Well shit.

[brooklyn]

My aunt was diagnosed with uterine cancer last year, underwent chemo and a hysterectomy, and seemed to be beating it.

Just got an email from my grandmother that she is not doing as well as we all thought, and that it looks like this might be my aunt's last Christmas.  I'm so heartbroken, and so glad that we are going to see her for Christmas.

My aunts and uncles want to do one last big fun family trip with her in January, it's looking like a western Mediterranean cruise.  Would it be nuts to take my 20 month old on this?  If he can't go, I can't go, since we'd have no one here to watch him during the day.  And do we need passports? J doesn't have one yet, and mine is still in my maiden name, but I'd certainly get passports expedited so we could go.

I feel so sick.

[CloudBee]

I'm really sorry.

If you can financially swing it, GO!

You can book the trip in your maiden name and use your existing passport as identification. (Assuming it doesn't expire for at least 6 months from the date of the trip.)

We expedited DS's passport, and it came within about 2 weeks, I believe. Make an appointment at your local passport office or facilitating post office STAT, if you decide to book. You need both parents present. Our appointment was around the corner from DH's office, and he swing out of work to meet us.

(((hug)))

I would go on the trip. We currently have a hold on a Disney Cruise through the Med for this summer. On the fence. We may do Iceland instead, but though we may cancel, it's obviously been a strong consideration.

[oswin]

I'm so sorry. *hugs*

And yes, you'd probably need passports.

[timorousbeastie]

That sucks. I'm sorry.

I'd definitely take him on the cruise. Especially since there will be so much family on the trip, so more people to help watch him and give you a break.

Yes, you would need passports. But I believe you can still use your passport in you maiden name, just make sure all tickets purchased matched that name.

[chickens987]

Go. You need passports and it won't be "fun" in the sense of being relaxing, but you will not regret going.

And you don't need to change yours as long as you book the trip in your maiden name.

[havarti]

I'm so sorry about your aunt. I hope you are able to make some wonderful memories with her in the time she has left. I've never cruised with a toddler, but it seems like plenty on here do. I think it would be worthwhile in this situation to try and make it work. Would your other relatives on the trip be helpful in watching after him?

[stacyb1983]

I am so sorry about your aunt.

If you can afford to do the cruise, I would go. I always see lots of babies and toddlers on cruises.

[bbonanza]

I am so very sorry about your Aunt.

As other pp's have said, definitely try and go if you can.

[greycat]

I've got no advice but I wanted to offer hugs.

[brooklyn]

Luckily, finances aren't a concern since a well off uncle has volunteered to pay for everyone, plus this is something I would totally be willing to put on a credit card if need be. I think my family would be helpful with Jack, and I do think he would help lighten the mood and give people some joy. There are a bunch of other kids his age in the family, and I'm hoping they'll come.

My aunt is only 15 years older than me. I can't believe this is happening.

[Deleted]

Go for it--get your baby's passport started ASAP:)

[brooklyn]

CloudBee thanks for the heads up that both parents need to be there. H works near wall street so we should be able to get it done down there fairly easily.

[ilikedonuts]

I am so sorry

And I would totally take him. You would have lots of help and I think it would be nice to go with all that family.

[ssmjlm]

I'm so sorry.

I would go if you could.

[gogadgetgo]

Hugs. I would absolutely go. I'm so sorry about your aunt.

[sjh722]

I'm so sorry about your aunt.

I would absolutely go if you can afford to. I'd start passports now, you might need to make an appointment at the passport office.

[Deleted]

I'm so sorry about your aunt.

I'd definitely take your son on the cruise.

[Deleted]

I'm so sorry.

I don't think you'd ever regret going on the trip. And, yes, you will need passports!

(You can use yours in your maiden name if you book the travel in your maiden name; everything just needs to match.)

[winecheery]

I am so very sorry for your situation.

And as pp have said, GO. You will not regret it. Def expedite your passports!

[DarcyLongfellow]

I'm so, so sorry.

Yes -- I would absolutely go. No question. It will be hard to have a 20 month old on a cruise, but it will be worth it to have some time with your aunt.

[oceanstbride]

I'm sorry to hear about your aunt.

I would definitely go on the cruise. Ditto PP in that it won't be a relaxing vacation, but you won't regret going and spending time with family. We took DS on a cruise when he was 10 months old and it was really tough. Looking back, I think it would've been much better if he were at least walking. He's 18 months now and while it would be some extra work, I would totally go in your situation especially since you'll have some (hopefully) helpful extra hands around.

For the passport for your DS, I'm fairly certain that you can have the application notarized for your H giving permission for you to get the passport. I definitely went with DS alone to the post office and remember having to get something notarized for H's part.

[mellymel]

I'm so sorry about your aunt. Definitely go on the cruise

[lilac05]

I wouldn't hesitate for a moment. There is no amount of hassle or rest-free vacation fears that could keep me from such a memorable experience. Go and enjoy the time with your family. I'm so sorry about your aunt.

[origami]

Some cruise lines have kids programs and will watch your kid while you go on excursions or eat dinner. So that's something to look into. Traveling with a 2 yr old isn't ideal but i think it's always worth it to go and make the best of it. If you can carry your DS in an ergo or other carrier then bring that because the places you're going may not be stroller friendly.

[curbsideprophet]

I'm sorry. I would try and go on the trip if you can make it work.

[awkwardpenguin]

I'm so sorry about your aunt. I think it's great you'll try to go - it sounds like it will be some good family time.

[noodleskooze]

If you're able to go and you want to, then do it. I'm sorry you are facing this.

[brooklyn]

Thanks everyone. Just found out she's in the hospital with swollen lymph nodes on her urinary tract, and she needs to have her kidneys drained. She's no longer able to travel for Christmas and January travel is up in the air. My mom and I are planning a long weekend in January to go see her at the very least, since she's in VA and easy to get to from nyc.

[brooklyn]

(I have another aunt in the area that we will stay with)

[cilantro]

Very sorry to read all of this.