needing a vacation

We just got back from a week long vacation.
But I feel as though I need another vacation after my vacation.
I'm exhausted.
When you go away with a 21 month old, vacation time takes on a whole new meaning.
Don't get me wrong, it was pretty nice being in a tropical location, sitting under swaying palm trees with my own personal "beach butler".
It was also really nice to be able to throw on my flip flops, swim suit, sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses and be good to go.
No multiple layering required.
It was a nice break not to have to cook or clean for an entire week.
We also really enjoyed watching Lulu build sandcastles, swim in the ocean, play with other kids at a pretty amazing park located right on the beach, and just have lots of fun in a new environment.
But I have to admit, in many ways it was more work keeping a close eye on her than it is at home.
I was on constant sunscreen watch, paranoid that her lily white skin would fry in the super strong sun (and mine too)
or that she might fall into the pool or slip on the slippery tiles surrounding the pool (which she did) or worse, take off into the ocean.
Or get sand in her eyes (which she did), fall off the jungle gym, get heat stroke, or get bitten by all the tropical bugs (which she did).
Trying to get her to nap was quite the challenge, and most days was impossible.
To eat at a restaurant three times a day for seven days wasn't so easy either.
Lulu got to a point where she would try to drag us out of the restaurant before we even sat down at our table.
"nooo nooooo..pleeeasseee..."
we even had Lulu in bed with us every single night, so say good bye to any possible holiday romance.
Okay it sounds like I'm complaining, which I am, but it's just that I guess this trip wasn't exactly as relaxing as myself or big daddy had envisioned.
Travelling with a small child (especially to somewhat of an exotic location) isn't remotely the same as it was pre-baby.
Why did I even bother to bring a book?
Now I can see why we met so many other couples that were travelling without their kids.
Or the ones that had their had kids with them were also vacationing with the grandparents or even better, brought their nanny.
Mind you we met a couple that had a daughter the same age as Lulu and by about the fourth day were in total baby withdrawal.
I volunteered to lend them Lulu for the day to get a toddler fix, but they weren't quite thaaat home sick...
oh well it was worth a try ;)
we did have a nice time, but I'm glad to be home in my familiar surroundings, where all I have to worry about is Lulu falling down the stairs, flushing lego down the toilet, eating yellow snow or getting frost bite.
ahhh....home sweet home.