This tent/travel crib has a little story behind it. As we've been figuring out what we will need to bring with us, we learned there would be no crib or pack in play where we'll be. For our own peace of mind and stress reduction we really wanted to have something crib like for him to sleep in while we're there. At first we just planned to lug our 30 pound pack n play with us to get the job done. Then the more I thought about it the harder that was looking in my mind considering everything else we'll be bringing, so one morning early I did a search online for "lightweight travel crib." By the way, not much comes up.
However, this Graco Pack n Play "Sport" came up but was very scarce not to mention expensive. As I kept reading I found out they are no longer sold in the US (only in Europen and Canada). It did get rave reviews and many people were looking for one. I saw one on ebay and none on amazon. I think the one on ebay was in Europe. Did I mention it folds up really quickly and only ways 12 lbs.! It has it's own little carrying bag with a strap.
Obviously, you see we're now proud owners of one. So where did we find it? and how much was it? After finding this rare gem online, and searching as many places as I could to no avail. I said to myself, "What are the odds I'll find one posted on C's list in my area?? Pretty small I'm sure." I was willing to give it a chance though, and low and behold not only was there ONE listed, it was about five minutes from our house for a fraction of the price I was seeing anywhere else. The woman had listed it just two days prior. I had the thing in my hands about two hours after I began searching. We were amazed. This was about six weeks ago, so we've been having Samuel sleep in it as his main crib to get used to it. We thought it would be great for there to be as much "familiar" for him as possible when we get to Africa. He loves this and sleeps like a champ in it. He calls it "payhouse" since it has a tent cover on top.
This little story has been really encouraging to us as we've been preparing to go. It's just another way we've seen God in all the details. It makes me more certain that He cares even about the tiniest details in our lives. I'm sure he's not worried about where Samuel will sleep, but cares enough about me to say, "Look, I'm going to take care of you" when I needed a little affirmation. Gives me the faith to keep moving forward. Four more days!
