Hello,
My family and I are going to my in-laws for Thanksgiving. The last time we were there it was kind of uncomfortable as far as sleeping. We were going to get a hotel this time around, but decided not to due to finanical reasons. So here is my specific problem:
They have a very cramped split level town home that has 3 bedrooms. His parents sleep in one room of course, his 26 year old sister and her 6 month old sleep in another room. The 3rd room is in the basement and it's kind of the catchall for their stuff. The stuff, is pushed to the side but I feel claustrophobic in there. Anyway, there is no bed in there. When were were there previously we used a blow up mattress that his mom had for myself and my 4 yr old and a floor cradle for our other daughter who was 4 months at the time. The stupid mattress that I slept on had a hole in it. So by the time morning came it was almost deflated. Hubby slept on the couch. Oh in the middle of the night his dad would come downstairs and cook chicken - that one threw both of us. He would then turn on the TV. So my husband didn't get much sleep.
Any suggestions for making this trip more comfortable? Sleeping in the floor is so uncomfortable but we may just have to do it.
Well we ended up staying with my in-laws. My 4 year old and I slept on a blow up mattress in the basement. My 11 months old slept next to us on the floor on a bunch of fluffy blankets. Looked pretty cozy actually. I still don't like to sleep in the same space as she does cause I have this thing about not wanting to accidently roll on her while we're sleeping. I've heard some scary stories. Anyway, my husband slept on the couch in the living room. His dad didn't come downstairs and cook in the middle of the night like last time. It was a nice visit, just a little cramped. Next time we are definately getting a hotel.
Marie,
You may want to invest in a new inflatable mattress. Other than that, you may just have to live through it.
Good luck,
S.
When I was at home (I'm the oldest of 7 kids) we often went to my Grandparents for holidays and visits. They had a small 2 bedroom house. In the spare room was a double bed, a 3/4 quarters (between single and double size) and a baby bed. Us older kids slept at various times slept on an army cot, sofa, but I really do think the favorite was two living roon chairs pushed together end to end. At my small house if too many people are there they sleep in recliners (actually a few friends use this and are usually quite comfortable), sofa and air mattress. I also carry my own air mattress for the house that do not have enough room because I know it will hold air.
Where there is a will there is a way.
If you skipped the air mattress and just used pads on the floor (futons, quilts, camping pads, etc.) would there be room in the basement for all four of you? That way Hubby could get more sleep and you would have his companionship. I remember situations like this--it can be so, so hard to be mellow and gracious, even though your hosts are doing the best they can. Remind yourself that this is only for a few days, and help your daughters to have fun and to appreciate their big family. And the week after, when you are home again, could you take a day off from work? Spa day for mom, or read a novel, or whatever nurtures your soul. If not a whole day, an hour or two--something special for YOU. As for your H1N1 concern in the other letter--if you focus on what you WANT (healthy, happy children, fun with family, etc.) everyone's immune system will be stronger. Worrying is not useful. Blessings to you and your family and your holidays!
Surely you can find some hotel/motel that is cheap. Go on hotels.com. Otherwise, I know this sounds terrible but I have a friend that does this all the time...when she travels and needs something just for her trip..She purchases it and then returns it after. So can you buy a blow up queen size mattress at like a walmart/target and then take it back when you get home or have them return it? Hey..you dont have many options here so what do you think:?
Yes - try hotwire.com for a hotel! I have had some incredible deals on that. But if you can't, at least have your husband ask his dad not to come downstairs in the middle of the night - duh - and have him tell your mom that the mattress is broken. I'm sure they will try to make things more comfortable.
I have to agree with Katie. Bring your own air mattress they have very nice affordable ones at Walmart. Get one big enough for you and your husband. Make the girls a comfortable bed right beside you on the floor, and inexpensive "egg crate" type pad works well, otherwise a comforter folded up works too.
Maybe bring your own blow up mattresses or padding that you and hubby can share along with a sleeping bag for your older daughter and then a pack n play for your baby. Not sure that would all fit into the same room.
Maybe ask if you could create more space in the room by moving some of the stuff just for the time you are there, and make sure to say that you/hubby will move the items when you get there and move them back before you leave. It would be better coming from your husband since they are his parents unless you truly know it will not create conflict if you asked.
Other then that I am not sure how to approach it, since they are opening up their home it would not be polite to address it any further. If it does not work out politely say thank you for letting us stay with you but we have decided to stay at hotel. If financially you can not do it you will just have to make do with what you got.
I'd stay in a cheap motel. The sleeping arrangements sound so poor that if it were me, I'd just be angry, resentful, and exhausted. Not worth it.
Please let us know how you solve your problem!
