Interstate Wedding, possible dilema.. not sure i can do it!

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

Got an invite in the mail today to a wedding in QLD in March 2010, the groom is one of my oldest friends and although we don't see each other all the time we are ALWAYS there for each other and keep in touch when we can.

Our parents are best friends and both him and our other friend were born within 2mths of each other and have been BEST FRIENDS from the time we were born.

My Dilema is i am due to have bub #2 in Jan and i doubt we could afford to take our family of 4 to QLD for a weekend away, also i don't think the girls are invited to the wedding which is fair enough.

DP told me i should go up by myself as my dad will no doubt be going, he will have the girls for the weekend.
My issue is DD2 will only be 3-4mths old and still hopefully being breastfed, i would have to store quite a bit of milk for him to handle her feeds over a couple of days and i;m not sure how i could handle being away from her?

I REALLY REALLY want to go to this wedding... would i be a horrible mum leaving my girls at home while i go interstate? especially when DD2 will be so little?

[feeb]

Girls would fly for free, so why dont you all go up and get accom near by and you go to wedding and DH stay at accom with girls that way at most would be 1 feed as you could go back to accom between ceremony and reception and feed.

Or you ask if you can take DD2 and then DH stays home with DD1.

Otherwise if me I would not be going.

[aussienic]

Girls would fly for free, so why dont you all go up and get accom near by and you go to wedding and DH stay at accom with girls that way at most would be 1 feed as you could go back to accom between ceremony and reception and feed.

Or you ask if you can take DD2 and then DH stays home with DD1.

Otherwise if me I would not be going.

yep was going to say just that

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

Ok so i spoke to my other friend who we grew up with about why we possibly can't go, in turn she spoke to my friend (the groom) and he left a message for me today saying i am more than welcome to bring the girls to the wedding etc etc.
So i spoke to DP and he said i can go with Z if i really want to BUT what about car and carseat etc, i said i can hire them, i will check with Dad and see when their flights are etc and possibly go with them and split the cost of a car?

Ok so now my drama's are:

* DP's boss (the guy he contracts to) is getting slack with pays, we are behind by about 4wks and considering we just bought a house, DP a new car and we have 2 kids how the hell am i going to afford flights.
Have asked mum to give me cash for my b'day this mth to put towards it, might say the same to dad and maybe the IL's.

* The wedding is in Hervey bay and only 2 airlines pretty much fly in and the tickets are over $200 each way then i would have to pay for car, carseat, accomodation and food.

I so so so want to go and i wouldn't want to miss it for the workd but it's so much to ask for this much cash when i KNOW we really don't have it.. but on the other hand it's a life long friend and i would be so upset if i miss it.

Oh ladies help me see sense.

[mummato1]

I would go, and take bub. You need to think how important the wedding is to you, and if you will have any regrets if you dont go... but the sounds of it, you would.

I hired a car seat and stroller in Qld when I went up in November (bubs was 4 months at the time) and they were in great condition, looked like new. If you (or DP) are worried about the installation just take it along to a professional for the extra piece of mind.

You can also take a car seat with you as extra baggage, I know with some airlines you dont have to pay extra for babys stuff, i.e pram, car seat etc. I didnt take mine as I went to airport by myself and didnt have the hands to carry everything!!

When I went to Qld last year, we couldn't afford for DP to come. I asked my mum for help as my xmas present. Luckily I didnt have to hire a car or pay for accommodation, is there anyone you could stay with??

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

I WOULD have regrets if i didn't go but looked at flights last night and there and back would cost me $500+ so i guess i just have to see how much would cost me for car/accom etc and weigh it up from there

I can't wait for them to meet Z, i only wish i could take both the girls but 1 will have to do.
My birthday is in 2wks so HOPEFULLY i have some generous family members

I don't know anyone up there but my dad & stepmum are also flying up, so will check where they are staying and see what they say, i might be able to share a room with them or something, or if they are staying with someone i am happy to sleep on the couch... lol

Do the car places fit the carseat or do i have to do it?

[~Gee_Whizzy~]

Could you possibly take just DD2? - being so little im sure your friend wouldn't mind you bringing her?? (maybe ask him if thats ok!) - it's not like she is going to take up a place or meal at the reception

[briggsy's girl]

in all honesty, i'd take DD2 with you - it's less stressful on everyone. if you're BF, you'll have to build a supply (which is hard to do at such a young age when still getting BF sorted), you'll have to pump while you're away (and probably dump - such a waste!) and it might impact your supply. DD2 will be free to travel with to a fair degree - i'd take her along.

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

I think i need to look at accommodation and everything and then try and figure it all out.
If we all go we have to hire a car with 2 carseats etc, was thinking of taking DD2 but not everyone likes having a little bubba at their wedding... will ask them and see what they say.

Also if we all went DP is not the kind of person that could sit in a hotel room all night while i'm out.. he would get bored... hehe atleast at home he has his playstation etc

Hmmm flights and accommodation, look out websites here i come, anyone know of decent places to look up deals?

[Rivlas]

Go to the webjet site. It is really good way to compare prices.
I would be very careful with the carrier as I know 2 that don't come with great recommendations especially where kids are concerned. We have found Q. & V. good for flying to Qld
I don't think they will mind you having a small baby with you especially if they really want you there.

[smiles4u]

.... i've often got great accommodation deals on the ** Wotif ** website

Your DP sounds like mine in regards to the playstation, he would be lost without it (and at 33yrs of age), LOL

[Erin_25]

I've just recently been to a wedding that was no kids...but there were 2 small babies there. I really think small babies are different to kids/toddlers IYKWIM. If you are that close I would think they would understand. Having said that I'm due 01/01/2010 & have a wedding interstate 2 wks later & they said & I quote "we are a little dissapointed you can't come" hmmmmm!!!!!

Bubs would fly for free & your DP could have a daddy & his little girl weekend. Otherwise look up the Big 4 caravan park details if there is one near to where the wedding is. They have great accomodation & stuff for everyone to do...keeping your DP & eldest amused. I'll get back to you on car hire, my DH found a great place our last trip to interstate (2wks ago)...cheaper than everyone else. And if you can decided book flights now, the sooner the cheaper they usually are. Most weddings are not til the arvo anyway, so your DP wouldn't be doing too much on his own anywho.

We just recently flew interstate for a wedding & got my parents to watch DS....think they had him a total of 2hrs before he went to be for the night. We took him to the ceremony, they were cool with that.....so you could all go to that as a family. Then we went back to where we stayed & hung there as we didn't see the need to hang at the pub & then off to reception. Leaving DS behind to basically be bathed, fed & put to bed.