[1katie2paco]

Hello all,

I this everyone is doing well. I haven't been in the forum for a while because I have been so busy and haven't have the time to sit and relax long enough to write or read!

I have been very blessed to say that I am traveling next Wed (2nd) return on Sat. (5th) for the pick up trip. At this point I have a reservation at the Marriott for a bi-level suite. Never heard of such a thing, but it was all they had left. However, I found out it is a smoking room and there are no other rooms! I was told "not to worry" about the smoking part. They said that mostly adoptive parents stay in the room so probably there won't be a smokey smell to the room. I have allergies and I am concerned! Any advice or thoughts from people?

Also, is it safe to take a taxi to the market place? Any other safe places to visit?

And, what do people do about sleeping for the baby? I have asked for a crib? Any thoughts on this or how to handle it when the baby comes home?

I will fly into Miami (1:30 p.m.) - drive for 2.5 hours to rest and then it is another 3.5 hours to get home. Should I plan to stay the night or just tough it out and get home?

Anyone traveling to GC at the same time??

My thoughts and prayers to all who are in the waiting phase. May all our babies get home soon!

Thanks again for everyone's support and care through this process!!!

Lisa

[desilu1991]

Hi,

Congratulations on your upcoming pickup trip. We stayed in a bi-level suite in the Marriott. Be sure to ask, maybe even call, and see beforehand if they might have a non-smoking suite available. Occasionally there are cancellations and you might get lucky. The suite has spiral wooden stairs up to the bedroom and 2nd bathroom. It's a nice place to stay... the only thing I would warn you about is carrying the baby up and down the stairs.. it's kind of scary, especially when he's wiggling or crying hysterically. If I stayed there again, I would keep all of his things downstairs and even his crib, if I had to sleep on the foldout sofa, just so I wouldn't have to worry about dropping him on those stairs. We plan to just stay in a regular room on the pickup trip. If you take a taxi, be sure you have the Marriott call one for you and pay him to wait for you.... the crib provided comes with sheets, and they make it all up for you when they deliver it. Be sure to bring blankets, tho.

If it were me, I would probably just tough it out.. it all depends on your baby, tho. If he/she is overtired, I wouldn't try it. Maybe play it by ear and see how it goes. With our baby, I know that I would be anxious to get home and he's such an easygoing baby, I know that we'll be driving 3 hours from the airport, and getting home asap!

Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

Judy

[1katie2paco]

Hi Judy,

Thanks for your words of wisdom. I do appreciate the thoughts and ideas of people who have been through this! You have a three hour drive from the airport too! ? It's long, I know. Good luck to you. Thanks for writing.

[wdytat]

the marriott shuttle will take u to the market for free & come back for u

[waitingpatiently]

Just returned from guatemala; stayed at the real intercontinental hotel on the 15th floor non- smoking room, free breakfast on that floor, free internet, free laundry(159 per nite) wanted to stay at the marriott but also allergic to smoke! It was a wonderful hotel but ask for the 15th floor- they also have cocktail hour with food from 6-8pm! pool on the 5th floor with volcano views! can walk to drugstore 1/2 block, was pleasantly surprised at the service and amenities!

[guatling1]

Hi, I too have allergies and am allergic to smoke. I don't think I would be comfortable staying in a smoking room at the Marriott. I haven't stayed in a bi-level suite, but I agree with Judy's thoughts on it; it has to be a little scary going up a spiral staircase to the bedroom while holding a baby.

As far as a crib, it depends on your baby. My bambino cried immediately when I put him in the crib, so I ended up putting him in the king size bed with me (put him between a bolster pillow in the middle of the bed, and a regular pillow on the edge of the bed to prevent him from scooting off -- although he can't roll over yet or scoot). He loved it and slept very well. I returned the crib after the first night at the Marriott and they didn't even charge me for one night's use.

As far as your drive from the Miami airport upon return, I think it all depends on how tired you are --whether you plan to stay the night somewhere or tough it out and drive home the same day you return to the States.

Have a great pick-up trip!