (and our little family) could not pass up! But with the new job, we lost most of the parental leave. So, here we are in March, figuring it out. I know everything will work out in the end, but I'll be honest, it makes this touring with baby situation a little more stressful - particularly because we had a good thing going.

At a rest stop in middle America.

Traveling with Colin is easy. First, there are all the obvious benefits of touring with your love; you know each other's daily rhythms (okay that sounds gross) and how they like their coffee. He knows that I like to leave nice and early so that I'm not a stressball trying to get somewhere. If I’m hungry I can ask him to go grab me some food and I can trust he’ll get something I like it (for the most part). Or he notices that I'm pissy and hands me a sandwich. It has been wonderful for Annabelle to have significant one-on-one time with her Dad, and my evenings were less stressful knowing that he could very easily put Annie down for the night. In retrospect it all seems rather perfect.

Colin takes care of all our stuff (A included!)

We are now trying to take each tour at a time, deciding on our support system depending on the type, length and location of that tour. First up: Ohio for 5 days (www.goodlovelies.com for dates).  Because this is a driving tour, we had to ask someone who was in for the haul. There are a few long drives on this one, to and from the first and last shows in particular.

So I am taking my Mom, because she is a great driver, and she is willing (this is a very important factor in deciding on who to bring!). And most importantly, she is amazing with Annabelle. In fact, Mama Joy accompanied us on the first weekend tour at the end of November. It was lovely (check out that blog here).

I got a little taste of non-Colin touring on the last leg of shows we did in Illinois. He left a couple days before our return for an important family birthday. We decided sometime ago to find a sitter for the night of the show that he would miss, rather than bear the cost of flying someone else out for the tour. I was a little nervous about a stranger looking after the baby, so I worked with the fine folks at the venue to help me find someone suitable.

And they did. They found me Britney. Lovely, wonderful, calm Britney! Britney is a sophomore at the University of Illinois Springfield, and works part time at the campus daycare (YES! A DAYCARE WORKER!!). Let's just say I lucked out. She was great and Annabelle took it all in stride.

Britney met me backstage. I handed Annie over for our 45 minutes onstage. Britney then left after soundcheck, and came back 15 minutes prior to the show, so that I could finish off any last minute preparations (Aside: I am astonished how quickly I can now get ready for a show.). It was nice for me to have “alone” time with the baby backstage. During the pre-show time, we even snuck in a little walk around the campus in the dark, something her Dad would do.

Annabelle managed fairly well through the show and during set break when I came for a wee visit. However, by the time we'd finished the show and were through with the CD signing, she'd just had enough. She wanted her Mommy and some food. Luckily, I could help her out with that.

Here are a few major challenges with the on-site sitter:

First, and most importantly, there's no consistency for Annabelle. This one-off show was fine, but as we move into our April tour, and there's a possibility that we may need (different) sitters for a string of dates, that regular “face” is gone. Crossing bridge when we get there.

Second, my baby doesn't get into bed until well after the show, usually between 11-12pm. Now for consistency, that means trying to keep her on that schedule at home, and to be honest I really enjoy a good 10 pm sleeptime when my own bed beckons. With Colin on the road we had a great system for shows; he would bring her back to the hotel after the set break (and a quick "top up") to put her down for the night, usually around 10 pm.

Third, I may end up doing a couple of drives by myself. In the case of last weekend, it was one 1.5 and a 3 hour drive. These went fairly smoothly - the first one I was able to do with one rest stop for a diaper change, timing our departure with the start of a nap. The second was an early morning drive that she slept through, with one 45-minute stop for baby and mom refuel (milk and coffee).

Also, if Kerri and Sue aren't in a nearby hotel room, it is a bit ridiculous getting my stuff in and out of the room and into the car. The bellboy certainly has a new place in my heart.

One benefit I found was the “alone” time. I am learning some new things about myself, especially with baby in tow. Privacy is very important to me. When there is a caregiver other than Colin on the road with me, that is something I will have to sacrifice. 

With an on-site babysitter, at the end of the night I have the hotel room to "myself". It's quiet. I can put Annabelle to bed, and write a blog or read a book or just go to sleep. Also, I can whip out my boob to feed the baby without worrying about the other person in the room (also not worried about this when it comes to my Mom!). Midnight cries don’t wake anyone else (except maybe the hotel neighbour), and I can get up early without disturbing someone.

I (we) are all trying to keep positive about the change. In essence, we've lost 6 months and have fast-forwarded to September, and now we have to decide how to move forward with childcare on the road. It was a decision I was hoping I wouldn’t have to deal with for a few more months, but c’est la vie, non?

In the end, the juggling of money, time, personal comfort are all in an effort to make this as easy on little Love as possible. Here’s hoping.

