By Emily Umbdenstock
Going on a trip. Need 4 outfits. I’ve packed 35 just to be safe. -Unknown
Truth, New Canaanites…at least for this newbie. With spring break fast approaching, I so wish that someone, anyone, could explain to me why I pack for vacation like I’m a completely different person…I mean, who, exactly, is this bikini for?!? In what scenario would I ever wear this fedora?!? Where am I going that I might change my outfit 4 times in one day?!? Neighbors, your guess is as good as mine…it’s truly ridiculous, and I am well aware! I don’t need a suitcase; I need a magical bottomless bag like Mary Poppins…
As you are opening your weekly editions of the Sentinel this Friday morning, God willing, I will be boarding a plane to the Virgin Islands. That is, if I can get myself and my entire family packed for our 8AM flight departure. But right now, as I sit here suffering from a major case of “procrastipacking”; a term I like to use to refer to the act of thinking about packing instead of actually doing it, it’s really not a guarantee. Whoever said, he who would travel happily must travel light, clearly never met me and most definitely wasn’t a parent.
So, we’ve established that I’m clearly a disaster when it comes to packing myself…but put me in charge of the suitcases of three little people, and my anxiety levels only further skyrocket. Essentially, having children means it takes longer to pack for your trip than the actual vacation itself. I do think that motherhood and overpacking go hand and hand. In fact, I really wouldn’t call it overpacking at all. We simply come equipped because everyone else in the family is always underprepared. I once made the mistake of allowing my ten- year- old to pack himself for Florida, and, I kid you not, the child forgot BATHING SUITS…and somehow this became my fault when we all got ready to take our first dip in the ocean. Well, as the saying goes, “fool me once…”, at this rate, neighbors, I’m clearly going to be packing these kiddos until marriage. And even with me at the helm, the list of forgotten items of Umbdenstock vacations passed is quite extensive. You name it, chances are that I have left it behind. Truth be told, I can’t remember a family vacation in which we didn’t have to make a least one visit to the local Target.
My heart goes out to the parents of infants and toddlers out there…I mean, the years of traveling with diapers, formula, sippy cups, strollers and pack n’ plays was honestly so traumatic that I’ve somehow managed to fully block it from my memory (well, almost). That being said, one must never underestimate the amount of baggage that accompanies older children as well. Fact: no matter where you might be going, you need to prepare for every weather situation imaginable. But, alas, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays me from remaining at home. Nope, it just means I need bigger duffels…and more of them.
You also mustn’t forget the “just in case” stuff…I’m talking about all of the items you might need but probably (hopefully) won’t. Motrin in case someone spikes a fever, band aids in case of an injury, and extra books, toys and stuffies on the off chance that your child might desperately discover he or she cannot live without while you’re away. And let us not overlook the food provisions required in case their favorite snacks are not readily available at your destination. I’d also be remiss if I failed to mention the “backpacks of fun” each child needs so as not to drive you and others absolutely crazy on the journey itself. iPads, chargers, and craft supplies are not optional but rather essential. I mean, if you know, you know…enough said.
Now, New Canaanites, I realize that many of you are in the same boat as me. However, I’m also sure that this community is filled with packing ninjas, and, friends, I need you to send me some tips…STAT! I’m open to your advice, and I’ll take any suggestions I can get…and, right or wrong, I’m not above entertaining the idea of paying someone to get my family ready for me (I’m joking…kind of…). After all, we may not have it all together, but together we certainly have it all! Bon Voyage!
Emily Umbdenstock received her BA in from Georgetown and her MA in Health and Behavior Studies from Columbia University Teachers College. When she isn’t “momming” her three children, she works as a freelance copy editor and an essay editor for college applications. A New Jersey native, Emily relocated to New Canaan in June.
