NWMR: nap vs. wedding

[shakinros]

My brother is getting married tomorrow! It's a courthouse ceremony, so maybe 15 guests? (More at the reception later but still only 40ish) My parents, DH, LO and I are the only guests of my brother's at the ceremony.

The ceremony is scheduled to start at 3. We're asked to be at the courthouse by 230 to get through security. We'll need to leave the hotel around 2/215 at the latest. And a few minutes to get ready before then. That's basically her whole nap! She takes a 2hr nap every day (and needs it to not be a bear) from 130-330 or 2-4p.

DH thinks he should skip the ceremony and stay at the hotel with her during nap. I think we should take our chances at bringing her. I was planning to try to wear her out tomorrow in the morning, put her down early, and hope she can sleep for an hour before we have to go to the courthouse. It's a big deal for my brother and he only has a couple people there for him. He wants to do family photos right after the ceremony too.

If DH & DD skip the ceremony to preserve nap, they'd rejoin us at the reception at 5pm.

WWWMD?

[somebabiesmom]

I'd stick with your plan. Try to get her down for an early nap. Even if she's just in quiet time and not sleeping, it will help her to rest up. After pics, I'd let DH take her back to the hotel to sleep and then bring her to the reception whenever she wakes up.

[frozenpeas]

Yep, I'm with you. We've had to do similar things for family events before. We try to get them down early for a nap. If (when) that doesn't work, we might leave a bit early for the event and hope for a short nap in the car on the way. If we're very lucky, they won't wake up when we carry them in. Otherwise, we hope to at least get some quiet time for them during the event. Ultimately, though, we have to accept that a nap may just not happen. Luckily, my kids tend to rally when there is a lot of excitement and new people around, so they aren't as grumpy without a nap when we're somewhere like a wedding as they would be at home.

[Deleted]

Yes I would try to put her down early and then attend the ceremony. I can see missing an informal picnic for a nap, but not your brother's wedding. You kind of have to be there, so you either bring your LO or hire a babysitter.

[lynn0514]

I'm with you - try for an early nap. If you're not successful, take her to the ceremony, but then have DH take her back to the hotel right after pictures, to try and squeeze a nap in before the reception.

[shakinros]

@clarypax oh there's no situation in which I would miss the ceremony. This is about DH and DD. I think he's imagining some nightmare situation in which she whines and cries trough the ceremony and pics. Not impossible but in the case he could just take her out in the hall. At least my brother would feel like we tried!

[k3am]

We'd aim for an early nap, but if it didn't happen, we would still attend the ceremony and worry about worst case scenarios as they happen. Usually if we're in a situation like this, we opt to drive to the venue early and hope she'll sleep on the way, then drive around/hang out in the car for as long as possible.

[2chatter]

I usually don't even try to get them down for an early nap - my kids have crazy internal clocks. I do however load them in the car and turn on music and make a no talking rule....and they fall asleep. Total waste of gas, total preserver of sanity. No way would DD/DH skip the ceremony.

[mustardseed2007]

It'd be great if she was sleeping until just before you had to leave. I might even try to change her into a pretty dress or whatever when you arrive so she's comfortable in the car and can continue to sleep.

But in any event, I would totally bring her. You are his only guests, so particularly b/c of that I would make every effort to have every one of you there.

[sandandsea]

I would just bring the stroller to the wedding or wear her and let her nap during the ceremony. Or try to get her to nap earlier or later than normal. A wedding is a one time deal and I think it's important for everyone to go and support the couple during the ceremony.

[spacedew]

I would try to get LO asleep and use a stroller or baby carrier. It's a once in a lifetime event you should be there. Hope it works out and you have a great time!

[tmclawchick]

Feb 12, 2015 9:54:53 GMT -5 lynn0514 said:

I'm with you - try for an early nap. If you're not successful, take her to the ceremony, but then have DH take her back to the hotel right after pictures, to try and squeeze a nap in before the reception.

This +1.

Hope you have fun!