This really sums it up. Colin and Annie look on at the Ignition Garage,  Goshen IN
Photo by Woodstar Photography

Til next time,

Caroline

Alaska Part III - Staying Warm and Staying Calm

It’s not like Toronto is a warm place; we are used to a good dose of cold. But when I think of Alaska, I conjure cold mountain ranges, sled dogs and ice fishing, and serious Alone in the Wilderness business (a great documentary about solitary life in the wilds of Alaska) . I wanted to prepare all of us for that cold, and not feel stuck inside while we were in -30 degree Celsius weather.

As I mentioned in my “Packing for Alaska” post, Annie’s snowsuit really stood the test. Combined with a toque and warm sleeper, as well as a blanket to cover her face while she was strapped against us, we were secure in knowing she was warm. Maybe a little too warm. I often call her a little “heat bag”. Who needs a water bottle when you have a baby?

Annie tests out her snowsuit in a snowbank in Fairbanks!
Photo Credit: Kerri Ough

We were able to go for some nice hikes (even in Fairbanks!), and feel comfortable about it. We didn’t get many strange looks; there were lots of kids out in the cold. I even saw some teenagers outside in t-shirts at the local high school. It was -25 degrees that day. I guess teenagers are the same everywhere. I sure didn’t want to wear my coat in grade 10. So uncool!

Sidebar: A warm outfit has allowed Colin to create his own ritual with Annie – the soundcheck walk. As we start setting up for the show, the two of them head out the door in search of nature trails and wildlife. In Kodiak, Colin informed me that he and Annabelle were going to try to find bears. In Florida it was Alligators. We may have a little Bindi Irwin on our hands…

Snug as a bug, but can't escape her Dad's beard.

For travel days, we kept her attire a little lighter. We would dress her in a sleeper, some booties, mittens, and toque and cover her with a warm blanket. We would then place an insulated “cover” over her car seat. It comes full with a peekaboo-hole which you can cover up when the weather is especially nasty. It’s like a snowsuit for the car seat.

The best part is that you can remove it easily once the car gets warm, or stuff it in your suitcase once you’re at the airport.

I have the Easy Cover Infant Car Seat Cover and I got it in Toronto at Hop, Skip & Jump on. St. Clair Ave. W.

As we continue to tour with the wee one, I am trying to learn to chill out about things that are beyond my control. It’s not in my nature; even without a baby, I am fussy about arrival and departure times, not being included in set up/tear down, missing out on opportunities. But things cannot be perfect, as I am learning.

Case in point: During the Alaska tour, we took a ferry from Juneau to Haines, where we had a show that night. We arrived at the Ferry dock at 5:30 am (guess how early I got up to get baby ready for that one), to pick up our tickets and get our luggage organized. When I went up to the ticket desk they informed me that they didn’t have Annabelle on file, and handed me our tickets – hers stamped “STANDBY”. (Read Kerri’s blog about the experience here).

I could have lost my shit, but we talked as a group and decided if we had to leave anyone behind it would be the husband. Sorry babe. The Lovelies and baby would go ahead, and we’d try to find an alternate way for Colin to get to Haines, or he would remain in Juneau until we returned in a few days. We would find babysitters at each venue, and I would be able to manage.

Well, as the hour ticked on, and we waited to see if there would be any spaces on the ferry, Kerri & Sue went to sweet talk the Purser into getting the baby on board. Mary, a sweet heaven-sent angel, let Annabelle join us without batting an eye. I think Colin may have been a bit disappointed – he had already checked the listings for events that night in Juneau, and there was a talk on Sea-Otters he was pretty stoked about. Again, sorry babe.

Once we got onto the ferry, we realized why Annie had been put on standby; there were about a billion pre-teens headed to Haines for a basketball tournament. I swear, you could smell the hormones and I realized that my baby would be one of these kids in a few short years. I was looking into my future, and I didn’t like it. Man were they annoying. Especially at 7 am.

As luck would have it, the same kids rode back to Juneau with us on Sunday. YAY!

Annabelle and her on-the-road family

It has been refreshing to have Colin on the road with us for many reasons. One, he helps us see the road from fresh eyes; because we have been doing this full time now for about 5 years, I sometimes forget about the magic of travelling as a band. He pointed out to me that one reason our Alaskan tour was so special was because it was more than just travelling. We really get to experience a place as a community, and get a window into what life is really like there.

The baby helps with that too; she is like a fire. People are drawn to babies! On that same ferry to Haines, we met a couple who were going to see our show in Skagway. They were enthralled with Miss Annabelle and took turns holding her as she cooed (really, she put on quite a show. Well done, Annie). When we saw them again in Skagway it was like we had known them forever. That little conversation was brokered by the baby, and ended up bringing some strangers together.

