1. My child cries/moans in his sleep! Seriously – see #6.  Is this normal?  Who knew?

2. I needed to bring a lot of gear with me!  My hunting clothes, my ‘normal clothes’, his toys, his clothes, his bedding, his food… I’m glad I have an Outback!

3. Bringing the wrong “flow” bottle top could alter how quickly he goes to sleep.  Slow flow – forces him to slow down and puts him to sleep.  Rapid flow – drinks too fast and throws up.  And is not tired.

4. I had to make sure to pack enough diapers, food and clothes.

5. Don’t forget the bathtub – routine is important! I forgot to bring this the first weekend and our bedtime routine was not the same.

6. You really can stay awake in a tree stand after 2-4 hours of sleep! It helped that it was so cold that I feared hypothermia.

7. Sometimes grandparents can get kids to do things moms can’t – like eat all of their peas.

8. There really is guilt associated with being a hunting mom!  I didn’t necessarily feel bad about leaving him (I had to deal when I started taking him to daycare) but I felt guilty having my mom watch him every time we went out.  Disclosure: Mom said she had withdrawals the first weekend after hunting was over. Still, there is guilt.

9. I can’t just think about me.  I use to be able to check in with friends if I was up in the area to go hunting.  I can’t run out for coffee if I have to put the baby down starting at 6:30.

10.  There is nothing better than following my Dad and knowing that in a couple of years, he will be teaching Owen the same stuff he has been teaching me!