I really do not see a solution for you but getting a HOTEL! They do not respect your privacy or sleep and do not clean up for you at all. Can you stay at a Super 8 for your own SANITY? Please do this for me. We visit Indiana every year for our family reunion and have to stay in a mobile home with ALL of the relatives 8-10 hours a day so every night I MAKE SURE we have a hotel to go to...nice and quiet and alone. Please do it for your own sanity.
Is the room with the sister and baby bigger than the basement? If so, see if you can switch placements. Also, is there another room with a door that is an option? We just went to my inlaws for a big family event and while their house is huge with 5 bedrooms, we needed 8. So, one couple slept on an air mattress in the office.
I agree with the others about bringing your own air mattress. Go to Walmart or Target or Costco to get a good one. Also, kids sleeping bags are less than $20 at Target. Get one for your older daughter.
Good luck!
Hello,
I know how you feel. I have been in the same discomfort at holiday time. Does the sister live with the in-laws? maybe since there is more in your family all of you might be more comfortable in the bedroom your sister-inlaw used last year and the two of them could use the basement room. If you are the married couple it is only fair you stay in the same room. If this doesnt work I guess I would take your own air matress as a back up.
I always got the short end of the stick myself, I was the one not married and always got the room the dog would stay in. It had a bed but, always smelled like wet dog. So, I got married and I have more space at my house so I make the family come to us. Who gets the dog room now??? The sister-in-law!! Best of luck, B.
Hey Marie!
I agree with pretty much everyone else on 2 points (1) you deserve the bigger/better room, especially since there are 4 of you and (2) if you can't get that, you'd better bring your own air mattress. If you can't afford to buy one, check with some friends to see if they have one you could borrow for you and/or your oldest.
I'm not sure where in the country you are going but if it's warm enough I definitely consider borrowing an RV from a friend (I know it sounds very Christmas Vacation) but it would provide your own space away from everyone else (including father in laws cooking chicken!). Our neighbor sells them and I know he and his wife use them alot when they go to visit relatives.
One other thought, if this is your husband's home-town (not sure if it is) does he have a friend or another relative that lives close by you could stay with? There may even be someone who will be gone for the holidays who would like to have someone stay in their home while they are away.
Best of luck and happy holidays!
K.
if its not too cold, you could take a tent, make it into an adventure.
if the basement is big enough you could set up a tent inside it to get your privacy, i have set up tents in my living room b4 for my kids to sleep in, though it does get a bit hot. take your own air mattress, they are not that expensive.
I'd go out and buy a queen air mattress you and hubby(get one that is raised and bring extra blankets or mattress pad to lay on top of the air mattress because cement is cold and the cold will transfer to you during the night---I know!). Buy or borrow a Ready Bed for your daughter--they are a kid size air mattress with a sleeping bag (google Ready Bed or EZ Bed) and use a pack-in-play for the little one.
We have slept in my parents basement for the past 30 years when we visit and have all of our "supplies" stored down there. This way we don't have to haul it everytime. By the way this is our choice, since they have a 4 bedroom house.
Is it possible for your parents to take your oldest child and have her sleep on the floor in their room. My kids loved doing that. They didn't get to see their grandparents more than twice a year so it was a special treat for them and my parents too.
Good luck,
Renee
Well, you can get decent queen or king blow up mattresses - buy yourselves one and take it with you - they make raised ones (like two mattresses stacked/attached to each other), and ones that are the thinckness of a regular one with a frame under them - which takes alot less time to blow up - you and hubby can sleep there. You could also get a cot or air mattress for your 4 year old and a pack n play for your little one.
Unfortunately getting all these things may cost you just as much as a hotel would - however they can be used year after year and for other trips/camping/sleepovers for your kids. You could look for them used at Goodwill, Salvation Army, eBay.com, Craigslist.com, or even Freecycle.org. Or ask around to your friends and see if any of them have these items and would let you borrow them.
As for the FIL coming down and cooking and turning on the TV- it is your hubby's dad - couldn't he just ask him not to?
Or you could just reconsider and get a hotel - book online and see if you can get a good discount! Ask them to provide a crib/play pen for the baby (most hotels have these, so you don't have to bring your own), and a roll away for the big girl, or get two beds so she can have onand you and Hubby the other?
Here are some bed ideas:
We have one like this that worked great for my 2 year old, when she was only 22 months, and will for a couple more years: http://www.amazon.com/Dora-the-Explorer-Ready-Bed/dp/B000...
Other Ideas for kids: http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...
http://www.lakeside.com/details.asp?I=BLR&Ntt=bed&...
Baby: http://www.kidco.com/main.taf?p=4,5
http://www.liteportablebed.com/
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...
Mom and Dad:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3866336
http://search.smartbargains.com/?D=aerobed&Ntt=aerobe...
Good Luck
Jessie
you could also check craigslist for matresses etc if money is tight.
Perhaps you can bring your own air mattress? You can get one of the larger sized ones that are also "pillow top" (so they don't sit an inch off the floor). That way, at least you know you will be comfortable.