Alaska was the adventure of a lifetime, and I am so happy that my little family was able to join in on the experience. I for one, hope we get to go back, when Annabelle can remember the hikes, the bald eagles, the squealing pre-teens, the epic snowsuit, the king crab, the tiny planes, the snowy mountains, the appreciative audiences, and the wonderful shows. Thank you Alaska, that was, um, lovely.

On the road with my Love (literally), Colin.
Photo Credit: Kerri Ough

Til next time,

Caroline

Alaska Part II - Recapping the Pack

Alaska was a conundrum for packing. Add a baby and it was downright confusing...

The most significant challenge is that Alaska can be very cold and dry, but also temperate and rainy in some places. This was my first time packing for the baby for a two-week tour, and I learned some big lessons.

Where's Annie?

I find it easier to pack when I divide clothing into categories. Here’s a list of what I brought for both Annie and I:

CAROLINE	ANNABELLE	SHARED
DAILY/SLEEPWEAR: - 2 warm sweaters - Long sweater vest (very useful: I use it to cover Annie when we go out walking and as a dressy piece for workshops and daytime performances) - 3 thin long sleeve shirts - 2 sets of tank tops - 2 t-shirts - 2 pairs of jeans (lucky, because Annie pooped on a pair) - Pyjamas - 2 scarves OUTDOOR WEAR: - Parka - Merrell Winter Boots - Winter Gloves - Knitted circular scarf - Toque & leather mitts FOR SHOWS: - 3 Dresses - Dressy boots - Jewellery & Makeup Workout Clothing - Running Shoes - Running tights - 2 running shirts Music-Related - Mandolin - Electric Guitar - Cables - Pedals	DAILY/SLEEPWEAR: - 3 onesies for layering - 3 long sleeve onesies - 10 sleepers for travel days and bedtime (a variety of thickness for warm and cold weather) - Dress with leggings - 1 cardigan - 2 pairs of overalls - 2 pairs of pants - 3 pairs of socks OUTDOOR WEAR - Rainbow snow suit - Warm booties - Knock-off Baby uggs (don’t judge me, they’re warm) - 2 toques, one for mild weather, one for cold - Mittens Other: - 3 blankets for sleeping surfaces and covers - Baby towel - Facecloths - 4 receiving blankets - Diaper bag and changing materials - Car seat - Car seat cover - Toys - 4 books	- Breast pump - 2 bottles & nipples - HOOTER HIDER! (also one of the most useful things on tour!) - Bamboo Mama Carrier - Baby friendly laundry soap - Medical kit - Toiletries

Where's the luggage cart?

I learned that I didn’t need to bring as much as I did. There were some things I could have done without, or just packed less of, mostly because I was able to do laundry 3 times on tour. I brought lots of extras for insurance. Especially baby sleepers, which bear the brunt on travel days and backstage breaches.

Our footwear for the trip. 

I found that my personal pack was pretty close to perfect; I only overpacked in the long-sleeve t-shirt department and in underwear (you can really never have enough!). I didn’t end up needing slippers very often, as I packed some good heavy socks. I also needed an umbrella (wasn’t expecting that), so I ended up buying one.

In Annie’s case, I could have done without bringing “outfits”. They are fun (picture dresses and tights), but a bit of a pain when you are trying to change a baby on the floor of a ferry or on your lap on a plane (more blogs to come on that topic). I also didn’t need the onesies for layering; if anything, Alaska was much warmer than I expected.

The three most important pieces (aside from the instruments and car seat) that I brought with us:

1. Merrell Winter Boots.

This year I bought my first proper pair of winter boots. They have been perfect for this tour; warm enough for the -35 of Fairbanks, but also cool enough for the rainy days in Kodiak.

2. Annabelle’s Snowsuit

One of the most practical gifts I received at my baby shower this summer was a colourful snowsuit from Sue’s parents, intended to fit the baby for this very tour. I love it. This baby parka looks like Unicorn poop. Or rainbow barf. Regardless, it keeps Annabelle toasty warm during soundcheck walks with her Dad, even in Fairbanks where it hit -35 degrees Celsius.

3. Bamboo Mama Carrier.

I love transporting Annabelle in her carrier, and it’s very helpful for travel. It’s easier to strap her to you than carry her in her heavy carseat; especially in airports when you have quick layovers and need to run to another terminal.

Sue, Kerri, Annabelle and I on one of our many boat trips on tour. Boots, Parkas, and Carrier: check!

As I start to pack for the next tour, a weekend in Kansas, I am realizing how much lighter my load will be. We'll share a suitcase on this one, thankfully. I'm ready for it.

Til next time,
Caroline